Bilateral Mastectomy in two weeks!!! Need advice
any other advice? anything is useful and very appreciated... thank you, Blessings,Vicki
Comments
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You're going to want clothes
You're going to want clothes that open in the front. At first it will be hard to reach over your head, so these are much easier. I had mastectomy camisoles (you can get them through the ACS catalog or ask your doc), and mine included pillow 'foobs'. They also included pockets for holding the drains. My insurance covered two for me, and I lived in them for two to three weeks.
You'll also want to be sure that anything you have to reach up for on a regular basis (dishes in a cupboard, clothes on the top shelf of a closet) are moved down to a more reachable area for a while. If it's stuff you don't use regularly, it's probably ok to leave them up.
Be sure and talk with your doc/nurses about what exercises you should be doing after surgery, and when you should start doing them. If you haven't had a thorough discussion with your doc/nurse about drains and their care, you should do that too. (It helped me to see one before the surgery.) For me, the drains were very tedious and bothersome...I had three. One for each breast area, and one for the axilla...the one for the axilla was in for 3 weeks.
That's all I can think of right now. I'm sure others will have advice too, but if you have more questions just send me a private message through CSN email (the link is in the pinkish/brownish box on the left).
Good luck with your surgery, and I hope your recovery goes smoothly.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
Just wanted to add ...Gabe N Abby Mom said:You're going to want clothes
You're going to want clothes that open in the front. At first it will be hard to reach over your head, so these are much easier. I had mastectomy camisoles (you can get them through the ACS catalog or ask your doc), and mine included pillow 'foobs'. They also included pockets for holding the drains. My insurance covered two for me, and I lived in them for two to three weeks.
You'll also want to be sure that anything you have to reach up for on a regular basis (dishes in a cupboard, clothes on the top shelf of a closet) are moved down to a more reachable area for a while. If it's stuff you don't use regularly, it's probably ok to leave them up.
Be sure and talk with your doc/nurses about what exercises you should be doing after surgery, and when you should start doing them. If you haven't had a thorough discussion with your doc/nurse about drains and their care, you should do that too. (It helped me to see one before the surgery.) For me, the drains were very tedious and bothersome...I had three. One for each breast area, and one for the axilla...the one for the axilla was in for 3 weeks.
That's all I can think of right now. I'm sure others will have advice too, but if you have more questions just send me a private message through CSN email (the link is in the pinkish/brownish box on the left).
Good luck with your surgery, and I hope your recovery goes smoothly.
Hugs,
Linda
any heavy liquids -- milk try and keep on fridge middle or lower shelf. Same with liquid detergent or fabric softener -- arm level.
Clean your home, cook and freeze dinner items - make sure you have clean bedding and all laundry is done. It uncomfortable to continue sleeping and resting on your back, if you are a side sleeper -- my suggestion, stock up on several pillows of different sizes.
Drains .. Ugh, ugly, ugly. Please make sure to record all the discharged liquids -- this is what helps our Plastic Surgeon's determine how long those pesky drains stay in.
Sponge baths .. Not meeeee! I asked my husband to install a long coil shower head -- which enabled me to shower daily -- spot on showering as opposed to a full shower -- thus eliminating the actual contact between water and my stitches/gaze and tape. My daughter washed my hair in our laundry room sink. I did try to take a bubble -- bath --lovely, except when it time to get up from the bath tub ... I did NOT have the arm strength to pull myself up .. my husband and daughter came to my rescue -- as no one could touch me or pull/lift me above my waist line -- it is an experience we will never forget!! LOL
Drains will need to fastened to the inside of your clothing (tops) via pinning -- if you do not have === mastectomy camisoles. Please have a chat with your PS -- ask for his/her advise.
Lastly, rest when possible, and take pain medication as necessary.
Strength, Courage and Hope.
Vicki Sam0 -
Thank you!!!Gabe N Abby Mom said:You're going to want clothes
You're going to want clothes that open in the front. At first it will be hard to reach over your head, so these are much easier. I had mastectomy camisoles (you can get them through the ACS catalog or ask your doc), and mine included pillow 'foobs'. They also included pockets for holding the drains. My insurance covered two for me, and I lived in them for two to three weeks.
You'll also want to be sure that anything you have to reach up for on a regular basis (dishes in a cupboard, clothes on the top shelf of a closet) are moved down to a more reachable area for a while. If it's stuff you don't use regularly, it's probably ok to leave them up.
Be sure and talk with your doc/nurses about what exercises you should be doing after surgery, and when you should start doing them. If you haven't had a thorough discussion with your doc/nurse about drains and their care, you should do that too. (It helped me to see one before the surgery.) For me, the drains were very tedious and bothersome...I had three. One for each breast area, and one for the axilla...the one for the axilla was in for 3 weeks.
That's all I can think of right now. I'm sure others will have advice too, but if you have more questions just send me a private message through CSN email (the link is in the pinkish/brownish box on the left).
Good luck with your surgery, and I hope your recovery goes smoothly.
Hugs,
Linda
Thank you very much Linda, very helpful. Did you get implants? I was reading about the risks and WOOOW its scary!!! I do not know what to do. First I didn't want reconstruction, but my doctor and my husband were very concerned on my emotional shock after, so they convince me to consider reconstruction. I was kind of sure to get silicon implants but now I do not really know
I will see my doctor this Tuesday. it seems that all the implants have problems after 5 to 10 years mmmmmmmmmm
really worry.....
Vicki0 -
Jammies
Jammies, Jammies and more jammes. My mastectomy and reconstruction was in the winter. I lved in pajamas for weeks except for doctor's visits when I lived in jogging outfits. You need tops that zip or button up the front. Since its the summer lighter, breathing fabrics will be nice. Plus they will wash nicely. They need to be sturdy enough, if they do not have pockets, to pin your drains to. (I had two drains in my breast and two in my stomach--really unpleasant!) Take pointers from the ladies that wrote before me. You will not be able to do some things like lifting over five pounds, pushing a vacuum, cooking, etc. Make sure that you have someone to help you for a few days. You will need it.0 -
Dear VickiSoyFuerte said:Thank you!!!
Thank you very much Linda, very helpful. Did you get implants? I was reading about the risks and WOOOW its scary!!! I do not know what to do. First I didn't want reconstruction, but my doctor and my husband were very concerned on my emotional shock after, so they convince me to consider reconstruction. I was kind of sure to get silicon implants but now I do not really know I will see my doctor this Tuesday. it seems that all the implants have problems after 5 to 10 years mmmmmmmmmm
really worry.....
Vicki
Hi Vicki,
Your plastic surgeon may have a preferance as to if you have implants now or in the future. I had a double mastectomy and all went well, I had implants at the time and both of them had ruptured so surgery was not just about removing the breast tissue about getting out the silicone that had leaked all over the place out of the breast cavity. Even with the rupture, (they lasted 10 years) I will have them in again, but my plastic surgeon won't put them in until until I am done with radiation and chemotherapy etc. He wants me as healthy as possible. I feel funny walking around with no breasts but I know it is temporary and he has my best interest at heart. Good luck.
Marilyn0 -
My decision after research, and speaking tocsr771 said:Jammies
Jammies, Jammies and more jammes. My mastectomy and reconstruction was in the winter. I lved in pajamas for weeks except for doctor's visits when I lived in jogging outfits. You need tops that zip or button up the front. Since its the summer lighter, breathing fabrics will be nice. Plus they will wash nicely. They need to be sturdy enough, if they do not have pockets, to pin your drains to. (I had two drains in my breast and two in my stomach--really unpleasant!) Take pointers from the ladies that wrote before me. You will not be able to do some things like lifting over five pounds, pushing a vacuum, cooking, etc. Make sure that you have someone to help you for a few days. You will need it.
women -- with both saline and silicone, was saline. Again, my decision - my choice. Please contact your PS and get information both options.
Vicki Sam0 -
Hi Vicki
I brought pj bottoms to the hospital and it was a good thing I did because it was always chilly. Nice soft comfy pant pj's. At home and once I started chemo I lived in sweat pants that I bought alot of at walmart. I also had a bilatteral mastectomy with no reconstruction and don't have any regrets. I was 63 at the time of surgery.
Good luck in your journey but sorry you must go through this.
Annette0 -
My doc's said noSoyFuerte said:Thank you!!!
Thank you very much Linda, very helpful. Did you get implants? I was reading about the risks and WOOOW its scary!!! I do not know what to do. First I didn't want reconstruction, but my doctor and my husband were very concerned on my emotional shock after, so they convince me to consider reconstruction. I was kind of sure to get silicon implants but now I do not really know I will see my doctor this Tuesday. it seems that all the implants have problems after 5 to 10 years mmmmmmmmmm
really worry.....
Vicki
My doc's said no reconstruction for at least a year. In a way, it's been easier to have that decision taken away from me...one less thing to worry about during treatment and recovery. I do plan to look into reconstruction next year...don't know if I'll want to actually do it or not. We'll have to see. For now, I am happy with my prosthesis.
Another thought, ask your doc to see pictures of his work. I did go online to look at pictures of mastectomies (without reconstruction) and they can be scary because you get to see good and bad results. Overall though, it helped me to be ready for my post surgery look. I think I would have been much more disappointed with my current shape if I hadn't seen those pics. The pics also helped me decide about having one vs two removed...it gave me a better idea of what me results would be like if I did the single mastectomy. If you're going to look online, be sure it's a day when you are feeling strong...again those pics can be shocking and scary.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
PocketsAnnette 11 said:Hi Vicki
I brought pj bottoms to the hospital and it was a good thing I did because it was always chilly. Nice soft comfy pant pj's. At home and once I started chemo I lived in sweat pants that I bought alot of at walmart. I also had a bilatteral mastectomy with no reconstruction and don't have any regrets. I was 63 at the time of surgery.
Good luck in your journey but sorry you must go through this.
Annette
I just had a bilateral mastecomy 4 weeks ago. My mothers friend sewed pockets on the inside (one on each side) of my pajama tops for the drains. This was a lifesaver
You definately want tops that you can button up because like the other ladies said, you will not be able to raise your arms for a while. But you do want to raise them as much as you can without hurting to begin with.
For me honestly the worse part was the drains. You want to make sure that you are emptying them and recording the amount. Also when you are emptying the drain, make sure that you strip the tube to get out any excess fluid. My doctor took my drains out once I was draining 30 ml or less per day. It took a 8 days for 2 of them and 10 for the other.
I slept in my husbands recliner for the first week. I honestly couldn't recline so I slept with a pillow behind me and sitting straight up. I also still use a travel pillow when I sleep to elevate my left arm. I still can't sleep on my side so I am still using a mountain of pillows in the bed.
As far as reconstruction, I have Inflammatory Breast Cancer and will not be able to have reconstruction until at least February if all goes well. So what I am doing right now is just wearing the padded camisoles that you can buy at Dillards or any dept store. It actually looks natural. I will get my prosthesis in a couple of weeks.
Good luck with your surgery and I will be praying for a speedy recovery for you. Please keep us posted to let us know how you are doing.
Hugs and God Bless,
Dawne0 -
Good luck
I had a drain as well becaus of lymph node removal but had only a lumpectomy. If I would have had to choose on implants my original thought was this. I never heard of running an IV of silicone into a body. However, I have heard of doctors having those with IV's have a saline drip. Granted IVs are not the same as implants. However, having saline in your body is something that is done at times no mater what the surgery is. Without any research (because I did not need an implant), I decided I would have likely opted for saline. However, I would indeed urge you to do the research, as what I am saying is an un-educated opinion. I am sure there are drawbacks with each kind.
One of the things that you may be offered is a visiting nurse. I had one that came for about a week. At first she took care of the drains and taught my husband to do them. He just observed the first time. He then took care of the drains the next time while she observed him to insure that he understood the steps. Later in the week they were taking turns as we needed to empty drains twice a day. It might be wise to have an adult or two taught how to do this. I wish I would have known about the pockets prior to having mine done. Please be nice to yourself and sew some in prior to having it done or have someone do it for you. It s like a little gift you can give yourself.0 -
pockets??? where exactly?laughs_a_lot said:Good luck
I had a drain as well becaus of lymph node removal but had only a lumpectomy. If I would have had to choose on implants my original thought was this. I never heard of running an IV of silicone into a body. However, I have heard of doctors having those with IV's have a saline drip. Granted IVs are not the same as implants. However, having saline in your body is something that is done at times no mater what the surgery is. Without any research (because I did not need an implant), I decided I would have likely opted for saline. However, I would indeed urge you to do the research, as what I am saying is an un-educated opinion. I am sure there are drawbacks with each kind.
One of the things that you may be offered is a visiting nurse. I had one that came for about a week. At first she took care of the drains and taught my husband to do them. He just observed the first time. He then took care of the drains the next time while she observed him to insure that he understood the steps. Later in the week they were taking turns as we needed to empty drains twice a day. It might be wise to have an adult or two taught how to do this. I wish I would have known about the pockets prior to having mine done. Please be nice to yourself and sew some in prior to having it done or have someone do it for you. It s like a little gift you can give yourself.
Thank you for all your wonderful comments and advices. The repeated advice is to sew some pockets in my camisoles.... where exactly? what size? :0
Thank you very much girls!!!! God Bless you all
Vicki0 -
mastectomy
Vicki,
I had a bilateral mastectomy in March. Everyone has covered most of the issues. I could not use the camisoles, they were uncomfortable. I did get some men's shirts. They seemed to be more comfortable and hide the drains better for going out in public. For the drains I got baby diaper safety pins, they did not damage the shirts like regular pins.
The sponge baths aren't great so I took a bath and made sure not to splash. I had no hair so washing it was not an issue.
Over the next few days, pay attention to what you have to reach for in the house. I forgot about packing my grand daughter's lunch. A lot of that stuff was too high. The other thing, I was told not to move my arms after surgery in order to get the drains out sooner. It is amazing how much we move our arms. I ended up walking around with my arms crossed or in my pockets.
As to the reconstruction, I was planning on not having any. I have decided to decide next year. I will use the prosthetic after radiation and see if that will work. This is a crazy time and reconstruction is a lifetime decision. Waiting would give you time to research a plastic surgeon too. There is a big difference in the quality of reconstruction!
All the best!
Cindy0 -
I had a lumpectomy, but,Gabe N Abby Mom said:You're going to want clothes
You're going to want clothes that open in the front. At first it will be hard to reach over your head, so these are much easier. I had mastectomy camisoles (you can get them through the ACS catalog or ask your doc), and mine included pillow 'foobs'. They also included pockets for holding the drains. My insurance covered two for me, and I lived in them for two to three weeks.
You'll also want to be sure that anything you have to reach up for on a regular basis (dishes in a cupboard, clothes on the top shelf of a closet) are moved down to a more reachable area for a while. If it's stuff you don't use regularly, it's probably ok to leave them up.
Be sure and talk with your doc/nurses about what exercises you should be doing after surgery, and when you should start doing them. If you haven't had a thorough discussion with your doc/nurse about drains and their care, you should do that too. (It helped me to see one before the surgery.) For me, the drains were very tedious and bothersome...I had three. One for each breast area, and one for the axilla...the one for the axilla was in for 3 weeks.
That's all I can think of right now. I'm sure others will have advice too, but if you have more questions just send me a private message through CSN email (the link is in the pinkish/brownish box on the left).
Good luck with your surgery, and I hope your recovery goes smoothly.
Hugs,
Linda
I had a lumpectomy, but, wanted to make sure that I wished you good luck and to let you know that your pink sisters are all here supporting you.
♠♣ Susie ♠♣0 -
Good Luck
I just wanted to wish you good luck with everything, and I hope you make the right decisions.0 -
Wishing you a successfulVickiSam said:My decision after research, and speaking to
women -- with both saline and silicone, was saline. Again, my decision - my choice. Please contact your PS and get information both options.
Vicki Sam
Wishing you a successful surgery and a very fast recovery. Be sure and keep us updated.
Hugs, Kylez0 -
Wishing you a successfulVickiSam said:My decision after research, and speaking to
women -- with both saline and silicone, was saline. Again, my decision - my choice. Please contact your PS and get information both options.
Vicki Sam
Wishing you a successful surgery and a very fast recovery. Be sure and keep us updated.
Hugs, Kylez0 -
I'm wishing you good luckwndringmnd said:Dear Vicki
Hi Vicki,
Your plastic surgeon may have a preferance as to if you have implants now or in the future. I had a double mastectomy and all went well, I had implants at the time and both of them had ruptured so surgery was not just about removing the breast tissue about getting out the silicone that had leaked all over the place out of the breast cavity. Even with the rupture, (they lasted 10 years) I will have them in again, but my plastic surgeon won't put them in until until I am done with radiation and chemotherapy etc. He wants me as healthy as possible. I feel funny walking around with no breasts but I know it is temporary and he has my best interest at heart. Good luck.
Marilyn
I'm wishing you good luck with your surgery and praying for you.
Hugs, Jan0 -
Thanks, this was my question, too!
Hi, everyone...
Exploring new territory; this is my first post.
Vicki, thanks for your question, it was what brought me here. I'll be doing a double without reconstruction on the 13th. Can someoen please post the link to the site where I can get mastectomy camisoles???
I'm very lucky; I'm a Buddhist nun, so have no need to consider a reconstruction...but don't want flaps or dog-ears', either. Is this something I should talk to my surgeon about? I have a lot of other questions, and a short appointment with a busy doc; so just prioritizing...
Best of luck, Vicki!
Viranani0
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