Hospital and Questions

Hi!  Have you looked at the Reclaim your Curves website

http://www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/preparing-for-surgery-and-recovery.html

The link above will give you information to prepare for hospital

Praise to the ladies of Reclaim Your Curves

Hi WavingNotDrowning - when I was waiting to undergo similar surgery to yourself last year I had very similar concerns. The level of care & support provided by my treatment team (in the public health system) pre & post surgery however was wonderful. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your treatment team or tell them how anxious you are - they are trained to help & guide you through this stressful journey.

All the best & take care

Regards Melanie

Pic above of the pillows. I had 2 as bilateral mastectomy.

Have you got a pillow from the breast nurse...if not see if you can get one of those neck pillows. Ideal to put some pressure against biopsy and sentinal site.  Helps with support. I liked trackie/bike pants and oversized Ts...easy to lift up for inspection and I hate walkibg around hospital in PJs. I was too sleepy to read but maybe a magazine.  Otherwise just toiletries. I didn't  find the sentinal node tracking too uncomfortable. Hope all goes well. Kath. X

Hi Helen,. Yes do agree. I had the lymph node test the day before surgery and why don't care they give us pain relief. Hubby had a tooth pulled and didn't feel it because of  deadener for pain. Why don't we get the same before the actual treatment. I am so over needles. Go back to my core biopsy and maybe I  can't tolerate pain as much as others but gee we put up with a fair  bit. Airing my feelings . Don't want to sound negative but it is a big journey. Hoping all goes well for you and sending lots of hugs and hope your recovery goes good. Will catch you on the other side of surgery when we both can relax and say yes we are strong and look for lots of happy sunny days ahead. ?? ?? X

Hi, good luck with your coming surgery. Anxiety is not good .I look at it now like just going through the motions. As it gets closer it's step by step. We seem to get through it all okay on the day. Nice feeling when you wake up and its all over. I am just before you in a few days time.  surgery for right mastectomy. On the day I think I will be all right. The surgeons drs nurses are good so they will make you feel more relaxed.as someone else said we just have to show up and they will take over. Still nervous though. I am taking my music this time. Makes me relax and sudoku book. Bought some cotton pyjamas from target with buttonup front. Oh and socks in case my tootsies get cold. ?? Sending hugs .x

Thanks Brenda.  I have been advised that I will be in for 3-4 days.  Yes the node surgery is a concern - and the procedures beforehand.  In addition to the lymphoscintigram I am having a hookwire inserted - All sounds a bit dark ages to me.  I have heard they are doing studies on alternatives. Glad you are doing OK now, I will be sure to do the exercises.  Regards, Helen

Hi There.  I am having lumpectomy and either SLNB or node clearance.  Will be in for min 3-4 days.  Tests beforehand are a concern.  At least for op we are asleep.  Cheers, Helen

Are you having tissue expanders inserted at this time and is it just one sided mastectomy or lumpectomy? . ..Sorry but different times and needs dependent on what they are doing.