Have you received your 'My Journey Kit' from BCNA ? That has a wealth of information about all sorts of things which will help you.
Have you received your 'My Care Kit' from BCNA via your Breast Care Nurse ? It includes a great soft Berlei bra and the soft prosthesis. You need to be guided by your health care team as to when to wear a bra as the scar may be a bit tender at first. Don't worry, people tend not to notice you have a breast missing (human nature being what it is, people are more interested in themselves). I found a light scarf thrown around my neck and down the 'missing' side made me feel less obvious when going out during the first week.
The surgery itself is not too bad and simple analgesics (such as Panadol) are usually enough. If you trust your surgeon then just try to go with the flow and you will get through. I always say that once you are in hospital 'the system takes over' so your worrying ends. Even though I had complications and went back to theatre twice I survived the 7 nights in hospital instead of the promised 3 !
When I was in hospital the Breast Care Nurse popped in twice to check on me and, whilst info was not an issue, she was a happy 'comfort person' available to me who had seen it all so understood.
I looked at myself the next morning and so did my husband. I think that eliminated lots of embarassment. If friends asked, I did show them and that was the end of the story - no need for them to be inquisitive !!
There are lots of supports out there so lean on them. Keep a notepad close by and write questions down so you remember to ask when they pop in to visit.
You may come home with the drainage tube in place (this does not always happen) and if so you can have a District Nurse attend to it daily - that alone is a bit of worry gone and she is another professional but cheery face to speak with.
After Wednesday you are still you - only the external cosmetics have changed - you are welcome to use my affirmation - "I am strong. I am positive. I am proud" as that got me through the tougher moments.
Keep logging on to this website as we have all 'been there, done that' so understand your concerns. You will gets lots of support from other ladies.
I hope this message helps you a bit. Keep in touch.
You will be in my thoughts on Wednesday.
Hugs from Summer
Have you received your 'My Journey Kit' from BCNA ? That has a wealth of information about all sorts of things which will help you.
Have you received your 'My Care Kit' from BCNA via your Breast Care Nurse ? It includes a great soft Berlei bra and the soft prosthesis. You need to be guided by your health care team as to when to wear a bra as the scar may be a bit tender at first. Don't worry, people tend not to notice you have a breast missing (human nature being what it is, people are more interested in themselves). I found a light scarf thrown around my neck and down the 'missing' side made me feel less obvious when going out during the first week.
The surgery itself is not too bad and simple analgesics (such as Panadol) are usually enough. If you trust your surgeon then just try to go with the flow and you will get through. I always say that once you are in hospital 'the system takes over' so your worrying ends. Even though I had complications and went back to theatre twice I survived the 7 nights in hospital instead of the promised 3 !
When I was in hospital the Breast Care Nurse popped in twice to check on me and, whilst info was not an issue, she was a happy 'comfort person' available to me who had seen it all so understood.
I looked at myself the next morning and so did my husband. I think that eliminated lots of embarassment. If friends asked, I did show them and that was the end of the story - no need for them to be inquisitive !!
There are lots of supports out there so lean on them. Keep a notepad close by and write questions down so you remember to ask when they pop in to visit.
You may come home with the drainage tube in place (this does not always happen) and if so you can have a District Nurse attend to it daily - that alone is a bit of worry gone and she is another professional but cheery face to speak with.
After Wednesday you are still you - only the external cosmetics have changed - you are welcome to use my affirmation - "I am strong. I am positive. I am proud" as that got me through the tougher moments.
Keep logging on to this website as we have all 'been there, done that' so understand your concerns. You will gets lots of support from other ladies.
I hope this message helps you a bit. Keep in touch.
You will be in my thoughts on Wednesday.
Hugs from Summer
