It seems like quite a few of us have got a shock when we got our results in the last month.
I had a mastectomy of the RB 12 days ago and can fill you in on how it went and how i am now, even though i realise we are all different.
I had to be at the Hospital at 6.30am and was seen to by a nurse who took my temp. blood pressure gave me a gown, put compression socks on. I then had to see the Anaesthetist who explained what he was going to do and how long the op would probably take.
I was lucky enough to be the first for that day.
At 8.00am i was wheeled into a little room given a needle by the an and that was it. I didn't even get to see the operating room, although i do remember my oncology surgeon gave me a little way through the window.
The op went for approx 2hrs and i was in a lot of pain in recovery and they eventually found what worked which was great!
I got up to my room from recovery where my family was waiting for me about 3.00 in the afternoon.
I was lucky as i had no side effects from the anaesetic and was able to have a sandwich and cup of tea for dinner
The pain drugs were wonderful and they kept giving them as was needed.
I had 2 drains in my right side one under the arm and the other under where my boob was. They suggested that i sleep half sitting up with lots of pillows and i was quite comfortable. Some places do have recliners i believe.
The next morning a nurse helped me shower not getting any bandages wet and i felt a lot better. She asked me if i would like to look in a mirror at myself. She was an older nurse and was very compassionate, just lovely.
It wasn't until i got home that i took my time and had a good look with the bandages on. Not the prettist sight i must admit. Especially when you have one big boob. I focused on the fact that the other had those gremlins in it that were doing me harm and needed to go.
I stayed in hospital for 3 nights and i felt ready to go home then.
While i was in there my breast cancer nurse came and saw me and gave me a pillow to go under my arm which i used all the time and a bag to carry my drain bags in. These are given to you from Breast Cancer Australia at no cost.
I was given pain killers, antibiotics, something for constipation, a proabotic to take when i got home.
I slept on my back surrounded by heaps of pillows. I put my drains on the floor beside me.
Hubby would help me get up and down until i eventually found i could do it myself.
Couldn't do my long hair so had to get hubby to do it. That was interesting to say the least as he didn't know how to put a band in. But we go by till i could do it myself.
I did get some strange feelings, tingling and stinging and being sore especially under the arm. It was very tight across your chest at first but has now eased off a little. I am still numb under my arm.
At one of my appointments with the breast nurse she gave me a couple of external soft prosthesis to take home and try with a bra. They do give you a free bra as well but didn't have one in my size.
She also gave me a sheet which has exercises that you have to do in stages. I have been doing these heaps and now can stretch my arm up above my shoulder but not straight up.
Last Friday which was 8 days since my op i woke up and felt the best i had. I went shopping with my daughter for a couple of hours and i bought a bra. Before i went into hospital I had bought a couple of stretchy tops like singlets or camies. I found these were good to wear especially having a big boob and with having the drains as it made them firmer and held them in place better. Because they stretch i found i could get them on with a little help from hubby at first. The bra i bought is one of those surgical ones with hooks and eyes down the front. I have found this the most comfortable and my sister used the same type after she had her reconstructions.
It took me a while to sort out putting the prosthesis in the bra and playing around until i got it looking the best i could. I must admit this has made me feel a lot better within myself. Even my husband said it looked good and you would never know.
I got the first drain out last Friday and the other out yesterday which is the best thing as you are not having to cart them around with you. I did forget a couple of times and started to move and then realised i had them attached.
It is now 12 days since i had the mastectomy and i am still feeling tender and sore under the arm. They do say this can last a year or more after surgery if you have had lymph nodes removed. My tummy is still swollen on that side as well. No pain where the drains were at all.
Once the bandages came off and i saw for the first time exactly what it looked like, i thought hummm it is neat but It is still hard to get my head around, but i just keep thinking of those little gremlins and it had to go.
I've had a couple of cries at night time when i'm on my own.
My treatment is basically the same as Liztay82 above.
I get my portacath in next week and then start chemo.
Hope all goes well with your mastectomy and keep in touch.
Michele X
