Anyone been through surgery as a single parent?

dysonsphere

I was recently diagnosed with IDC. I have to wait until Dec. 31st for my first BS consultation. I've been trying to prepare myself the best I can. My issue is that I am a single Mom with a 5 year old. I am sure I can find a friend to keep him during my hospital stay, but once I am home, I have no clue what that will be like. Will I be able to drive him to and from school? Will I be able to cook or do anything? If anyone has experience with this type of challenge I would like to hear your story!

MinusTwo

Dyson - I'm not a single mom - but I do live alone. If you have a lumpectomy, recovery won't be as prolonged, but I can speak about a double mastectomy on my own.

I stayed in the hospital one night. Many women go home the same day with a mastectomy or lumpectomy. But you will be out of it when you get home. It would help to have someone with you that first day - and for your son to be staying with a friend.

My grown son came & stayed for 3 days. I was pretty groggy at first and he had to keep reminding me to sit down & cool it - not to mention organizing my meds. He was able to help me with the drains until I got the hang of it. I didn't want to go out anywhere and he was able to pick up those things I had forgotten to buy.

You should not plan on driving for at least a week - so someone should do school duty. After that depends on whether you are off all pain meds. You won't be able to lift for awhile. Will he understand that you can't pick him up? Or do big hugs? You won't be able to reach up higher than shoulder level for awhile. Conventional wisdom is to get everything down from the cupboards ahead of time. No heavy lifting - like buy milk in 1/2 gallon jugs and forget the gallon. And cook ahead for the freezer - or plan on Mac & Cheese or frozen dinners - & let your friends know food would be helpful. No heavy pots full of water or cast iron skillet. In retrospect, I would have bought lots of paper plates & bowls & glasses to make it easier.

Once you know what treatment you're having, you'll be better able to judge. If there is an aunt or a grandma somewhere that your son could go away & stay with for the first few days, that would be ideal. It's difficult to take care of yourself by yourself at first even w/o a little one.

That said - we all do what we have to, and you'll manage if you plan ahead.

AnnC2019

I was able to cook right away but I only had one side removed. Driving is hard if you have to back up because it hurts. You could always take an Uber with him if you don’t have help