Questions about post-surgery abilities
I have some questions about what you can and can't do immediately following a DBX with tissue expanders. Or roughly how long it takes before you can do them:
- Shave pits and legs (the entire leg--front and back, top to bottom)?
- Wipe yourself properly?
- Clean yourself--doc told me no showers for 6 weeks. I realize I won't be able to wash my hair by myself, but what about the rest of me? Will I be able to give myself a sponge bath, or will my husband have to do it (which I'm sure he'll be more than happy to do)
- Have sex?
Thank you for answering.
Comments
-
No problems with wiping, lol! Did that immediately. Flushable baby wipes are good because you will feel cleaner. Could have shaved legs if I wanted, pits not so much because of the angle and soreness. I recommend a hand held shower head so you can shower without hitting your chest - wrap some plastic wrap around your chest for protection. My husband had to help with that for about a week, but I was allowed to shower when I wanted. Hair washing - needed some assistance for a couple of weeks (again the hand-held shower head is helpful) and I also washed mine in the kitchen sink with the sprayer thing on the faucet, or with the hand hald shower head over the side of the tub, or kneeling in the tub and leaning forward. A lot of the difficulty there is arm movement. Sex.... aside from hands off the chest, probably whenever you feel like it, lol! I was never warned not to and as you can see I have had a LOT of surgery. Good luck!
-
Whew! That's a relief about the wiping. lol
Also, couldn't bare the thought of getting all hairy. My husband has never seen me in my full-fuzz glory.
-
No showers for 6 weeks? That's a long time. Some docs ask that you not shower with drains in place, but others don't but know I showered far sooner than 6 weeks.The hand held shower attachment was perfect but I did need help,with hair washing. Wishing you the best.
-
Shave pits and legs (the entire leg--front and back, top to bottom)? I was lucky enough to have virtually no range of motion issues with my arms. I was able to raise my hands over my head without a problem right away. So I was able to do this, and most other things, right away.
- Wipe yourself properly? Right away. I woke up from surgery with my period, so that was awesome
. As soon as I got into my room, I was cleaning myself up and using a tampon. The nurse said she could do it for me, but I wouldn't let her.- Clean yourself--doc told me no showers for 6 weeks. I realize I won't be able to wash my hair by myself, but what about the rest of me? Will I be able to give myself a sponge bath, or will my husband have to do it (which I'm sure he'll be more than happy to do). My PS was fanatical that I shower daily, even with drains. He wanted me to shower in the hospital, but I didn't feel like it. I did take a nice long one almost as soon as I got home though. You'll have to wait and see how you feel - everyone has such a different experience.
- Have sex? Well, probably could have done that right away but see #2. Aside from being sore, I don't think there was any physical reason it couldn't have happened.
My PS is very laid back with instructions. I got 2: No swimming or submerging in water until he gives the OK and wear the surgical bra for 2 weeks to protect the cleavage. Other than that, he said to pay attention to how I was feeling and to slow down if I experienced pain. Soreness was normal, excruciating pain was not.
-
Thank you! This is all very reassuring.
-
Hi! I had a mastectomy with expanders about 4 weeks ago. I was able to goto the bathroom and wipe myself, brush my teeth, wash my face and dress right after surgery. I moved slowly and carefully. I did not shower with the drains in. I shaved when the drains were out in front of a mirror. Now, I could shave without looking in the mirror. I have better range of motion with my arms which is helpful for me to see while shaving. The doc gave me permission to shower with drains, but I was scared to. I did a sponge bath daily by myself. My husband took care of the drains. For some reason, in the first week after surgery I had a hard time turning my torso to care for the drains. So my hubby was happy to help. Once the drains were removed I showered....what a wonderful feeling! I have not had sex yet but will very soon. I had alot of pain and soreness the first week so sex was not possible. I drove at three weeks. I felt a bit of weirdness when I turned my body to parallel park. I was able to turn the wheel no problem. I continue to do the arm exercises, I do not want to lose range of motion. Everyone is different. Wishing you a successful surgery and smooth healing wishes and prayers your way!
-
I did neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemo so shaving was not an issue. I still have no hair growth under arm om surgery side - I think the reason is how deep the rad burns were in that area - it's basically just scar tissue.
No issue at all with 'wiping'.
I had no hair so not an issue. If I had hair, I would/could have shamppoed it using the sprayer in the kitchem sink.w
I'm a 'tubby' person - not shower. I was told that it was OK to tubby but be careful not to get the bandage wet until it was removed a week after surgery. When it was removed I was told that a shower or tubby was fine as long as I didn't the drains under water.
We are all different as are our Drs.
-
I did not have expanders, but am 12 days post-BMX so I thought I would chime in just in case it could help
- Shave pits and legs (the entire leg--front and back, top to bottom)? I was able to shave my legs in the shower pretty much right away. It took a lot longer and I was very careful about getting into the right position to do so, but it was doable. My armpits haven't needed anything, since they have refused to grow back since chemo (small blessings? lol). My bikini line has been a bit of a challenge, but I'm getting better at taking care of that too.
- Wipe yourself properly? I was able to right away. When I woke up in recovery I had to pee so bad and the nurse took me in but I did all the work. Wiping the, ahem, other end has been a non-issue as well.
-
Clean yourself--doc told me no showers for 6 weeks. I realize I won't
be able to wash my hair by myself, but what about the rest of me? Will I
be able to give myself a sponge bath, or will my husband have to do it
(which I'm sure he'll be more than happy to do) I was allowed to shower with the drains in - I had to put Tegaderm plastic covering on the sites first, but then I was good to go. I would be MISERABLE if I had to wait 6 weeks for a shower. That seems excessive. Showering is good for the soul. And your co-habitating family members.
- Have sex? Have no attempted yet, but don't see that it would be very enjoyable at the moment since any jarring motion makes everything hurt more (i.e., walking). I'm going to give that some more time.
-
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I know I have bigger fish to fry.
-
I was able to shower 24 hours after surgery. It was a bit of a chore to wash my hair, but I did it. I was able to shave my legs by myself 48 hours after surgery. I have not attempted to shave my pits as that area is a bit sensitive still. I wiped myself the evening of surgery. Haven't felt like sex yet, but see no reason why I couldn't if I want to.
-
well, let's see. I'm 6 days out from my dmx. Stayed the first 4 nights in the hospital where I didn't have to do anything myself. Today was my first morning waking up in my own bed. So far I have managed "wiping", and cleaning my nether regions. Will hold off shaving for a few days. Have zero interest in sex so whether I'm capable or not doesn't matter. I predict I will spend the next few days in a oxycodone-induced haze. Just looking forward to feeling a spark of life again.
-
I had a BMX august 18th @ 1130. I had immediate expander placement. I remember being awake at 7pm and feeling pretty darn good. I am a Nurse, and I asked anesthesia to alter the regimen a little so that I had a faster recovery without nausea.
I went home the next day at 1330. I felt great, shockingly. I had several bruises, it appeared as if I was in a fight and lost-BIG TIME. Oh, and do not be alarmed if your abdomen swells. I swear I swelled so much the first 5-7 days. I had 3 drains, which have been the worst part of this experience so far. They are such a hassle.
I was told it was safe for me to reach and wipe my myself, so I did. I did this very carefully, and I did not rush.
The first 7 days I spent lounged in a recliner. On day 4 I started walking a mile a day VERY leisurely. I was informed this was safe as long as I felt up to it.
Shaving? Nope.
Sex: YES
Very carefully though... -
wow Violet! I'm impressed by your walking a whole mile. Normally it would be nothing for me, but right now it tires me to just take a lap around my garden.
-
It is a SLOW mile!! I was extremely active prior though, several miles a day 7 days a week. Best NAPS ever happen after this mile though!
-
Good for you Violet! Just don't over-do it.
I never was a nap-taker before all this. But, walking or not, there's not much else one can do when dosed with Oxycodone and Dilaudid. Today is my birthday. I think it will be effort/exercise enough just to stay alert for my friends and family who come to "celebrate".
-
Happy Birthday, Iwannacookie!!!!
Here is our post-op mantra: JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD.
In other words, even though you might be feeling great, after surgery you are healing internally and externally. Once you overdo it, you'll know.
When family and friends come to "celebrate", you should just go by how you feel, and be honest with your guests about what you can and can't do. If you need to lay down, do so. And if they make a mess, they can clean it up!
Just relax and enjoy the day.....
-
Surgeon said no shower for 48 hours. It took until the drains came out to be able to really shave, which was about 10 days. As far as sex goes, he said when I felt ready but I'm still struggling with some pain so that's not the top of my list.
-
It's been alomost 2 weeks and I'm still not allowed to take a shower!! Doc said I have to wait until drains are out, which could be another whole week. I have been managing to clean all my parts, but it took me nearly an hour to shave my legs due to the way I have my non-shower shower set up. Under the arms--no way!!!! That would just be way too painful right now.
Had sex a couple of nights ago, for the first time--wasn't the most comfortable, but it was better than nothing.
-
Iwannacookie - were in the same boat! I'm going on 2.5 weeks of no shower and I can't wait for a good, long, hot exfoliating shower!
I was able to do everything myself right off the bat, except my hair. I had it blown out at a salon before surgery and after to avoid dreads since it's so curly. I had to let others brush it and put it in a ponytail for me the first week. I'm getting much faster at the sponge bath and leg shaving. I was washing my own hair in the kitchen sink by 10 days post op, but still can't get the angle down for my pits. I actually felt fairly clean til I started my period. As for sex, DH has been out of town a lot and I'm honestly not feeling it right now. I do miss our intimacy and can't wait to be sleeping in our bed again. I tried yesterday and could not tolerate the pain, so was back in my recliner after 45 min.
When I told my BS on Friday about the 6 week shower thing she immediately said "no way! I'd be cheating on that one if I were you!" So the seed has been planted, but haven't had the guts to go forth and shower. I am one of those people who follows directions to a "T". If something goes wrong, I want to know it wasn't my fault. But still...a shower would be lovely. Especially since I started my period. I see her again today and will ask her for some showering tips.
-
My PS also said no shower for 48 hours at the mx and at the exchange. -
Thank you for asking the question!!!!
-
2 1/2 weeks til drains out and I could shower. Husb helped me wash my hair in kitchen sink. I used baby wipes to wash up. He had to help me the first week or so. Wiping I did slowly. Shaving legs- didnt bother. Arms, was told not to because of the numbness and chance to cut self. Finally after awhile got an electric razor and clumsily did in the shower. Did that 6 months now back to regular razor. Sex- whats that?
-
Tomorrow will be three weeks since surgery. Drains came out last week, so I was finally able to shower--hee haw!! I started driving and working last week too. Shaving under pits is still a little challenging. Sex is possible but not that great because I'm so preoccupied with protecting my chest. Pain is subsiding rapidly.
-
I have different questions!
Will be having BMX and SNB on Oct. 21--no reconstruction, so that should make it a bit easier than for most. Live alone, so will stay with my parents for the first few days, then have a friend stay with me for a week after that. Will I need help after 10 or 14 days?It sounds like some of you have started washing your own hair by day 10, driving by 3 weeks. What other milestones are there for being able to take care of yourself? I don't imagine, for instance, that most people have someone with them after the first week, and some may not even have that much.
Milestones?
Wash own hair
Shower on your own
Open medicine bottles/water bottles etc
Cook/prepare some sort of meal
Pick up gallon of water/half gallon/kettle for tea
Do laundry (?!)
Drive--short distances? more than 15 miles?
Lift a laptop computer
Thanks! -
I'll be having LX and ALND next week. The nurse navigator told me no moisture on the drain BUT I may sit on the bench in the shower, upper half covered in plastic and use the hand held shower head until the drain is out. (A week or so). Well, o.k. - it's better than nothing.
I think I can handle the hair washing in the sink and even blow dry it but styling will be challenging. I'm going to have it washed and blown dry at my salon for my birthday treat for myself, a few days after surgery. I refuse to have a bad hair day on my birthday, no matter what!
Lilith - I think the laundry question depends in part on what type of washer/dryer you have. A front-loader may not present any challenges (a laundry basket probably will) but a top loader would likely be another story.
I was told no driving until the drain is out and not when using RX pain relievers. You may be more restricted, since your surgery is more extensive than mine.
Consider having the water in covered pitchers with handles - much easier to handle than a half gallon jug, I think.
You and I have surgery the same day; I'll send good thoughts your way through my haze...
-
Lilith08,
Hi there.
I was able to shower on my own(without any supervision lol) and wash my hair day 9. My arms are still tight so it's not perfect, but I'm managing. Opening bottles, tried daily and couldn't do it without flinching until day 8. Child proof caps were another story. I couldn't do those until a full two weeks. I cooked and did some laundry yesterday, but it was with the husband adamantly objecting. I haven't driven yet. I absolutely do not have full range of motion back. I still have so much trouble just getting in and out of the car and still need seatbelt help. It's amazing how well our bodies heal just after two weeks.
-
DH bought me a graber so I could get the laundry out of the washer and still have dino arms. Wasn't that nice of him?!
-
Wash own hair - about 10 days (over kitchen sink)
Shower on your own - when drains came out
Open medicine bottles/water bottles etc - immediately
Cook/prepare some sort of meal - immediately, but had no appetite
Pick up gallon of water/half gallon/kettle for tea - probably sooner than I should have--a few days
Do laundry (?!) - I don't know when I was officially able, but I waited a couple of weeks
Drive--short distances? more than 15 miles? - 2 weeks
Lift a laptop computer - immediatelyHowever--you must do what's best for YOUR body. Don't over-do it! If in doubt, wait, and make your significant other do it for you! (enjoy that while you can--it won't last long.)
-
Very thoughtful! I admit I wouldn't have thought of that and, given how difficult it can be to teach guys how to launder our clothing properly, maybe you're better off with the grabber than with him doing the laundry.
-
farmerlucy, that was very thoughtful of him! Guys and their tools
coasters, I'll have to wait and see what happens, but I can't see myself driving so soon, either.
Hopeful, that's a good point about the laundry. I can't see doing mine for a while (thank goodness I have family nearby!). I have one of those combo machines with a top loading washer and the dryer up above it. Eeek. Oh, and I have to update my signature--I've just rescheduled for a week later, the 21st.
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team