Surgery recovery worries

Hi Molly, I had single mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using implant but only 4 nodes removed and the biggest problem I had was not being able to do exercises etc because of my drains. Because of the immediate reconstruction I had one drain that decided it liked its new residence and hung around for 8 weeks. I still did a lot of things including hanging clothes on the line but just didn't raise my arm quite as high. When is your surgery scheduled for? Have you had a breast care nurse or McGrath Nurse assigned to you yet? When you do they will be able to provide you with brochures on exercises that you need to do to keep your arm mobile and with a full range of movement. I don't know what area you live in but I organised to do my grocery shopping online and it was delivered into my kitchen which meant I didn't have to lift grocery bags full of shopping - which was a great benefit and the delivery people were always lovely and to have it delivered cost between $4 - $10 depending on the time frame I elected. Also if you buy a U pillow from Kmart to help you get out of bed - they are invaluable and also help because you will be sleeping on your back for a couple of weeks and they provide excellent support. Hope this helps. If you have any other questions we are here to help. Xx Cath