Mastectomy coming up

Mastectomy coming up
Marjorie,

I had a double mastectomy last summer and just 1 day before my surgery I found out that you can purchase a special camisole, as the other reply mentioned and it is great because you will probably have drains and it has pouches for them. The cost is about $55.00. Some insurance covers the purchase, however I didn't know that until it was too late. You can purchase through a medical supply store.I think the brand that I bought was Amoena. I also bought oversized pajamas that had button down tops and that was pretty comfy. I wore one of my husbands shirts when I left the hospital !

Are you having reconstruction at the same time? I did that....saline implants. If I can answer any other questions for you feel free to ask.

Best of luck to you.

Lori

Yes, you'll want the
Yes, you'll want the mastectomy garments (mine zipped up the front and were covered by insurance) and pajamas/clothes that button/zip up the front for a while. Ask your surgeon about the mastectomy camisole, mine were provided at the surgeons office. I also agree with moving things to an easy reach, it will be difficult to reach above your head and below your knees for a while.

The other thing I will add is about where you sleep. I had a bilateral mastectomy, so getting up from a flat surface would have been difficult. I used a wedge pillow behind my back, and several smaller pillows to keep my arms in a comfortable place, the smaller pillows also cushioned the tender incision area. Others here have slept in a recliner.

You'll also want to ask the surgeon about the drains, and how you care for them. My surgeons office had a nurse sit down with me, show me what the drain looked like and how it worked.

Finally, ask your surgeon about what exercises you should be doing afterward, and when you should start them. If you baby your shoulder too much it could create some avoidable difficulties. But you also don't want to do too much too soon, so be sure you're clear on how much you can and can't do post surgery.

Ooops, almost forgot...right after surgery the nurse escorted me to the restroom. My knees weren't feeling very stable, so I griped the rail along the wall as I was sitting down, and used my arm for support. DON'T DO THAT!! It was the most excruciating pain, and I had to stay in the hospital an extra day until we could get that pain under control.

I hope this helps. Please come back and let us know how you're doing.

Hugs,

Linda

Gabe N Abby Mom said:

Yes, you'll want the
Yes, you'll want the mastectomy garments (mine zipped up the front and were covered by insurance) and pajamas/clothes that button/zip up the front for a while. Ask your surgeon about the mastectomy camisole, mine were provided at the surgeons office. I also agree with moving things to an easy reach, it will be difficult to reach above your head and below your knees for a while.

The other thing I will add is about where you sleep. I had a bilateral mastectomy, so getting up from a flat surface would have been difficult. I used a wedge pillow behind my back, and several smaller pillows to keep my arms in a comfortable place, the smaller pillows also cushioned the tender incision area. Others here have slept in a recliner.

You'll also want to ask the surgeon about the drains, and how you care for them. My surgeons office had a nurse sit down with me, show me what the drain looked like and how it worked.

Finally, ask your surgeon about what exercises you should be doing afterward, and when you should start them. If you baby your shoulder too much it could create some avoidable difficulties. But you also don't want to do too much too soon, so be sure you're clear on how much you can and can't do post surgery.

Ooops, almost forgot...right after surgery the nurse escorted me to the restroom. My knees weren't feeling very stable, so I griped the rail along the wall as I was sitting down, and used my arm for support. DON'T DO THAT!! It was the most excruciating pain, and I had to stay in the hospital an extra day until we could get that pain under control.

I hope this helps. Please come back and let us know how you're doing.

Hugs,

Linda

Wishing you lots of luck
Wishing you lots of luck with your upcoming surgery and praying for a quick recovery for you.


Hugs, Jan

VickiSam said:

additional information ....
take pain medication when necessary. Multiple pillows in various, sizes help with sleeping on your back.

Please have cups, saucers, plates at arm level - as well as re-arranging your fridge for more commonly used items at arm levels. Tide/Downy small container sizes - also at arm level. Reaching up and grabbing heavy items -- will tear your stitches, as well as hurt your arms. Muscles and tissue in breast, as well as arm areas will be cut,moved and sewn back together.

I tried to take a bath ..but hence could not pull myself out of the our spa tub, no muscles or strength in my arms after bilateral mastectomy.. It took my husband, and daughter some time to pull me out of the tub == without hurting me. Not a pretty time, or sight to say the least. So I opted to shower ...My husband removed our shower head, and replaced it with a flex hose type so I could shower maneuvering the flex hose from waist down, as well as place shower water under my arms.

Lastly, please make sure you do your exercises as prescribed by Plastic Surgeon, and Physical Therapist.

Strength, Courage, Hope and a Speedy recovery.

Vicki Sam

special camisole is great!
Mine velcroed up the front and had the drain pockets and soft prosthetics for when you were healed enough for that. It came from TLC, the ACS catalog. I don't know if insurance would have covered it or not but it was a gift. Other best advice, ask your doctor and listen to what he tells you. My surgeon said right away use your arm normally but no reaching higher than your shoulder. At my first check-up he started me on exercises. (Using normally included knitting BTW, and I think that really helped keep the muscles moving.) My sugery was 3 days before Christmas and by mid Feb. I was going to Curves. I had to take a break for a while with my rads but went back to it as soon as I could. Also started yoga in May. Plan to take it easy for a while.

Sending prayers for a speedy recovery!