Forum Discussion
What has helped you through your journey?
I thought I would start a post to see what has helped people through their journey, so that maybe something might help others.
I will start with:
- Ahh Bra Type tops - I found these great post op and still now, they are comfortable, and great.
- Calypo Icy poles (the mini ones) - I have found these great for my VERY sore tongue.
- Mini spray perfume - I got one of these for my Mum who was VERY self conscious after her chemo made going to the toilet smelly, She used it as a toilet spray when out. As was recommened on another post - (DO NOT use your favourite perfume smell, just buy a cheap one you can stand the smell of. If needed).
- Waterless Hand Sanitiser - I use this all the time when out. I try to keep my hands as clean as possible.
- Vitamin E liquid capsules - I use these on my scars, simply pierce one capsule and rub the contents on yuor scars (once they have healed of course), it works great, and is VERY low allergy.
So there is my first couple of contributions, I hope one or more helps somebody else, and I hope other will add too.
107 Replies
- PS I found the mastectomy bras so uncomfortable. I got Genie bras in 3 colours on eBay for a fraction of the cost on TV. I got 2 sets. So comfortable. Couldn't have survived a year wearing two breast prostheses without them. I even sewed one into my swimmers so I could wear the prostheses and not have to spend a fortune on mastectomy swimwear.
- Also reflexology, facials, whatever you can afford for 'me' time. Health funds give a rebate if you have 'Extras'. If you go to the Chinese places there is very little gap. Saying no! I learnt this from my cancer experience. Don't feel guilty either! Saying yes! When people offer to help in any way. Support groups, lectures, meetings, anything to meet like minded people and potential new friends or contacts. Also to learn more!
- Also reflexology, facials, whatever you can afford for 'me' time. Health funds give a rebate if you have 'Extras'. If you go to the Chinese places there is very little gap. Saying no! I learnt this from my cancer experience. Don't feel guilty either! Saying yes! When people offer to help in any way. Support groups, lectures, meetings, anything to meet like minded people and potential new friends or contacts. Also to learn more!
Hi Jayne,
What a wonderful idea and such a lovely group of friends to surround yourself with.
Wish I was in the store when your bobby starting ringing.. what a hoot!
Thanks for the smile to start my day today
Kerry
I had 6 weeks between diagnosis and surgery.....I grieved the loss of my breast and had a 'Bye Bye Booby Party". It sounds strange but it was the best thing I could have done.
I had everyone bring a plate of 'tittilating' food, lol and they had to come up with different ways of using my new fake boob.
About 12 women came and we just laughed the whole afternoon at some of the ideas. The winning idea was when the kids in the back of the car were tired they could use the prosthesis as a pillow. Another was to use the empty bra cup as a purse and getting rid of the need of a handbag....it works really well until your boob starts ringing in a shop and you have to reach into your top to retrieve the phone....few puzzled looks.
But I had the mastectomy and haven't had any phantom sensations and I am now a one-boobed unique woman.
I suck/chew on Mento's.. the mint ones and the fruit one's.... yum....
I love fruit tingles ? hadn't thought about trying them.
Jelly beans are good for the icky tastes from chemo.
Hi Vicki,
I found David Jones has soft bras that do up at the front, they are by Amoena, and are called Mastectomy bras. They are really comfortable and as I had a mastectomy they didn't rub on the scar.
Hope this helps,
Jayne
During Chemo - Donut Kings Iced coffee with oce cream not cream - soothing & tasted bearable,
Fruit Tingles - someting about the fizz in them helps with the horrible taste we get in our mouths during chemo
Yes me too. My mum in law has been making my juices and now I'm left to my own devises I've been forgetting and I'm paying the price big time. Must get a bit more motivated with my diet....
