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Final Countdown 3 days to go for Mastectomy and Diep Flap reconstruction....YIKES!!!!!!
Hello My Fellow Courageous Beautiful Friends!!!! Well a few weeks ago I wasn't traveling very well, as we know too well that emotional roller coaster! I have since had an appointment with a Psychologist I saw 3 yrs ago and it was invaluable. It helped incredibly to try and put it all into perspective. She pointed out that our logical thinking comes from the frontal lobe but unfortunately my emotional body hasnt caught up to the logic of whats happening eventhough I know it has to happen because it makes sense. The other thing she pointed out is the attachment I have to my physicality and all my bits and pieces, of course am human this is what we are...but this is not the essence of who I am..I am so much more than that and the irony is when people see me they dont see my physicality they see the depths of the person I am. Somehow separating myself a little in that way has helped with letting go. The other thing was she said I was grieving, grieving the loss of my breast, grieving the struggle the past 6 years all very valid and is important. I feel I turned a corner. I finished work yesterday and the reality hit as I drove home in tears even at my age wishing my MUM was here to wipe them away...OH DEAR LOL So honestly?? I am incredibly nervous!!! and yeah scared of the whole thing, the pain of it, recovery...the end result...but am calm and trying to do one day at a time...just get to Monday and get to surgery thats all!!!! PHEW!!!
136 Replies
- Thanks ladies lack of communication has been disgusting actually really floored me.
Kath yes am wearing support but doesn't help back spasms and vicious circle as heatpack is helping though.
Oh the things we go through lol. X - Thinking of you and hoping things improve soon xxoo
- Are you wearing a corset type garment? If not your hubby could get a back type brace thing from the chemist which will support the wound and the back...just pop over your clothes. I had to get a new one after my op as I had a back spasm and could barely stand. The brace got me mobile.
It was called a lumbaskin by orthocare. Stretchy elastic with corset type support. Super easy to take on and off.
Looks like you can even get something from Kmart. Goodluck. X
http://www.kmart.com.au/product/back-support/719308?gclid=Cj0KEQiAxeTFBRCGmIq_7rGt_r8BEiQANdPqUlCxB85eNAOMd0fuI-7W3tl0WJlvfEKB2me4SlzZFq0aAgO38P8HAQ - Communication is key isn't it Mel? So frustrating when something as simple, yet important, like this isn't part of the whole client-centred approach. it makes me angry when this is seen as only 'cosmetic'! this is an essential stage in your healing journey through BC....
- @iserbrown thanks a bunch, i do think because it was a public hospital and they deem this cosmetic what a joke! Physio did come and i can shuffle to the bathroom but cannot sleep in a bed and i asked about back pain as you cannot stand up straight so back muscles are strained. Shes like Oh thats normal nothing can do for that!!! Plastic surgeon only cared that wounds look good drain was out day 2 but ignored the rest. Still in horrific pain as just cant take anything. Really difficult all of it. Im covered in bruises from heprin shots 3 times a day and blood tests omg. Tuesday they only care about the wounds. I actually asked how am i going to get into the appt when i cant walk lol. Not impressed really with the way the whole thing was handled. So will focus on getting past it. X
- I'm not sure about the walking after a DIEP Mel.....but I totally understand the back pain issue after a mastectomy. I couldn't believe the pain between my shoulder blades and the left side of my upper back. I found placing one of my zonta pillows there helped.....oh and the back pain does subside xxx
- Hi Mel - I am a little surprised by your early departure. Not sure about the exercise part. Is the review on Tuesday with the surgeon? I would be asking for help or referral to a physio. I would've thought they would've had a physio in to see you to make sure you could handle a walk to and from the bathroom and instruction on sitting or lying before letting you go..................goodness it would seem the need for someone to use the bed is more important than the recovery part of it. If it was a hip or knee you'd be having rehab so I wonder why this surgery is considered a quick turnaround. Hope the humidity isn't giving you too much grief as well as! Deep breaths and remember we are all here willing you on.
Take care and sending you a virtual hug xx - Yeah very disappointed in the communication between doctors and nurses. Im not fit for home but they rang my partner behind my back i was furious. High bp all day thursday, stressed so said fine ill go. Not happy at all wouldn't have happened i suppose if i went private which i always have. Main thing is am home and being loved and nurtured it doesnt get better than that.
If anyone can please help me in how do i walk? Does the back muscles pain subside? I cant walk lay down or sit its pretty bad. Very hard without painkillers its ridiculous. - Sending you hugs, Mel - I hope the pain is subsiding and the tablets are working. Big plus that the surgery went perfectly.xxx
- I'm shocked you have been sent home so early. I was in till day 4 after tissue expanders due to nausea. I hope you have help at home. One step at a time. X
