Anyone else basically alone/minimal help?

Artista928 · July 2015

Thank you so much Jackbirdie! You're really helping me think of things! I have the flex straws, regular size. I'm going to see if they sell the extra long size now. Thanks!! love ya

proudtospin · July 2015

when I was recupping after tootsie surgery a couple years ago, my Walgreens delivered my med to me! it was only a refill of BP or something but you might check on delivery also!

Artista928 · July 2015

I checked my Walgreens here and it doesn't deliver. Maybe because it's a highly populated area or something.

Another thing regarding sleeping, well assuming you can.. So you have to sleep on your back as the drains are on the sides and also it's uncomfortable to sleep on your side anyway, right? So what do you do when the time comes that you need to turn some to relieve pressure? My bro won't be in my room with me to wake him up to help me turn that first week, then after my friend will be just checking in twice a day so that's out. How on earth do you handle this if you are alone, and hopefully not, but are worse than you anticipated you'd be---even with the wedge and pillow throne set up?

Also regarding the lifting. I'm drinking coffee right now and notice that it's probably something I won't be able to lift up to sip myself due to it being kinda heavy. Same with the big water bottle I just bought to save myself from making trips to the kitchen. For how long? Bro is here only a week. After that it's just me. I know the left arm needs to be babied for life because that's the side the bc is on and node will be taken, but what about the right one? It'll be removed and TE placed in as well but no node removals.

Thanks!

exbrnxgrl · July 2015

Artista,
Since you'll be sleeping in a semi reclining position (not flat on your back), wiggling around to shift positions shouldn't be a problem. I never needed any type of assistance. Yes, the side sleeping was definitely out. I was trying to think of how long it took me to be able to side sleep again (I had one step implants, no TE's). I think that my body naturally began to drift to the side as it became more comfortable. As for the coffee, that should be well within the weight limit your doctor sets for you. Just don't lift the cup over your head! The water sounds as if it's far heavier. Could you get one of those large water jugs that use a spigot to dispense, rather than something you have to lift up?
Over all, most women find that managing pain and daily life are not as difficult as anticipated. You are doing a great job of preparing, so I think you will do just fine.
Caryn

SpecialK · July 2015

I needed no help turning over or shifting in bed, sitting up, getting in or out of bed, or holding my drink. Maybe use solo cups or paper or foam coffee cups so they are lighter. I have a really high bed and normally use a wooden stool that matches my bed to get in. After surgery I just crawled on my knees until I was in the right spot then turned and sat and laid back. I tried to use my legs/feet to push myself around if I needed to shift. The only time I needed any assistance was when I was still in the hospital and had an IV pole and needed to get it over the lip of the bathroom door.

Artista928 · July 2015

Thanks Caryn & SpecialK! I've never had sx before in my life so this is a bit daunting! It's now a week from Thursday for my big day. Ikes!

Jackbirdie · July 2015

Artista- something you just said jogged something in my head.

Although the drains come out from under you arms (I had two, you might have more), they have tubes that they will show you how to strip, another story, but point is, the bulb is at the end of the tubes. So you can either pin them to your clothing in front, or they sell mastectomy drain camisoles. Some people don't like them but I loved mine, I was able to just Velcro them into a pocket in front. So they aren't actually on your side. It isn't really the drain bulbs that keeps you from side sleeping, it's the discomfort and healing that is going on that keeps you from sleeping on your side, if that makes sense.

I was able to find a cotton, washable,one used, lightly, for $5 at Bree's Secondhand store. They raise money for bc and have a bit of a specialty in mastectomy items. They are a second hand store with a few locations here in so. Oregon.

They do have an online address www.breesonlin.com, and a phone 541-756-1500. Maybe they still have the one I donated back and could send to you in time since you are so close. Or have others. If you don't think that's too creepy.

If you have already addressed this issue above and I missed it, I apologize.

Artista928 · July 2015

You're very sweet Jackbirdie but I was given 2 cammies from the hospital with drain pockets. I also bought duster housecoats for when I go to appts (don't care what I look like, got to be comfy!) and bought pink pockets stick on pockets for them.

My ps said I'll have 2 drains on each side, min 2-3 weeks. One lady had it for 6 weeks! He wants to see less than an ounce coming out of each one before he pulls them out.

So they literally come out of your armpits or close to them? I'm imagining you can't completely fully lay your arms to your sides? Dumb me, I had my preop with him last Thurs and forgot to ask exactly where the drains come out of. Probably because I was too grossed out.

Thanks!

Jackbirdie · July 2015

yes, literally out of the lower part of your armpits. At least my two did. That's kind of why it's hard to strip them. It's awkward, but so important to avoid infection. They will show you how in the hospital. Ask if you can do it yourself (supervised) the last couple of times so you are sure you are comfortable with it before you leave the hospital. It's a skill, and you get better at it. Just when you get really good at it, they take them out. lol.

Artista928 · July 2015

Oh my Jackbirdie. lol. I don't even know what stripping them means. I thought you just squeeze the granade to empty them after noting how many ozs are in each. Oy. lol

Jackbirdie · July 2015

Dont worry. They will show you. I'm sorry I gave you something new to worry about. There's probably a YouTube on it, but just wait for the nurse to show you. They will do it for you while you are in the hosoital. But I always find that until I do it myself, I really haven't learned it.

exbrnxgrl · July 2015

You actually empty, and measure the contents of the bulb, then strip the tubing before reattaching the bulb. After you're shown how to do it in the hospital, don't hesitate to give it a trial run with the nurses watching. It's not difficult, but may be a little odd at first, if you're squeamish. I had one drain on each side and nothing were pulled after 10 days. One thing I remember, is that in my effort to recover, there may have been a few times when I was too active. That seemed to cause the fluid output to increase, so I had to find a better balance between activity and rest. I know all of this sounds daunting, but it will probably pass quickly, and, hopefully be uneventful. I too had the camisoles with drain pockets that were covered by insurance. They had a pretty lace edge and I wore them everywhere, just slipping another shirt over them in public. Again, it's great to be prepared!

Janett2014 · July 2015

Here's the thing about lymph nodes: some of them come out "accidentally" when the surgeon is removing breast tissue during the mastectomy, especially if you had large breasts. I'm only telling you that because you may have more nodes removed than you are anticipating. I had 4 removed on one side and 6 on the other. I was able to lift light things (like kitchen items) very quickly, as in just a few days.

Janett2014 · July 2015

As far as location of drains, I had two on each side but they were not in my armpits. They were underneath where my breasts had been, right in front. It was easy to deal with them there.

SpecialK · July 2015

artista - I linked a youtube video for you on drain stripping on the stage II sisters thread. Would you like me to post it here too? Also, my drains exited below my IMF incisions - over my ribs, so ask your PS where they will be. Your drains should be stripped in the hospital before you leave, so you should be able to see how it is done.

Artista928 · July 2015

Thank you all so much my wonderful friends! Who says I'm alone!

exbrnxgrl- I won't leave until I can get it right! I mean they can't make you leave until you are out of pain enough and can take care of what you need to do on your own, right? They booked me for an overnight stay but if I need more time with I'm guessing such things and not just with medical complications, insurance should auth it I would think.

Janet2014- I am very densed breasted and size DD or DDD. Thanks for the heads up on how a node or so can slip out than what they will be telling me. Never thought of that. So it sounds like with my bro being here for 5 days should be ok for me to lift light things. ?

SpecialK- Yes please if you don't mind. I'd like to have all my info in this thread to refer back to and not dig, if you don't mind. Something tells me my memory won't be superb, well it isn't already anyway. lol

Thanks much again my friends! xo

Ridley · July 2015

artista - I took a quick scan and might be repeating what has been said re showering after surgery. Aside from getting a chair and pinning your drains, watch out that you don't get too lightheaded in the shower. I didn't find that I needed a shower chair, but did find that they wiped me out and I needed a rest after a shower in type beginning. Sponge baths were fine. Maybe try one while your brother is staying with you just in case

exbrnxgrl · July 2015

Artista,
I worried about being able to take care of the drains correctly too (maybe a little too much!). It really is very easy. I actually found it gratifying to watch the amount of fluid decrease over time, and would be unhappy if there was an increase or no change. Hey, you have to find amusement where you can when recuperating.

Ridley's post reminded me that in the early days of recovery, showering did wipe me out, even though it felt great (September is still very warm in the Bay Area). I loved taking a shower, feeling fresh and cool and taking a nice, long nap 😊.

Artista928 · July 2015

Thanks all! I hate my room. I haven't slept in it for 3 years now. Had bad anxiety in there a few times so it's not a calming place for me to be. Am really dreading going in there.

I've been sleeping on my couch for 3 years and love it. It's wide enough to lie flat on but turning I have to grab the top to pull me over toward the back.

I know I'll have to suck it up and be in my bed at nights but in the am I plan on being on my couch sitting up or lying back against the arm semi reclined with pillows in the back of me. My world is out here. My guinea pig, tv, computer, large window with great lighting and everything. My room with the blinds open still looks like a depressing cave.

Anyone think I won't be able to do this after a couple or so days?

Jackbirdie · July 2015

Poor thing. I'm sorry your room isn't a place of comfort for you. Everybody reacts to surgery and heals differently. I would suggest two things.

1) continue to prepare yourself physically with healthy eating and LOTS OF PROTEIN. This was drummed into my head by all of the nurses. I don't eat a lot of meat, so I got whey based (no soy if you are ER+) protein powder and frozen fruit and made smoothies to supplement my protein to the highest possible. Protein promotes healing.

2) I think I remember you discussing a rather unsympathetic doctor in regards to anti-anxiety meds. If my memory is correct, I would ask another doctor. The surgeon, the uncologist, make a quick appointment with a shrink who specializes in cancer patients, and get something to help with the anxiety. If it is already something you have suffered from in the past, I'm pretty sure it will not improve over the course of the rest of your tx. It is quite common to prescribe for cancer patients, and I don't believe I know of any of my close contacts here on bco who even attempt to get through this without it.

It's a nice option to have. You don't have to take it. But if you find you get stuck a bit more in your room, it might help to take the edge off

exbrnxgrl · July 2015

Why not set your "nest" up on your couch and sleep there as you have been? Your brother can have the bedroom, and you can be in a space that's doesn't provoke anxiety.

Artista928 · July 2015

Thanks Jackbirdie- yeah I am on buspar and celexa already. Got lorazipam (ativan) to take the edges off.

exbrnxgrl- So you don't think it's too tight of a space to be in? I'm not skinny so my body takes up most of the width.

SpecialK · July 2015

Artista - here is the drain video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNFtsGa_f6w

Artista928 · July 2015

Thank you SpecialK!

Ridley · July 2015

I slept in a lazy boy chair and then on the couch for a few weeks before trying the bed. Round up some pillows and you should be able to make the couch work.

Artista928 · July 2015

My bff who plans on checking in on me 2 x day once bro leaves after a few days texted me that they found a mass on her sis's liver. She went in yesterday to be checked out for gall stones and found this on film. So she's going with sis for CAT scan today.

I had texted her if she has extra pillows I can borrow so I don't have to buy any and she added this to the yes I do. I would think even if the mass is benign that they'll do sx to at least get it out unless it's something that would clear on it's own or with meds. Don't know. But I guess now I have to be mentally prepared to be on my own completely once bro leaves a few days later. He can't stay longer because a) no one but him in the fam knows so he's sneaking up here, b) he visits dad every weekend and is missing 1 already, c) can't take seeing "sicklies" with his depression and anxiety issues.

I don't cook, at all. So making meals ahead of time and freezing them isn't for me. What I do now is just make salads, tacos-- things that you can't/don't want to freeze. I'm trying to figure out if there's a service here in Fremont CA where I could have them come 1 x a day with a meal until I can do it myself. I'm so hoping that before bro leaves I'll be ok with putting simple stuff together but having never had sx in my life, I have no clue how I could be.

I checked out meals on wheels but it's for seniors. Anyone know of a good place that's reasonably priced? I suppose I could do pizza delivery every night for awhile, which would work but not healthy! lol

Thanks!

Artista928 · July 2015

OMG I didn't even think about getting up from the toilet! I won't be able to push up so without a helper, how do you do it?? Bro won't be able to handle it for the few days he's here... ! Now I'm stressed.

Jackbirdie · July 2015

Try in the next week to practice by using your leg muscles and minimal arm pushing off. I think you can do it. Another alternative is to temporarily use one of those plastic "thrones" that sit up very high so you just lean forward an you're in your feet. And you'll feel like a queen every time you go! Haha.

They have those in abundance at thrift stores too.

SpecialK · July 2015

artista - there are some frozen food home delivery services, the only one I have personally used is Schwan's, but here is a list. These mainly sell frozen stuff - a la carte or entrees, veggies, etc. That way you can just heat and eat. Schwan's comes to your door, as do others, but there are also ones that ship, some for free with a minimum order. There are also meal delivery services that will pick u and deliver restaurant to go food for you.

Artista928 · July 2015

Thanks Jackbirdie. I guess then you can lean forward ok to get the position to get to your feet without use of arms. Seems I have to start working out, between my legs and abs! lol. Too bad I have a big stomach in the way.

SpecialK- Thanks so much for the links. I better be prepared just in case her sis will be taking her time, which is understandable as fam is first.

Anyone else basically alone/minimal help?

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