Forum Discussion

ChrissieA's avatar
ChrissieA
Member
21 days ago

One week until my surgery....

Hi Everyone! Reaching out to my online friends. Today marks one week until my surgery for the bilateral total mastectomy and left axillary dissection. I have chosen to go flat and Im ok with this decision. Any words of advice, encouragement, essential items you packed when you had surgery? I have the button up PJs. My surgeon said I will be in hospital for 4 nights as he wants to monitor the drains and hopefully remove them before my discharge home. But any advice to help me mentally, any tips support would be appreciated. Physically I am going ok, I have finsihed 4 rounds of the red devil; 1st milestone done! Now Im mentally preparing for next week. At least I get to have a lovely Easter break with my family prior to surgery. (no horror stories please.....Im trying to stay positive and resilient).  Thanks my friends xx Post my surgery recovery I will need 15 sessions (1per day x 3weeks) of radiation. But first my mind just needs to deal with the surgery next week as the next milestone.

double mastectomy

6 Replies

  • Zaza45's avatar
    Zaza45
    Member
    8 days ago

    I am 2 weeks post surgery and had 2 drains and was only in hospital overnight ! The pillow I was given by my breast clinic was a god send to help with sleep and also the bag for my drains was a plus once I was at home as then I wasn’t always looking at them ! It can be confronting at first when ur breast is gone but I chose instead to say the cancer was gone not my breast ! Be as positive and patient with yourself as it isn’t easy and accept any help offered ! I hope all goes well for you and wish you all the best xx 

  • Millymonster's avatar
    Millymonster
    Member
    18 days ago

    Hope your felling prepared and relaxed. I have to wait another 3 weeks. Wish I knew the full plan like you do.

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    20 days ago

    Wishing you all the best for your surgery & recovery ChrissieA​ 

    Consider joining the Flat Chat group - those who've chosen to remain flat, like you.  They will have heaps of tips for you post op xx
    Group: Flat Chat - no breast reconstruction | BCNA Online Network

    Also check out this link that has heaps of info leading up to & after your surgery - and other areas on the forum that you might like to check out! 
    It also includes links to mental & physical health afterwards as well ... 
    A big welcome to all New Online Network Members ..... | BCNA Online Network

    Take care xx

  • Millymonster's avatar
    Millymonster
    Member
    21 days ago

    ChrissieA​ Good Luck, Im still waiting on a surgery date was hoping for next week for a bilateral as well with left node biopsy. Ive had no treatment and am keen to get started. I've been told I'll be in 1 night most likely!

  • Minnie18's avatar
    Minnie18
    Member
    21 days ago

    Hi ChrissieA.  It is great to hear you are trying to stay positive.  I had my surgery about 18 months ago and am nearly a year out from finishing all my treatment.  There are days after your surgery and during treatment when it can be confronting and overwhelming but you will get through it and there will be days you will have like I have now where you almost forget it happened at all.  My body is different and my hair is now curly which are reminders - but I am so grateful to have been able to receive treatment to be here.  I remind myself of that any time I start to think negatively.  In terms of things at the hospital, I found I was really well looked after.  The surgeon, staff and nurses are fantastic and when I had surgery I was given breast care cushions donated by Zonta.  I remember clutching mine as I adjusted after surgery thinking how lovely the ladies were making these for people they’d never meet or know.  The cushions were a great help.  You can order similar online if your hospital doesn’t provide them.

    I find this network fantastic to check in on to remind me that I am not alone in what I have gone through.  There are so many of us on the other side of treatment living well again.  Hang in there and all the best x