OK, so I now have a date for surgery - 20th March, which is soon. Feeling good that it's sooner rather than later but apprehensive too. Realising I won't feel the same when I come out on the other side. Trying not to be a control freak about it all, but can't help planning. Bought some new pyjamas! Wondering how else I can best prepare for surgery and the days after?
I’m day 10 post unilateral mastectomy and axillary clearance. It’s been much easier than I expected in terms of pain and function. Best wishes, ask any questions. This forum is fantastic.
Thanks @kmakm I wasn’t quite sure what direction they called it. My daughter is in Gippy so they are trying unsuccessfully to keep inside the house smoke free
Outer east @Blossom1961, it's all happening over here! Currently blanketed in quite thick smoke drifting in from the Gippsland bushfires...
The Maroondah Breast and Cancer Centre is a fantastic new facility. So much better than the ramshackle shack it's replaced. Having so many services in a dedicated space is a great help at a difficult time.
Wow. There are a lot of you on here from over that way. You must be a pro active lot in the north eastern suburbs. The ladies from this area generally tend to shy away from an online forum.
Terrific that you now have a surgery date, @Quote_Queen_67 - you will be amazed at how much better you will feel afterwards, even tho a bit sore!
Depending on which surgery you are having - your Breast Care Nurse should be able to access a Berlei Bra for you post op - they are soft, no wires, and very comfy that open from the front. You can also buy 'Aha' type bras (pull over your head ones) if you prefer - tho there may be some restriction on lifting your arm up initially.
I found a pair of soft ear plugs & eye mask (like they give you on airplanes) to be very handy, as hospitals are quite noisy, even at night, & lights are always on somewhere!! This brand is good - you squish them down to a narrow tube & shove them in your ears - and they take the shape of the inside of your ears & are very comfy. Chemists and hardware shops have them.
I was only in overnight ..... but took all the below! Plenty Tissues!! I was a bawling wreck when I was admitted (having worked myself up to it!) & they gave me a whole box for my overnight stay! LOL In hindsight, it was just the fear of the unknown - my procedure (tumour removal & immediate recon) went smoothly & no hassles.
Don't forget your iPod/ipad if you want to keep in touch with people (ask for the WiFi code.) Take magazines or crosswords instead of novels - it is just too hard to concentrate on a novel! I took some butterscotch to suck on as well.
Don't forget any medications that you may be on - you may need to give them to the nurses to make sure you get them when you need them.
I also took my own pillow! It is such a 'thin one' - any others are just too uncomfortable!
Ask your breast care nurse about a support pillow - I had a small oblong one from previous shoulder surgery & it was a real bonus to support your arm after the surgery and when at home. It is an essential part of being able to get comfy.
Where abouts are you - Town/City - other members may be aware of more services available to you.
On the drive home - depending on your surgery - any 'bounce' of the car on a rough road or going over a kerb into a service station/house driveway etc ....can REALLY hurt your boob - so make sure you grab it in advance to stop the bouncing boob!! I live in a regional town & the roads are a shocker ..... I learned where every bump was on every road - as you may have discomfort for a few weeks.
All the best for your surgery - once you have your pathology back, you'll have a better idea of overall plan .... and can get on with it! xx
@Quote_Queen_67 Is this a date for a double mastectomy? Are you having immediate reconstruction?
Front opening pjs or nightgown are vital. A long cord for recharging your devices, sometimes those powerpoints are a long way away. If you have a particular fondness for tea, take your own tea bags. A shawl/scarf/pashmina. Some of the hospital rooms can be really chilly. Slip on shoes so you don't have to bend to faff about with laces or buckles. Blu Tack to stick up cards or pictures. Snacks (healthy or otherwise!) for in between meal nibbling, or to help with nasty tastes in your mouth that medications can sometimes give you.
If you're having a recon, this is an excellent list. Worth reading even if you're not:
Welcome where you will find a lot of information and other forum users happy to share and willing you along for a good outcome. Perhaps you could tell us what type of surgery you are having
This link will help with packing and the site itself has other information that you may benefit from
