Clothing for hospital and after surgery
I am trying to keep busy in my waiting period till the surgeons reopen. There are sales on at the moment, and I wondered what sort of night attire and tops am I going to need when I go into hospital, and for after surgery, whether lumpectomy or mastectomy. I mostly wear T shirts during the day and singlet type tops at night, I am guessing they might not be the best to get into and out of? Can others advise what they found the best for immediately after surgery, please.
Next question - on waking
Hi again - still gathering info before my DMX (@kmakm - this might help you too!) and my next question is - what were you wrapped in when you woke up from surgery? I know each surgeon has their own technique so I need to ask mine this question, but I'm keen to hear others' experiences to find out what the possibilities are. Will I be in bandages? or a support bra? Is there one drain on each side or more than one? Do they normally give you a urinary catheter? I'm having vertical incisions and my nipples are going too, but will be having skin sparing and straight into air expanders. If I end up having an axillary clearance on either side, will that have consequences for how they bandage me up? So grateful for everyone's help during this dash through the unknown!
Scar Management for anyone finding them taking a long time to heal, red, bumpy, itchy...
Hey All, I just wanted to say in the past I haven't really worried about my scars from surgeries, however since doing my Diep Flap recon in February and subsequent revision surgery in July, I had my abdominal wound reopened. It was red, itchy and bumpy so thought I'd have a consult with people who specialise in scar management. Thanks to my friend @nikkid for the contact, I went today. I know in my post op visits there really wasn't much talk of scar management at all, so thought I'd pop a post for anyone who is finding them annoying red, itchy, bumpy and wanted some help with it. They use silicon dressings that I wear at night only, I then massage over 4-6 weeks in circular motions, (even an electric toothbrush) to break up the scar tissue about 4 times a day. My scars are so annoying and irritating,so that's why I decided to get some extra help. So I have a great recommendation in Melbourne for anyone needing that. Big hugs Melinda xo
Surgery on Thursday: Need sleepwear suggestions please
Hello, I am booked in for surgery this Thursday and thinking best if I buy a sleeveless button down cotton nightie or two for my hospital stay. I am experiencing chemo menopause/menopause (who knows) and thought sleeveless rather than sleeves, shorter rather than longer, cotton rather than rayon or viscose. Sliding my arms into no sleeves or wide sleeves, like I would the hospital gowns rather than over my head and then struggle to get my arms through? Then I can continue to use these at home and hopefully make life somewhat easier as there will be no-one to help me navigate the on/off business. Am I on the right path? Open to suggestions, advice. I have jumped on line to see what is available but not much that meets my criteria. Thank you x
Covid19 and breast cancer
It's been two years since I had a baseline bone density scan (DEXA) and I had a date booked for my next one. They sent me a text message a couple of weeks ago to say it's has been indefinitely postponed due to Covid19. After finally working up the strength to sort out my revision and nipple surgery I was booked in for 24th April. I haven't heard boo from the hospital (private) or the surgeon but it won't be going ahead. They're saying the coronavirus peak here will be late April to May. I'm not concerned about either of these things, they can easily wait. But if it's happening to me it must be happening to others, and it got me to thinking about what it would be liked being diagnosed and starting treatment at this time. My heart goes out to all who are in this position. Today I was scrolling through Instagram and saw this post from a BS here in Melbourne: This situation we're all in is so dynamic and fast moving. I know my anxiety has risen. I hope everyone is doing OK. Big hug to you all. K xox
Back again for another op
Hi there - went last Thursday week to have my grade 2 invasive carcinoma removed. Was told the margins were OK and to wait for information regarding 4 weeks of radiotherapy. Boob recovering but sore. Anyway found out that they told me incorrectly and have to go back next Thursday for a bit more to be removed. Which will mean another day in hospital, plus the 4 hour each way drive, and an overnight in a hotel. Plus someone to look after the dog! Will try and do some deep breathing and wait until next Thursday too start all over again.
Making The Hard Decisions
BreastScreen Qld used mammogram and ultrasound guided biopsies to diagnose a cancerous lump in my right breast close to the chest wall which was removed by surgery on 17 May 2019, all went well. When I went back about 10 days later for the post-op they said they did not get it all as it was unable to be seen on mammogram or ultrasound and I needed to have an MRI and he wanted to check both to make sure there was nothing else lurking in there. I was booked for surgery on 13 June with the results to be looked at prior to that, if nothing then he would take out the bit missed plus a margin using the current scar. I heard nothing about the MRI and when i arrived for the surgery i was told that my file said that it was going to be what had been discussed, so I thought great and was relieved knowing that one more surgery plus the radiation and possible chemo and we are on the home stretch. They were running behind so i waited 2 1/2 hours when the surgeon came to me and described what we both had discussed and i commented that it was great the MRI had showed nothing else, he said he had not seen it but one of his junior doctors had so he went to have a look at it, he came back and said he was sorry but he would have to cancel the surgery as there was a line (mass) in my right breast and he would have to take my MRI pics to the panel the next day and see me on Monday to discuss their findings. I had been very positive up until then, I was angry and cried myself to sleep that night and the next day was inconsolable, until I decided to get off the couch and get on with my life and not let them beat me. I was not called with a time for Monday, so Monday morning rang up to check what time and told no appointment had been made and when I explained they made me first cab off the rank for the clinic. Surgeon showed me the mass which they say is DCIS, I have the option of just getting a mastectomy next Thursday or having an MRI guided biopsy on Friday to see if the mass is cancerous or not and then decide whether to go for surgery to take out the bit they were going to do with a bit more then chemo and radiation or straight to mastectomy and no chemo and radiation. Does anyone have any wisdom or insight into my situation to help me make this decision? I am so confused and upset by them upending my world.
Breast augmentation after cancer??
Hi ladies, So I'm 34 on Fri and halfway through neo-adjuvant chemo for triple negative BC. My genetic testing results came back this week negative for braca1 and braca2, so it has been decided I'll have a lumpectomy in April followed by rads, then hopefully this will be behind me. My question is, I've always wanted a breast augmentation, especially since having 3 kids and am still considering one after cancer is all behind me, now I have this life is short mentality and feel I should stop putting off all the things I've always wanted. Plus I'm worried about how disfigured I may be after the lumpectomy. Do you think given my history of BC an augmentation for cosmetic reasons is silly?? Do implants effect your ability to be screened properly? Given what I've been through does it seem impractical now? Love your thoughts 🙂
Booked for lumpectomy and sentinel node next Monday, any advice, tips, welcomed
Dear all, After 6 months of being ' chemoed'…. I am due for breast conserving surgery, next Monday. I have to have Node scan and dye, then hook wires stuck into me, then surgery. I am wondering if anyone has any tips, tricks or advice that they would share with me, for the next stage of this 'journey' round 2! How long is recovery, how many weeks of work ? What bra do you wear? Exercise? Driving? Cheers in advance ladies.
