The journey continues...

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debbys17
debbys17 Member Posts: 26
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Well, it seems like forever, but all the doctor consults and MRIs have been completed. I am scheduled for a bilateral nipple sparing mastectomy and sentinal node biopsy on April 21. The plastic surgeon will begin reconstruction during the surgery, so I will wake up with the expanders in place if all goes well. At first this seemed so far away, but when I think how fast time as gone since my initial biopsy results on February 19, it now seems just around the corner. Since I will be over 250 miles from home, the BS says 2 nights, the PS says 3 nights in the hospital. They say it all comes down to pain management. I have been reading with interest the topic about what to get ahead of time. I am making my list now. Anything else you wonderful ladies can think of will be greatly appreciated. You all are greatKiss

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  • KAR
    KAR Member Posts: 225
    edited March 2010

    I don't have much to add but it sure helped to get friends and relatives bring my family meals for a week or two.  I had bilateral also and definitely hard to reach up in cupboards.  Good luck to you Im sure you'll do fine, but remember to take it easy the first week or two.  If you have any other questions let me know

    Karen

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  • suekb
    suekb Member Posts: 22
    edited March 2010

    Hi Debby,

    I am 9 days out from BM. The biggest thing for me has been dealing with the drains. The tank/vest with the inside pockets works the best. Some one on  here mailed it to me and I am passing it on Monday. I have read that insurance may cover them but I don't have details. I found a velcro strap yesterday that is less bulky and when out and about can be covered more easily. I found wet wipes good for under arms...the kind you can use on skin. Also, I have been using coconut oil to put under my arms since you can't wear deoderant. It works prett well. I also had the SNB so you just keep it away from the incisions. It is also nice and natural for skin. I have found that after this whole cancer thing, I am becoming way more conscious of all the chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis. I read somewhere it is over 200 a day. I went to the farmers marker this morning and am really trying to limit this. Chapstick, comfy yoga pants, and front snap bras also helped a lot. Good luck. I am sure you'll do great and it really wasn't as bad as I thought. The worse part is the waiting and worrying and what if'ing. Now I am beginning to focus on preventing a reoccurence since my research shows that toxins, diet and exercise can make a difference. Take care, Sue 

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  • iHEARTu
    iHEARTu Member Posts: 213
    edited March 2010
    Hi debby-
    In the hospital after surgery the nurses will ask you to rate your pain from 1-10; 10 being the most painful. Don't feel like you're asking too much to keep yourself comfortable, they are there to manage your pain:)

    If you get motion sickness easily or get nauseous, be sure to let the anesthesiologist know!!! My anesthesiologist did 3 different meds to help prevent me from getting sick. And I hadn't.

    Drains are the most annoying part of the journey. I had mine in for 5 weeks, which is terribly uncommon, but 2 weeks seems to be the norm. They will show you how to drain and measure the fluids in the hospital. You will continue to keep track of your fluids when you're at home till they come out.

    At home, be sure to have friends and family help. I REALLY don't know what I would have done without help.

    One of the most helpful things my MIL did for me was to write down in a chart each meds you will be taking and how often you take them. Some are 2 every 4 hours or 1 every 6 hours, and it gets very confusing! So that was soooo helpful. And be sure to call your Dr. or the on-call Dr. to get more pain meds if you need them. They will determine if you can or not...but could give you something not as strong to get you by.

    Have a ton of pillows. I slept in a recliner for 2 weeks and another 2 in the guest bedroom because the bed was easier to get into.

    Have a basket next to your chair with your meds, phone, remote, movies, paper and pen, lotion, hand wipes, Kleenex, water bottle and anything you need daily, keep it close to you.

    I wished I didn't have visitors till after week 2, I felt like I needed to entertain my visitors and frankly it was very tiring. But people get anxious and want to see you. However, it was very comforting to know people were wanting to help.

    Be sure to have someone who can take you to your Dr. appointments. You will have several a week.

    I was very surprised at how hungry I was. I ate a sweet everyday (since each meal came with a desert!) I thought for sure I'd gain weight and I hadn't...I must had need the calories and nourishment to heal.

    If someone can rub your feet, ask. :)

    Oh, and if you have young children have a list of sitters or friends on hand so if at the last minute you need someone to look after your child(ren), the numbers are there. I also let the teachers know ahead incase my kids brought it up during share time.

    Hmmm, I know there is more, but this is from the top of my head. The more you know the better, and more prepared you'll be. You are very smart to ask before you go in. You can PM me if you would like, GOOD LUCK and you'll be fine. Lots of prays and ((HUGS))
    -catherine

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  • debbys17
    debbys17 Member Posts: 26
    edited March 2010

    Hi Sue. I'm so glad your surgery went well and you are healing quickly. Thanks for the info on the velcro strap. I'll look for one. You're right about they worry and waiting. I just want to get on the other side of this when I can sleep at night. Thanks for sharing. I hope your recovery continues to go well.

    Debby

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  • debbys17
    debbys17 Member Posts: 26
    edited March 2010

    Hi Cahterine. Thanks for the info about the motion sickness. When I had my last excisional bioposy I was so nauseated!. It's good to know the anesthesiologist can do something to help right from the beginning. I am already experiencing the line up of family that wants to be here. My sis is stepping forward and telling others to stay away until I call. I'm only wanting my husband and daughter (she's 23) there during the hospital stay. And my sis to help when I get home. The others - inlcuding Mom are trying to make me feel guilty. But your right, I'm sure I would feel obnligated to entertain them and make sure they are doing OK. Frankly, I just want to be a couch potato for a little while and have peace and quiet.

    I can see some shopping is in order. New pillows, lotion, and coconut oil.

    Thanks for the tips. I'm sure everything will be just fine.

     Debby

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  • ladyod
    ladyod Member Posts: 152
    edited March 2010

    Earplugs helped me to sleep in the hospital:  I am a light sleeper and all the beeping kept me up.  A friend (BC sister) gave me a care bag with some necessities:  tiny pillows for under your arms and which also help cushion the seat belt for the ride home and a 3 foot ribbon to hang around your neck and tie your drains up while you shower:  that way your velcro belt doesn't get wet...A folder for all my papers I received and an notebook to write down visitors gifts and docs instructions:  trust me, you will be groggy for a while following surgery.  It helps to write stuff down ;)  Don't forget hospitals are terribly dry:  lip balm, hand moisturizer, chewing gum, and eye drops all helped emmensily!  Good Luck to you!

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