Post surgery questions

Like Rowdy, I came home with a drain in place - and yes, getting up without the bag was funny at times as you feel a distinct 'pull' from your 'best friend'.

The important thing is to be able to laugh at yourself, especially in those early days.  You are not the only person who has been through it all and you will no doubt meet many many more ladies who you never knew no longer have their original model boobs.

I joked at the surgeon as he 'felt' my non-breast one morning - I told him he was playing with the wrong one.  His reply was "do you reckon this is a man's dream job, eh ?".

So, Leanne, laugh at yourself.  It is good medicine - better than what the doctors order !

I tell people I never had big boobs but over the years I did kinda get to like them and miss 'rightie'.  Helps me.

Thinking of you.  Don't get bogged down with reading too much.  Give yourself time - and spoil yourself in any small way you can - even if it is only a day out with a mate or a tub of nice face/body cream.  You will find Bio-Oil is a nice treat, too.

Hugs

Summer

Hi will be thinking of you on wednesday, I found the waiting time the worst as you really dont know what to expect.. I had reconstuction as well as mastectomy and found the pain not to bad, I went home on panadol. The one thing that you do have to remember is when you are sitting and get up you need to remember to pick up your drain bag. When i had mine done I had 4 drains and every time I got up from the chair I forgot to pick up my bag and I could hear this bang bang as they followed me, at the time I thought this was funny ( still think its funny have to laugh at something) Take care you will be home and on to the next step take carexxx

The above comments pretty much cover everything.  I too was very anxious before I had my mastectomy in August.  As mentioned above, I was surprised at how little pain I was in.  I found the awkward part was the drains, which I carried around in a bag, but they were removed painlessly a week after surgery.  If people know you have had surgery then they may look at your chest area - but they are usually friends and family and you don't mind!  Otherwise, no one really notices. I wore baggy shirts until I could wear my Berlei Bra, and now I am back in my normal bras with my fake boobie - the cushioned pad I got from my wonderful breast care nurse in hospital.

Stay strong - you will be amazed at how quickly you recover from the surgery.  I certainly was!!

Tink xx

Good on you for logging on again - and for ordering the important Kit from BCNA.  Don't forget to take a long list of questions to the surgeon's office and write his/her answers down for your future reference !  (Don't feel bad, we took a list of 18 questions to the oncologist and she patiently answered every one).  Have someone go with you as 2 pairs of ears are better than one at times like this.

Yes, things happen very quickly at first and you will get overwhelmed with the information being thrown at you.  Don't worry too much as it will all fall into place and bits of info that don't make sense right now will do so along the way.  People say 'take one day at a time' but I am a bit like you, I like to be forewarned about things then I don't panic.

You may see a Breast Care Nurse at the hospital and a different one when you get home.

We will all look forward to hearing from you.  Keep in touch - in good times and bad as we all go through ups and downs.

Remember that right now YOU are the most important person.  Listen to your body and don't be afraid to ask questions of your care team.

Best wishes

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