Too early for April 2012 mastectomy?

Woohoo Gabsbaba! I hope you took *all* the time in that shower that you wanted to! Even now, almost a month later, warm showers are actually helping me with the nerve pain/tightness.



Glad your sis could handle the drain stripping. My poor sis fainted on me so she got excused from that duty - lol.

rtnyc - I didn't buy any new pillows, just used ones that I had. Since I had DIEP, sleeping flat wasn't an option because the abdomen was too tight, so I needed pillows to prop up my upper body, and then I didn't want my arm right up against my new breast, so I used a pillow to keep it away from the breast. But I didn't buy any special new pillows, just used what I have already.

I bet your husband can do your drains for you. Mine did, and I did them some too. If you're more comfortable with a nurse, I say go for it, but if you're OK with your husband, go with that, whatever you're most comfortable with.

cookiemonster and keonghi: thanks for the info all makes sense now. I don't konw why the doctors dont tell you all this, I'm so glad to have friends going through the same thing and we get to share expeiences and information; just wish none of us had to be here!!  Thank you so much! continue to feel better every minute and every day. 

Ladies- Yes the drains can be a pain.  Before I was allowed to even check out of the hospital, the hospital nurses showed me and my DH how to care for the drains (stripping/draining) and gave us instructions on how to do it as well as a log to keep track of the amount of fluid.   The nurses were explained the process until we got it.   In short, if we couldn't leave until we knew how to take care of them.  In fact, he/I had to sign some discharge papers stating that we understood what my home care would be and that he/I would call to make my follow up appointment witht the BS surgeon for the next week.  Maybe, it's just this hospital's policy or maybe they know patients are the verge of discharge may not remember everything because they are so anxious to go home.  If you would rather have a visiting nurse handle the drains, definitely go for it.    You just have do what will help you recover from the surgery. 

Sending you positive thoughts, aussie1 and Jennyrjd for tomorrow!  Smooth procedures and speedy healing to you both.

Hope everybody's who's already had their surgery is doing well, healing nicely, feeling less and less pain.  Plymouth, just another two days--treat yourself to fun things to keep your mind off the wait, you're almost there!

I just texted my PS and he told me that 2 of the 4 drains will be removed tomorrow! Yeah!

Aussie & Jennyjrd- Positive calming & healing prayers, thoughts and energy to you for this day.  Good luck and see you gals on the other side!!!!!! 

lisamarie68- I know you have a busy week ahead of you and want you to know that I think about you and pray that you find a little peace and a little calm everyday.  Keep that chin up, girl because you got it covered!!!!!  A positive attitude and calmness will got a vey long way in helping you move forward with your treatment and healing!!!  Next week I start my chemo therapy so I know how you feel about your approaching date.  We do the best we can do to prepare for our anticipated physical needs and bolster our emotional side of us--- that is a lot and we can do no more than that.  HUGS to you!!!! 

Melrose, Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers , I too will be thinking of you as you begin your chemo and pray for u throughout . 

I just thought wow I have only 3 days left to work. thats today , wednesday and saturday .. 3 more 12 hour shifts . I am excited tomorrow I am going shopping for a recliner , but I thought about getting the dual recliner loveseat so my mom can stay right next to me all my friends are telling me they will all be here for me as well . just wished I still could get out of my funk and actually want to talk to people on phone , I am answering text messages ..

today Long Island is beautiful and I am taking my patient in his wheel chair for a walk to beach that should bring some calm to me  and my soul ..

Longislandmom , I am thinking of u today and in ur pocket as u go into city for ur appointments .. {{{hugs))) 

4/16 aussie1, Jennyrjd --got you in my pocket today. Rest well and let the good pain meds work for you.

4/18 Plymouth,Jayme, Kimmygal---got you with me as well. The anxiety of anticipation of the surgery is worse than anything. Once you are there, it will all go smoothlly and be done with. That is such a relief!

Lisamarie, you and I have the same diagnosis. Be good to yourself and don't worry so much. Healthcare providers always worry too much! Some advice on the recliner--get one that adjusts electrically with the push of a button. You won't be able to mess with a hand crank or rip cord to recline it.

Getting 2 drains removed today at noon Texas time! Yeah!

Hi ladies.  Sorry that I am not able to keep up with the postings.  I read this thread everyday and still pray for you all everyday.  I just wanted to let you all know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.  I feel great!!!!  I feel like myself again.  That happened at day 8 or 9.   So keep your chin up, things will be good again.  xoxoxoxo!!!!

Thanks Nancy .. xoxox

One week from right now I will be in an OR. Yikes!!!!  Most of the time, i'm really OK with it all, but then every once in a while it creeps up and whacks me in the stomach with a bat. Cancer sucks! (But we are all made of Awesome-Sauce and will kick it's sorry ass!)

Great news Dianarose..

I got a ??? what is ur opinion on getting a tattoo tomorrow with surgery one week away ???  will it be a bad idea .. ?? 

Plymouthpeople: Hugs to you. I am post op day 6 and had 2 of 4 drains removed this afternoon. It did not hurt at all to have them pulled. It has lightened my load a bunch. I also walked about 2 miles total today.

You will do fine. Massage is a great idea. I am glad that it helped you to relax a bit.

One thing that I discovered was that I have been having chest wall muscle spasms and no amount of pain medicine works on that. Flexeril is a muscle relaxer that I asked for and it has helped a lot. If the pain pills are not working and you are feeling the muscles between your ribs tighten and hurt, I recommend that you talk to your doc about a muscle relaxer (Flexeril, Valium, or Soma). The nurses at the hospital were totally oblivious to this until I asked for it.

I got you in my pocket!

Plymouth, Jayme, and Kimmygirl , I am praying you all have relaxing evnings and to let you know I will be hopping in and out of all ur pockets tomorrow .. Hugs and Love to you all .. see u on the other side ...