double mastectomy w/ reconst. How long recovery?

Jennifer1961
Jennifer1961 Member Posts: 137
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Done with chemo! PET/CT is Clear! On to surgery! Here's the question, how long will I need someone to stay with me after surgery. I'm in great physical shape but have three kids to take care of ages 6, 10 and 12. My sister has offered to fly out and help, but I need to know about how long she should stay. My husband is not thrilled about her coming so it needs to be as short as possible. Any input is appreciated

Comments

  • Heatherbelle
    Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
    #2
    Hi Jennifer-
    I had the same
    Hi Jennifer-
    I had the same surgery in July. I have a 9 yr old and a 2 yr old so I was in a very similar situation. I was given a limit of not lifting anything over 5 lbs for 2 weeks - very difficult with a baby! I had a 2 night hospital stay, and I'd say for the first 2-3 days that I was home i needed someone there constantly - i did have mobility but there was no way I could take care of the kids. If you can have someone come help you for a week I thnk that would be a great help for you. Physically it's just the first few days that were the worst, but you'll need help with your kids.
    Big congratulations to you on finishing chemo & clear scans!! I'm very happy for you :) Sending you prayers & good wishes that all goes well with your surgery & you have a speedy recovery!
    *hugs*
    Heather
  • mommyofthree
    mommyofthree Member Posts: 8
    #3
    Heatherbelle said:

    Hi Jennifer-
    I had the same
    Hi Jennifer-
    I had the same surgery in July. I have a 9 yr old and a 2 yr old so I was in a very similar situation. I was given a limit of not lifting anything over 5 lbs for 2 weeks - very difficult with a baby! I had a 2 night hospital stay, and I'd say for the first 2-3 days that I was home i needed someone there constantly - i did have mobility but there was no way I could take care of the kids. If you can have someone come help you for a week I thnk that would be a great help for you. Physically it's just the first few days that were the worst, but you'll need help with your kids.
    Big congratulations to you on finishing chemo & clear scans!! I'm very happy for you :) Sending you prayers & good wishes that all goes well with your surgery & you have a speedy recovery!
    *hugs*
    Heather

    HI Jennifer - goo dluck. I had a double mastectomy with reconstr
    Last year. I got back full mobility of my hands and arms within 2 weeks. Drains also went away in two weeks. Pl eat ur antibiotics regularly you do not want post operative infection. Pl drink plenty of fluids. Pl. take all medications as prescribed. It will be all fine. Change your dressing regularly please. I will pray for you - I can imagine what you went thru. It is NOT painful. If a bit, they give you pain killers - I did not need any. It is not uncomfortable ...it is a bit cumbersome with the drains. Pl take anyone's offer for help. Lots of love and best wishes...
  • mommyofthree
    mommyofthree Member Posts: 8
    #4
    Heatherbelle said:

    Hi Jennifer-
    I had the same
    Hi Jennifer-
    I had the same surgery in July. I have a 9 yr old and a 2 yr old so I was in a very similar situation. I was given a limit of not lifting anything over 5 lbs for 2 weeks - very difficult with a baby! I had a 2 night hospital stay, and I'd say for the first 2-3 days that I was home i needed someone there constantly - i did have mobility but there was no way I could take care of the kids. If you can have someone come help you for a week I thnk that would be a great help for you. Physically it's just the first few days that were the worst, but you'll need help with your kids.
    Big congratulations to you on finishing chemo & clear scans!! I'm very happy for you :) Sending you prayers & good wishes that all goes well with your surgery & you have a speedy recovery!
    *hugs*
    Heather

    HI Jennifer - goo dluck. I had a double mastectomy with reconstr
    Last year. I got back full mobility of my hands and arms within 2 weeks. Drains also went away in two weeks. Pl eat ur antibiotics regularly you do not want post operative infection. Pl drink plenty of fluids. Pl. take all medications as prescribed. It will be all fine. Change your dressing regularly please. I will pray for you - I can imagine what you went thru. It is NOT painful. If a bit, they give you pain killers - I did not need any. It is not uncomfortable ...it is a bit cumbersome with the drains. Pl take anyone's offer for help. Lots of love and best wishes...
  • mommyofthree
    mommyofthree Member Posts: 8
    #5
    mommyofthree said:

    HI Jennifer - goo dluck. I had a double mastectomy with reconstr
    Last year. I got back full mobility of my hands and arms within 2 weeks. Drains also went away in two weeks. Pl eat ur antibiotics regularly you do not want post operative infection. Pl drink plenty of fluids. Pl. take all medications as prescribed. It will be all fine. Change your dressing regularly please. I will pray for you - I can imagine what you went thru. It is NOT painful. If a bit, they give you pain killers - I did not need any. It is not uncomfortable ...it is a bit cumbersome with the drains. Pl take anyone's offer for help. Lots of love and best wishes...

    In answer to your qu about how long you will need help
    the more the better - your sis can help out with the kids and housework and their school routine (hw activities etc.). Your husband can also help. My mom and sister came. My husband stayed with me in the hospital for 2 nights and 2 days non stop...he brought me back. I was with the kids all the while after that. But they had to take shower right after school (so the germs would go away and change clothes...) and no stuffed animals in the room i slept since they may carry dust. 2 weeks will go fast you will see. You will be so fine! best wishes!
  • pinkapples
    pinkapples Member Posts: 54 Member
    #6
    Everyone is so different and each experience is unique. I had the other end of the spectrum and my recovery was very hard and painful and I welcomed the help (Which I had originally declined, pre-mastectomy!!) I had several days in the hospital and very limited mobility when I first got home. I am a single mom wih an 11 yr old, so I had a friend stay with me the first week. However, by all accounts I dont think I have heard many who need a ton of extra help beyond the first 7-10 days. Sure, you will need assistance with simple things like doing your hair, putting on socks, etc, so guess it just depends on if you need her for moral support as well.
    I'm sure husband can put his objections to her visit aside, if only temporarily, so that you can get the support you need.
    Good luck to you and you will be on the bright side of this before you know it!!

    God Bless,
    Pink
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #7
    Heatherbelle said:

    Hi Jennifer-
    I had the same
    Hi Jennifer-
    I had the same surgery in July. I have a 9 yr old and a 2 yr old so I was in a very similar situation. I was given a limit of not lifting anything over 5 lbs for 2 weeks - very difficult with a baby! I had a 2 night hospital stay, and I'd say for the first 2-3 days that I was home i needed someone there constantly - i did have mobility but there was no way I could take care of the kids. If you can have someone come help you for a week I thnk that would be a great help for you. Physically it's just the first few days that were the worst, but you'll need help with your kids.
    Big congratulations to you on finishing chemo & clear scans!! I'm very happy for you :) Sending you prayers & good wishes that all goes well with your surgery & you have a speedy recovery!
    *hugs*
    Heather

    I had a lumpectomy, but,
    I had a lumpectomy, but, want to wish you good luck with your surgery. Also, congrats on finishing chemo!

    Hugs, Jan

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