Personal Hygiene Doable First Week After Double Mastectomy?

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Girl53
Girl53 Member Posts: 225
edited October 2015 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

All: Have surgery scheduled for Nov. 13 and relieved to have treatment plan in place. But have a few questions re: first few days or a week after double mastectomy and implant reconstruction:

*Will I be able to use the water closet by myself?

*Will I be able to brush my teeth without help?

*Will I be able to pull some sweatpants and socks on, and put a button-up shirt on, without help?

My wonderful husband will be home with me the first week, but just wondering about very personal tasks that I've never needed his help with before. I appreciate any insight!!

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  • SummerAngel
    SummerAngel Member Posts: 1,006
    edited October 2015

    Yes to all of your questions. :)

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2015

    yes, you should be able to do all those things. However, you may need help washing your hair. If you have any post-op drains, women here have said that lanyard works well to loop around your neck, to hang the drains on when you shower.

    Anne

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  • Free123
    Free123 Member Posts: 84
    edited October 2015

    Hi Girl53! I know you are relieved to have your plan! That is big. I had my double mastectomy on July 7th and those are good, thoughtful things to ask!

    I'll start at the beginning. Of course in the hospital you are hooked up to IV's and the nurse has to follow you to the restroom- I found it difficult to start the process (I have a hard time with an audience, most people do!) but somehow in my drugged state, I did it. It was challenging that first time and you will need assistance with the force it takes to flush those hospital toilets- it is amazing how much we use our chest for every day tasks that we are not aware of. Each time got easier- my main concern was not getting an infection so I was hyper-vigilant about washing hands, germs etc. This can be challenging with those darn drains hanging around. I certainly didn't need my husband in the bathroom with me or anything. But the first day or two he stood close by so I could call when I was ready to get back in bed, at the hospital especially, because of the IV pole.

    I got out of surgery at @ 6 pm and early the next morning they encouraged me to brush my teeth by myself. They really encouraged me to use my arms in normal, non weight-bearing activities like that. This was difficult and I wouldn't have gotten a gold star from my dentist, but I got the job done. I did need help with my clothes for a couple of days. Make sure you get stretchy sweat pant-type things pants that are easy to pull up. Silky or satiny pajamas are ideal for sliding in and out of bed for the first few days. They really do help you get into bed as you can't use your arms at all!

    Go read through the posts about what to have ready at home after surgery- for a couple of days you may need a paper coffee cup or other lighter weight items handy and you will want to have someone help you wash towels etc- I never used one more than once without washing it in the beginning to keep infection risk low.


    Sending prayers and blessings your way!!! You will be okay!! If you have any questions, let me know! Freeland

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited October 2015

    Depending on your surgeon, you may or may not be allowed to shower. Have items frequently used on the counter.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited October 2015

    Yes. The socks may be the hardest of these.

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  • MsVeryDenseBreasts
    MsVeryDenseBreasts Member Posts: 100
    edited October 2015

    I agree with the others. I just went through this on 10/1 and I was able to do all of those things on my own. By day 3 or 4 after surgery I was able to wash my own hair. I had infra-mammary incisions which did not pose much of an impediment. By one week post op I was able (and allowed) to lift my arms over my head. For the first few days my DH managed my meds (recording and administering doses) and helped with drains which was really helpful because I was loopy from the meds and tired and not really interested in dealing with one more thing to do. In fact, I think my DH liked feeling needed and hovering a bit. You'll do great. Good luck!

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  • MsVeryDenseBreasts
    MsVeryDenseBreasts Member Posts: 100
    edited October 2015

    LOL! Yes, I also learned that we evidently use our pecs when we flush toilets. Who knew? Oh, and your DH will need to help with the child protector caps on the meds....pecs needed to get those off too.

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