Need help

ilhs86

My mom was just diagnosed with DCIS Stage 0 last thurs, they are removing her breast this tuesday. She is the first on all sides to have cancer let alone bc. I am the only daughter so it will be up to me to take care of her after her surgery. So.. I need a little help to make her comfortable. Like, what clothing should I have her pack for her trip home, what types of clothes for home, pain meds, anything and everyhing you can tell me to help this go easier is very much appreciated!

badboob67

ohmygosh! I just wrote you a very long post that evaporated when I hit the submit button! I'll try to remember everything here:

First off, your mom's diagnosis gives you every reason to expect her to be just fine. A mastectomy is no walk in the park, but mine certainly wasn't as awful as I expected it to be.

There isn't a whole lot of pain involved. The mast site itself will likely be numb. My arm hurt most (I had 27 lymph nodes removed). Your mom should be sent home with pain meds. Be sure to ask for more if she needs them.

I bought lots of front-buttoning nightgowns and blouses. It will be much easier for your mom to get in and out of them. I was sent home from the hospital with an AMOENA brand camisole that had little pockets for holding the surgical drains; I understand most hospitals will send you home with something similar. Nothing "stronger" than a leisure bra until 6 weeks post-surgery.

The surgical drains are uncomfortable and clumsy. You or your mom will need to keep track of the amount of fluid in the drains as well as learn how to drain them. The nurses at the hospital can show you. They look like the bulb on a blood pressure cuff, only clear. They will be attached to tubes that are attached to the mastectomy site. Taking a shower with drains can be tricky; I tied the belt from my bathrobe around my waist and pinned the drains to it while I showered.

Your mom will need to do special post-surgery exercises. The hospital should give you information as to which exercises and how long.

As for diet, I ate pretty much anything I wanted with no problem. Constipation can be a problem; I was told to take a stool softener.

Your mom should be able to get up and get herself to the bathroom, etc. She will probably be sleepy and groggy from the pain meds.

It can be very scary to first see your scar after surgery; I didn't want to look until I was home and alone with my husband. Be sure to talk with your mom about how she feels and try to support her as much as you can.

Finally, be sure to take care of YOU! I really think that my family had a much rougher time after my surgery than I did.

Good luck to you!

NaomiS

Sorry about your mom. I had mastectomy for dcis also, about a year ago. I am all better and your mom will be, too. I would recommend the Help Me Get Through Treatment forum. There is a thread at the top that is "Post Surgical Tips." There are many good suggestions there.
The first couple of days for me were the worst, but not as bad as I expected. I hated the drains and was ecstatic when they came out!
You sound like a wonderful daughter. Your mom is lucky to have you.
Best Wishes to you and your mom.

badboob67

ilhs86,

I forgot to add to please check in with us after your mom's surgery when you can!