Forum Discussion

wheeliegal's avatar
wheeliegal
Member
10 years ago

Finally have a surgery date

Well after much running around and attending appointments, I finally have a surgery date.  But because I have to have an ICU bed, it is contingent on a bed being available, so nobody have a major accident in Brisbane for the week before that, knowing my luck, I will get all set, and it will have to be postponed, lol, that would be just my luck.  My surgery is scheduled for the 24th November.  3 days after my 49th birthday.  Good news is that I won't have to start radiation until after xmas so I get to have a great xmas with my kids and grandkids  before starting on that phase of my treatment. Yay!   And I won't be in hospital for my birthday or xmas or new yr, done that before, lol.

Man, the pre-admissions appointment is a long day.  We caught the train in, which is an hour long trip, so it was 9 and a half hours including the travelling.  I live over an hour away from Brisbane, so on the 24th, the day of my surgery, I have to be in there by 6am.  That means getting up at no later than 3.30am, so we can leave by 4.30am to get there on time.  I am not sure whether to go in by train in my electric wheelchair, go by car which will mean I take my manual chair, or stay in a motel in town the night before and just get a cab to the hospital.  If I take my manual chair, I won't be able to wheel myself much if I need to, but I guess I only need to get to the toilet, don't I? lol. Then I won't have to take my wheelchair charger and worry about my chair getting touched or scratched, or some nurse running into a wall as she is trying to move it, hahaha

Decisions, decisions.  There are all these extra things to think about when you already have some other health issues.  At least my surgery is first up in the morning.  Because I am diabetic, they are going to have an insulin infusion avail as well because I will have to fast before the surgery.  Well at least they are getting a challenge with me.  Most of the breast nurses haven't dealt with a patient in a chair before, or with so many other health concerns lol.   

I do have a question that hopefully some ladies on this site could help me with.  The Royal Bris Hospital gives it's breast cancer ladies a post-op bra.  My problem is that they or the Berlei website don't have one that fits my size.  See, I am a slightly bigger girl, but have a small bust.  Because I am sitting down all the time, I wear a size up that what I am normally.  I am only in size 16-18 clothes, but according to the website bra calculator, I should be either an 18B or 20B.  Bra's don't come in those sizes normally.  Apparently people assume that bigger women have big boobs, lol. So does anybody know where I might find a post-op bra that would fit? I always knew I should have had a boob job years ago, ROFL

I think that my rather warped sense of humour is what keeps me going through these little issues that pop up into my life, and I always try to see the positive in situations.   So now the countdown begins, 18 days to go, and counting.  For once, let's hope my Irish luck stays good and nothing happens to change the plans.......

5 Replies

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi I hope you have a check list to tick off, you have a lot to organise. Not sure if this helps Target sells post op bras now at least you can try on.

    Sending you a hug and keeping faith that all will go well.

  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Wheeliegal

    I have seen your posts and really feel for you with the myriad of health complications involved.

    Having worked in the disability field I agree with Mira in that the first issue is would you be able to use a manual wheelchair after surgery ?  From experience - no !  I think you need to get in touch with the social worker ahead of time to ensure your expensive electric wheelchair is treated with respect - and that there is indeed room for you to move around.

    Staying overnight somewhere closer would certainly be better for you, mentally and physically.

    Your second, and very important, issue is the post op bra.  Like you, my boobs were not as well endowed as my body and I have never quite filled the 'standard' bras.  Amoena now have a post op bra (not as cheap as the Berlei one provided free !) but they have a large range of sizes - and they do have a pretty fabric available.  Their sizes are S-2Xl and the cup sizes A/B - C/D.  Perhaps this is worth checking out ahead of time ?

    Again, being 'rural' I fully understand your problems re transport and time as that is a major issue when living out of town.  Medical care is the biggest problem for me and others living away from major cities.   To add to that is the feeling of isolation so I hope you have this covered.

    You will be in my thoughts.  Hoping things go smoothly for you.

    Big hugs

    Summer  :-)

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Not applicable
    10 years ago

    Hoping that your surgery goes well for you. Would it be worth talking to your breast care nurse about another brand for your recovery bra ? I got my new breast form last week, and the brand of the breast form and the bra was Amoena. Hope that helps, you can also get extension straps, I got one for my bra as I am quite broad across my back. Sending you a big cuddle, Trace ??????

  • Mira's avatar
    Mira
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Wheelie,

    I love your attitude, good luck with it all.  If it was me I'd stay overnight in a motel and catch a taxi in to the hospital in the morning, much less stress I think.   Will you be able to use your arms to wheel yourself after the op?  That might make a difference with your chair choice. 

    cheers

    Mira