One night stay thoughts

Hi Tangerine,

I had a mastectomy and 3 lymph nodes removed. I was told I would be in one night but could stay in longer if I needed it. I would hope and expect that the option to stay longer would apply to you too if you feel you’re not quite ready to go home. While, I was also told that mastectomies are now considered ‘day surgery’ in the U.S. we are all individuals and how we feel after an anaesthetic and  respond to pain relief etc will vary. Let them know if you don’t feel ready for release.

In my case, just like Moomincom, I got very little sleep in Hospital. It was very noisy overnight with all kinds of “Codes” being called over speakers. I absolutely couldn’t wait to get home to my own bed and comforts. I was advised how to manage the drain and had no problems with it for the 5 days it was in. 

Lifting my arms up above my shoulders was advised against but I managed fine with daily life, including plates and pots. I tried to avoid lifting anything heavy, say over 1kg for the first week and then added another 1 kg each week after that; but again what each of us considers heavy is an individual thing. I couldn’t wash my hair and so went to my hairdresser for that. She was only too happy to help.

I’m holding you in my thoughts and hoping everything goes smoothly for you. Go easy on yourself and take any help that you can if you feel you need it. I found I had some energy in the mornings to do a few things but was ‘wiped out’ every afternoon. It took me a while to really listen to my body and give it the rest it needed.

Remember that every single day that passes is a day closer to your full recovery. Like Arpie, Moomincom and myself you will get better, you will amaze yourself with your own resilience and you will have a tale to tell. Hugs and more hugs.