Hope this helps

hsant

I was diagnosed with DCIS with a possible borderline micro invasion (1 mm) in May of this year. Because I lost my mother (70) and my sister (43) to this horrible disease, I opted for a bilateral mastectomy. I hope my experience helps anyone about to undergo this surgery.

I'm taken to a room in pre op, where a kind and compassionate nurse asks me to undress completely and put on the awaiting gown (hospital, not formal😀) and these awesome socks (bright yellow!) with treads. Next up, after she takes my vitals, another nurse comes in to put in the IV. I am absolutely terrified of needles. I avoid routine blood work due to my fear. She applies numbing cream, and while it certainly wasn't fun, it wasn't as bad as I anticipated. A prick and a heavy, tight sensation as the saline started to to go Into my skin.

The anesthesiologist comes in, and we talk about my fears with the surgery. My biggest one was feeling nauseated and debilitated after the surgery. I also didn't want pain meds pumped into my IV after surgery, because I know from past experience that those meds can cause nausea, which he concurred. He said a low dose of Fentanyl, would be administered before surgery, but wears off quickly post surgery. He assured me that there would be anti nausea medication in my IV during surgery, and if I felt nauseated after surgery he would have a prescription ready for the nurse staff to give to me. My incredible, caring surgeon comes in greets me, and he shows me where he will make the incisions with a marker. I'm wheeled into the OR, and I feel like I'm in an episode of of Grey's Anatomy. The next part is fuzzy, because the anesthesiologist tells me he is going to give me something to relax me. And boy did he!

Next Thing I know, I'm awake in post op, with my husband next to me who's demanding (in a polite manner) a blanket, because I'm shivering. I felt slightly nauseated, but thanks to the awesome anesthesiologist, that was nipped in the bud immediately. I felt pretty great right after surgery. First thing I asked for is my phone, so I could text my friends and family. I was woozy from the anesthesia, but otherwise I felt fine. I spent the night in the hospital with my DH in a cot next to me. I walked around the floor where my room was located ( assistant RN at my side), and marveled at how I could feel so good, and pain free after undergoing a major surgery. What my anesthesia riddled brain failed to realize at the time was that the reason I didn't feel discomfort is because the anesthesia had not worn off yet. It takes 24 hours for the anesthesia to be completely out of your body.

The next morning I still feel pretty great. No problems dressing (a work out vest that zips up). A little discomfort, but nothing I can't handle. But in retrospect, I was definitely still woozy and numb from the anesthesia.

After I'm discharged in the morning, is when I start feeling the effects from the surgery. My husband and I walked to our local Whole Foods that afternoon, and I felt sore and stiff. I walked much slower than typically, and by no means could lift or carry anything.

I read about women who needed to sleep in upright positions or in reclining chairs for the first few days or weeks after surgery. Fortunately, for me that wasn't the case. Three pillows propped behind my upper back and head worked fine.

The drain cups were also not as bad as I anticipated. I kept them pinned to the surgical bra the hospital provided. The one thing that did kind of suck is that I couldn't shower until 24 hours after they were removed. Mine were removed four days after surgery.

Unfortunately, pathology found a 1.5 cm invasive cancerous tumor, so my fantastic surgeon wants to take out some tissue surrounding that area, which is close to the skin. Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, but it will be done in his clinic as an outpatient.

I know that everyone heals differently, and has his or her own experience and journey, but I hope this helps anyone who is going to undergo a bilateral or unilateral mastectomy with out reconstruction.

Heidi