Who/what do I need after surgery in the way of help?

Not sure what reconstruction
Not sure what reconstruction you are having after your mastectomy but I had a single mastectomy with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. I am a single parent and could not have done it without the help of my mother. It was a big surgery.

I am not sure what it would involve for implants but one thing to be aware of is that you will have drains to deal with. And you will have doctor's visits so driving might be an issue.

If you can I would suggest having some around for a few days at home after surgery or to check in on you a few times a day, just in case and to get you that cup of tea when you are too tired to get up or prepare some food for you.

wish you well for your surgery.

You will need some help
I am in the healing stages of my bi lateral mastectomy with reconstruction (Expanders) my surgery was 5/20. From my experience I can tell you if you can arrange for help your first week, do so. Getting out of bed was not an issue for me but getting out of my recliner was. I also needed help with changing the bandages. I still have two drains..ugh. I highly recommend you get one of those big pillow things that are used to sit up in bed. I sleep on that and it is so helpful! I know lots of the ladies say sleepin the recliner but that was not for me. I hurt more after the doc started filling my expanders than I did from surgery. Everyone is different. Please let me know if I can answer anyother questions for you.. You are in my thoughts and prayers! Good luck.
Sandy

VickiSam said:

just a few suggestions:
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. 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.

**I often took ibuprofen 1 hour before each fill, to help alleviate some of the pain and
discomfort.

Also, frozen pea's can help once you get home -- gentle place them on breast for
5 to 10 minutes -- Please confer with your Plastic Surgeon to see if he approves
of this method for pain, and swelling.

Strength, Courage, Hope and Speedy recovery.

Vicki Sam

I did bilateral no
I did bilateral no reconstruction in Jan of 2011, and I agree completely with Vicki Sam.

I'll add that you want clothes that button, zip, or tie in the front. You won't be able to pull clothes on or off over your head for a while. I had a mastectomy camisole that I wore instead of a bra for a while too. Mine came with pillow 'foobs' and pockets for the drains. If you choose not to do the camisole, you can tie a shoestring around your neck and pin the drains to that (that's what I did when showering). Others simply tucked the drains in their pockets, or pinned them to a cloth/string/belt tied around the waist.

I tell this story often, so I apologize to those of you who have already heard it....while in the hospital the nurse took me to the bathroom for the first time after surgery. My legs still felt wobbly, so I held on to the rail on the wall for support as I lowered myself to the toilet seat. DON'T DO THAT!!! It moved my arm in a way it shouldn't have right after surgery and caused incredible pain. I was in the hospital an extra night trying to get that pain under control.

I do think you will want someone to help in the first week or so. Even with pillows in bed, there were times my husband supported my back to help me get out of bed in the morning. Your lifting will be restricted, and your reach/stretch will be limited. The exercises will help this and you should get a little more flexibility almost every day you do them. Only do the exercises prescribed by your docs, what was right for me might not be right for you.

In addition, my husband did all the drain care in the first two weeks or so. After that, I was able to comfortably take care of the drains myself.

Best wishes for no surprises in surgery, and for a quick, smooth recovery.

Hugs,

Linda