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2sisters
2sisters Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
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  • 2sisters
    2sisters Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2009

    My sister is having surgery this week, bilateral mastectomies with breast reconstruction using implants and latissimus dorsi flaps. Although I am a nurse, oncology is not my speciality and I think she needs a sister more than another nurse. She is a very private person, but she has joined a local support group and her docs sound wonderful from what she says. I'm looking for advice on any way to ease her postop course ie post op outfits, pillows, etc. I've read about something called a Softee, that is a camisole made for mastectomies - has anyone used it? I'm respecting her wishes for no visitors until she is ready, but I feel like I need to do something to help her this week. Any suggestions? Her husband will be with her so she won't be alone, but I know being the caregiver isn't easy... Any advice would be helpful. Thank you for your caring and my best wishes for your own struggles.

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  • hollyann
    hollyann Member Posts: 2,992
    edited July 2009

    Hugs 2sisters..What a wonderful sister you are.......May I suggest making and freezing some casseroles, getting her a wedge pillow for under her legs and for the head of her bed to help her sit up in the bed as lying flat is not feasible (this makes it easier to get in and out of bed, too), also the Softee camisoles are not a good idea right now, as she won't be able to lift her arms over her head for quite some time....Soft button up shirt will be most needed or button up gowns that she can step into instead of going over her head,........Also  make sure when she gets home she has a welcome home card from you letting her know you are there when she needs you or wants you to come over........I was the same way when I got home form the hospital after my bilat and TRAM recons...I wanted no visitors and just wanted to be left alone......Of course being left alone was out of the question...I mean what if I had fallen or something......I had my husband, my daughter and my sister-in-law, although the sister-in-law could have stayed home for all I cared..lol.....Good luck to your sister and I pray for a speedy recovery for her.....Please keep us posted as to her pathology and healing.........Gentle hugs to you and your sister.......

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  • 2sisters
    2sisters Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2009

    hollyann,

    Thank you for your wonderful ideas and fast response. Surery went well and we are just waiting for the reports... I can't begin to tell you how sweet you were to take the time to help me. Here's hoping your life is treating you well. Many thanks and hugs back to you! 2sisters

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