Post surgery help

Welcome to the group hellosunshine​ - the one that no-one ever thought they'd be joining!  …. Whack up ANY questions that you may have, as we’ve all ‘been there, done that’ and all of us combined, should be able to give you a helpful answer. xx

Having your sibling stay with you for a couple of weeks is a great idea - the kids know them & will feel more secure with them around.  Terrific that they have 'stepped up to the plate' to support you all. xx 

Consider joining the Reconstruction Private Group - where others who've had that procedure will be able to give you all their tips (and just read thru the posts too!)
Group: Choosing breast reconstruction | BCNA Online Network

Everyone heals at a different rate - so it is very important not to overdo things early on (particularly in the first few weeks after surgery - ie picking up the kids, pets, wet washing or reaching into high or low cupboards or vacuuming as it could damage/stretch your surgery sites!) You'll probably have drains following your surgery too - and the reconstruction group should be able to give you tips on that.   Your surgeon will probably advise you on going back to 'light housework' (or not) when you see them for your results.

I hope you have a 'trusted someone' to attend all your early appointments as support - and after the surgery too, when you get your results!  Consider recording your appts too on your phone, so you can listen to them again later on - it is almost impossible to remember everything that is said at the time!

Make sure you stay away from “Dr Google’ (difficult tho it is) - as a lot of info there is not only out of date - it probably also isn’t even relative to your own diagnosis.  Going down that rabbit-hole will also muck with your brain.

Everyone remembers the shock of hearing the ‘diagnosis:  “You've got breast cancer” ..... Causing sadness, distress and even anger.   It really mucks with your brain, sometimes even more than your body!  It can be highly stressful & upsetting in the early days of diagnosis - so if you feel a bit overwhelmed by it all, give the Helpline a bell on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) for a confidential chat with one of the Mods xx.

Also, Consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - as she explains it all very well xx  She is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor who had a double mastectomy following her own diagnosis, choosing to stay flat. She was surprised at her own reaction to the news/surgery/treatment, as she'd been counseling others for many years & thought she 'knew it all'! 

She has done 2 ‘podcast seasons' ... check out the 1st season, right from her diagnosis onwards and how she coped, then move on to the 2nd season. She is very easy to listen to & you'll probably recognise your own reactions in many of the podcasts. 

http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html

Check out this thread too - there is a lot of info on the forum & what to take with you to hospital - even 'tick sheets' that you can fill in to take with you to your appointments on your mental & physical health .... this info has been gleaned from many of our members over the years ... I hope it helps you xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

take care & all the best