Mastectomy to come....any surgery preparation suggestions?

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  • TJP1071
    TJP1071 Member Posts: 66
    edited January 2012

    Lisa75~So sorry to hear that! 

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  • undercoverebel
    undercoverebel Member Posts: 646
    edited January 2012

    One thing I can't stress enough for after you're home is to have skinny pillows. I sat in a recliner all day until bedtime. But whenever I leaned back the tubes would get pushed on by the chair and burn. I got skinny small pillows and placed them behind me. They weren't wide enough to touch the drains. They propped me up a bit and away from the chair so the drains didn't touch at all. Big help.

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  • MLP
    MLP Member Posts: 59
    edited January 2012

    I bought a "reacher" that handicaped or elderly people use. It's been great. I didn't realize bending over would be painful. Of course, it's also good for overhead items and when I'm just feeling plain lazy.

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  • Lisa75
    Lisa75 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2012

    good info in this thread. I meet with the plastic surgeon tomorrow. I think at this point I just want it overwith.

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  • TJP1071
    TJP1071 Member Posts: 66
    edited January 2012

    lisa75~~~~ I totally understand!  I feel the same.  I meet with a plastic surgeon on friday.  I cant take the stress anymore of trying to make a choice.  I have to just choose and move on!

    I hope your appointment goes well and you are comfortable with your options!  I will be thinking of you!

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  • TJP1071
    TJP1071 Member Posts: 66
    edited February 2012

    Does anyone have suggestions on how to plan for a BMX with TE.....Not the surgery stuff cause that's all here but more about how to prepare things for your family?  How to plan meals?  Anyone ever used lotsahelpinghands.com? Ways to get your family ready and things set up for the time after?

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  • StacyRose
    StacyRose Member Posts: 21
    edited February 2012

    There should be a thread for those having surgery in Feb.  I had my BMX w/ TE a couple weeks ago and was following the thread for Jan.  It's been very very helpful for me.  They've had a lot of suggestions.  Some have even made lists of how to prepare.  Personally my suggestions are to get your house as clean as you can, prepare some meals and put them in the freezer, stock up on things you'll need over the next month or two so you won't have to go out for things, and (if you have children) make arrangements for their care.  Make sure to have jello and chicken broth and such since you'll want some things like that when you come home.  Also think about a cozy spot for yourself in the house where you'll have quiet but not be totally isolated.  Also, friends may want to visit when you get home but try to space them out and have excuses for it to not last too long because you may get warn out by that.

    My surgery preparation suggestion for you is to ask your surgeon to give you something for nausia before you even get out of surgery.  Very important.  They did for me and I never had any vomiting when I woke up like so many do.  Also make sure to start on stool softeners right away since the pain meds will cause unreasonable slowage, if you know what I mean.    

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  • TJP1071
    TJP1071 Member Posts: 66
    edited February 2012

    StacyRose~~~~~Thanks for the tips!!!!  I have not heard about the Jello and Chicken broth yet!

    I will watch for the thread!

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  • debaby
    debaby Member Posts: 1
    edited February 2012

    I just received my surgery date of March 23, 2012.  I have had chemo first AC and been rough.  Have read your posts and wonder where can I find these button front nightgowns???  I am having transflap repair and feel pants may not be comfortable at first.  I am going to purchase some soft scrub pants to wear.  I know ring my own tolitries, phone, step in shoes, put everything waist level, need a notebook. Anything else

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  • Tigerg64
    Tigerg64 Member Posts: 54
    edited February 2012

    debaby,

     I just received my surgery date for double mastectomy also which is March 27th. I will be having the latissimus flap done. I wish they could do the transflap but the PS said my BMI was too high. Oh well. We should stay in touch so that we can go thru this together. As of right now I do not have to have Chemo but that could change once the final results are in after the surgery. My personal e-mail is tigergclassof83@yahoo.com, please feel free to e-mail me there. I will be thinking about you on the 23rd and the days leading up to it.

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  • GreenMonkey
    GreenMonkey Member Posts: 666
    edited February 2012

    this is such a GREAT thread! 

    I just got my MRI report and they found a mass/tumor behind my DCIS, its 5cm. For whatever reason I am not suprised by this I guess because I knew they found dead cancer cells outside the ductal wall.  This justifies (even more) why I'm having a mastectomy.  It also prepars me for chemo. My plan is to make a fabulous bright green chemo cape and matching mask.  sounds silly but this is so me.  

    My PS is away so my BC (if that is the right abreviation for cancer dr) says we're looking at the beginning of March for surgery.  I'm having a double mastectomy because they found ADH in the "good" breast.  So for me, its a no brainer.  

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  • vivirasselena
    vivirasselena Member Posts: 278
    edited February 2012

    I sent friends and family to thrift stores to find silky button front gowns....easier to slide in and out of bed.  AND they were cheap.

    Get a wedge pillow as well and put two pillows for your arms on either side of it.  prop those babies up there, and know that you are working towards being through with this.

    AND...keep close to your friends on the forum.  We've seen and starred in this film

    love

    michele in the ATL

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  • Kadia
    Kadia Member Posts: 314
    edited February 2012

    Lots of good advice here.

    Regarding drains, mine stayed in 4 a little over two weeks. This is usually the longest they will keep them in, because they risk getting infected.

    I found the recliner essential. I slept there until after the drains were removed.

    Also, I second the pain pump recommendation for the hospital.  

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  • GreenMonkey
    GreenMonkey Member Posts: 666
    edited February 2012

    would love to find more information on this "special anesthetic block" ... if anyone knows.  

    My anxiety level is off the charts.  I asked for something and my BS gave me a script for ativan but I don't like it.  It makes me dizzy and sleepy.  I'm going to call her back on monday and ask for valium.

    My BMX with TE surgery is 3/5.  I'm going to try and get some reiki in this week to prepare.  also visualization.  i've never felt this anxious in my life and never felt the need to take anything (even after the death of my son).  but this is different and I'm allowing myself to do everything that I need to get through this.  

    Your suggestions are all wonderful.  I've made a list and I'm checking it twice! thank you all.  

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  • 1openheart
    1openheart Member Posts: 765
    edited February 2012

    GM,

    I did a lot of mental and physical prep for my UMX.  I had several sessions with my acupuncturist to help prepare my body for surgery.  It also helped with the anxiety.  I used a relaxation/guided meditation tape and read the book, Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster by Peggy Huddleston.  I used several of her suggestions.  I also really stepped up my yoga practice...good for mind and body.  I also had a lot of body work with my PT....myofascial release type therapy.  Also got my hair cut, had a facial, mani and pedi right before my surgery day.  And of course, I did all of the usual things....cleaned house, cooked and froze meals, stocked up at grocery store, bought pillows, slinkly PJ's, front button shirts, etc...... 

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  • GreenMonkey
    GreenMonkey Member Posts: 666
    edited February 2012

    I have to get that book!!!! I've heard about it from several people!!!  

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  • GreenMonkey
    GreenMonkey Member Posts: 666
    edited March 2012

    I ordered the tape online and I thought I ordered the book but its been delayed. Can't find it anywhere! I'm getting my support team together, asking them to wrap me in a blanket of love!  I love the sound of that.  

    I'm going for a second reiki session today.  the first really calmed me.  turns out my reiki master knows my BS! and we all live in the same town.  that was very comforting.   

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  • GreenMonkey
    GreenMonkey Member Posts: 666
    edited March 2012

    Now that I'm on the other side of surgery I highly recommend the following: 

    painkiller = stool softener. take a stool softener every time you take a pain pill.  I have never had problems with constipation before.

    personal nurse, assistant, friend, mom, husband - someone MUST be with you while you are in the hospital. You need someone to help you adjust your blankets, pillow, get up, get down, reach the call button. Make sure someone is with you 24/7 while you are in the hospital.

    Ipod - when things got bad I tuned out on my ipod. I made a collection of music that I knew would lift my spirits. I also made a playlist with affirmations and meditations that helped in healing.  This empowered me, made me feel less out of control. It also helped me sleep at night.  

     I also enjoyed my reiki sessions, again made me feel like there was something I could do to aid in my healing.  

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  • theyaregone
    theyaregone Member Posts: 52
    edited March 2012

    I was in the same boat - DCIS on Monday and double mastectomy on Thursday.  I have read a few of the excellent replies and will comment too -

    I was able to lift my arms way above my head and was encouraged to.  I kept those arms moving!

    I didn't have the camisole but you can get one before surgery with a prescription and take it to the prosthesis lady.  She'll get you one with pockets for your drains.  I wore a badge holder (Koryn was right - a lanyard) around my neck and pinned my 4 drains to it.  For showers I just put the whole thing in a plastic bag.

    I live alone so had to depend on me for everything.  About a week out I was doing my laundry, etc.  I wasn't in pain from day one but I was uncomfortable.  There was a tightness around my chest like my nightgown was wrapped around me, but it wasn't.  I spent most of my time in a recliner with my laptop.  Didn't really sleep too much.  Get used to being on your back but my surgeon said I could sleep on my sides if I wanted to.  Have plenty of extra pillows!

    If you can get through on ibuprofen - that will avoid the constipation.  Walking around helps with that too.  I only did the pain meds about a week.  They just made me tired anyway and I had to do things for myself like driving so it was better not to take meds.

    My surgeon let me stay in the hospital 2 nights because I was going home to an empty house.  I could have stayed only the 1 though.  But I did not opt for reconstruction.  Our little hospital doesn't do it anyway and frankly, I don't think I will have it done.

    I wish I had found the group before, but I only had a 3 day break between diagnosis and surgery.  These ladies are a remarkable group.

    Don't be afraid - you will make it through this.  You are doing the right thing and reaching out.  Don't stop and one thing I learned, there really is no stupid questions.

    I read that some people experience pain but remember that some done.  I have personally met at least 5 other ladies that had surgery after me and none have pain.  Maybe it's just that we all had a great surgeon!

    Relax dear.  It will be over with soon and you'll be amazed at how strong and beautiful you are!!!

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2012

    StacyRose- I hope you are doing well.  I had a UMX w/o recon this past Wednesday.  I came home on Friday.  I'm doing pretty considering I've had case of hives since I had a unilaterl MRI Marhc 9th.

    Sleeping--- I got a bed wedge from Bed Bath & Beyond and have two squishy pillows to put under my arms.  There are lots of pillows on the bed so I can get comfy and sleep.  No recliner here.  I have a glider rocking chair that I sit in and have dozed off in it.

    Meds--- I try to take my meds at the same time everyday.  I take the pain med every 4 to 6 hours whether I am hurting or not.  It just helps to stay one step ahead of the pain.

    Constipation-- I drank prune juice and apple juice while I was in the hosptial and continue to do since I got home.  I also eat some of those Sunsweet Ones prunes with every meal.  Also staying hydrated by drinking lots of water.  I haven't had any problem with that.

    Nausea- I had a anti-nausea patch placed behind my ear as a preventive measure for post-surgical pain med nausea.  That seemed to work.

    Eating--- Before the surgery, I ate bland food( baked chicken, veggie, rice/potatoes, fruit and lots of water.  No spicy stuff for me right now.

    Clothing- I bought two zip up athletic jackets from Target.  The jackets have inside pockets that I have put my drains in.  I also bought a post-op camisole that I'll use later.  Right now, I am wearing this really cute (lol) ace bandage top.

     Hair--I cut my waist length hair before the surgery so it would be easier to take care of.  I think I lost a pound after I cut it.  My BFFs here say I look younger since I got the cut.

    All of those are the physical things that you can do to help yourself prepare.  As for the emotional side, being positive goes a long way in your recovery.  The prayers, love and support of family, friends and new friends I have made on this site help continue to encourage me.  I try to take a cancer break everyday which means I focus on other things than BC.  I have let the tears and emotions flowed when I need to and move forward feeling a little better.  

    Sending lots of (((WARM comforting HUGS))) to you, positive thoughts and energy and prayers!! 

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