Bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction next week -- practical help?

Clothes...
I'm sorry you have to have surgery again!

I just had a mastectomy w/o reconstruction two weeks ago and can help a little with the clothing. I bought button down shirts and sweaters with buttons or zippers. Sweatshirts that open in the front were very comfortable also. (Not sure if you have a drain or not, but I found that maternity clothes hid the drain and were very comfortable too!)

Comfortable clothes
Sherry,

I am sorry you are having to have more surgery. I am fairly new to this site since I just had a bilateral mastectomy with expanders on Nov. 23rd. I came home from the hospital on the 2nd day after surgery & stayed in pjs with button up front until I had my tubes removed(10 days after surgery.) Since I have had my tubes removed, I go everywhere(except work) & I want comfort. I have been wearing large shirts that have zippers. My friend gave me a large fleece shirt that buttons up the front & it is my fave(cozy.) I have discovered that my chest gets really cold when I go out so I will wear tank tops under the zipper shirts for warmth. Since I am still flat, I like loose fitting shirts over the tanks when I go to dinner or the movies. The day I had my tubes removed my husband & I went to lunch afterwards which was my 1st time in public. I was so nervous & self-conscious, considering I went from a D to not even an A. However, nobody has even noticed & I am totally comfortable in public. The surgery wasn't a walk in the park, but it wasn't near as bad as I thought it was going to be. I wish you all the luck in the world for a successful surgery & speedy recovery. You & your surgeons will be in my prayers daily.

Tina

SherryAF said:

Thanks for the encouragement.
It seems like my life the last two months has been so surreal. I do feel like the mastectomy/reconstruction surgery is the best thing for me, but I told my husband sometimes I have these feelings of panic sweep over me.

The surgery has been changed to either January 5 or 12; will know exact date next week.

Thanks for the advice.

Bilateral mastectomy
Hi Sherry,
I had bilateral mastectomy on Dec. 10th without reconstruction. As far as clothing, just as everyone has said button or zippered tops are best. I have lived in button pj tops while I've been recuperating. I found that I could lift my arms (even though my surgeon constantly yells at me NOT to do that...healing purposes) less than 2 weeks after surgery. I do get cold faster and experience different feeling/sensations everyday as the swelling goes down and the incisions heal. The other thing you will want to have is small (8-9 inch) soft pillows to put under your arms...it will give you relief from the swelling/numbness. I got the pillows as a gift from the pharmacy where I will be getting my prosthetics from. There are a group of wonderful women who make these for breast surgery patients. I have used them a lot and am grateful that these women take the time to do this. You can call your local American Cancer Society to see if you can locate these as well.
Otherwise, I just wish you a speedy recovery after surgery. I am very happy that I went the route I did. I wish you all the best and let us know how it all goes!!
xxxx
Pam

Lynda53 said:

these are comfortabe,not bad looking and free if interested

This is an alternative hospital gown/jacket. Made by a 501c3. The also have a Jack Jacket.
It has drain pockets,velcro high quality material and more, and it is FREE. It is offered to take to the hospital day of surgery
No spamming, not scamming, email me private and I will be happy to send along the link.
They work through grants, materials form big companies and of course donations. (susanbkomen)
Their website asks if you would like your facility added to the list!
They are in MA but I see that they have provided to many states. Even if they could not,I would be happy to pick up and mail you one from my cancer site, if you contacted them!
The women's is all black, and mens is a baseball shirt style, guess which I chose! Go Red Sox (even though it is blue and black!
it is ALittleEasierRecovery DOT com
Peace

I can vouch for Lynda it is
I can vouch for Lynda it is not a scam and very useful. I also brought a small pillow around with me to support my arm. for awhile.

stillgood said:

Sherry, I had bilateral mastectomy
Sherry, I had bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (implants) 7 years ago, July 2002. What I remember the most was that I purchased tops that buttoned down the front. I found it difficult right after surgery to lift my arms to get tops over my head. I remember sleeping sitting up in the recliner for a little while(probably my own fears of turning over during sleep.

I know you are not looking for funny stuff right now, but make sure there is someone home to help you if you decide to take a bath. I got stuck in the tub and couldn't get out. Because I couldn't use my arms right away to help myself out of the tub. It's amazing to find out how many muscles are connected to the chest muscles.

If I remember any other stuff, I'll send it your way

I just want to wish you good
I just want to wish you good luck Sherry with your surgery!

♠♣ Susie ♠♣

Hi. I'm sorry to hear that
Hi. I'm sorry to hear that you'll have additional surgery. Like many of these other women, I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction in November. I found a great pair of flannel pjs at victoria secrets before my surgery and I lived in them. I also have a pair of fleece button-up pjs. Shirts that can be buttoned or zipped work best so you don't have to lift your arms or strain to get things over your head.

One of the most annoying things was the surgical bras. Mine had adjustable straps that fastened with velcro just above my "breasts." They stuck to everything! I finally had my mother buy extra wide velcro from the fabric store so that I could cover up the unused velcro on the bra. I also had my drains for quite a long time. Loose fitting shirts worked best so that I could hide my drains on the side. Those cute cardigan sweaters that have only a couple of buttons at the breast line work great!

Last week I finally bought a real bra. I was so excited to find a soft-cup bra that was padded. It's called an "up a cup" because it's supposed to make you look a cup size larger. This was huge for me since I was an H cup before surgery and was very self-conscious about not having breast in public.

Hope this helps and I hope your surgery went well.

Kimberly