Care after double mastectomy

I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and was pretty steady on my feet right after surgery. Hard to tell what care your mother might need but I could take care of myself pretty well after I came home. I did need some help with lifting for the first 30 days and I had a friend stay with me at night for a while although that was not necessary. If you and your mother live in the same house you should be able to leave for work and school within a day or so after she gets out of the hospital. A lot depends on how she can function while on pain medication. You said she was having a double lumpectomy. Did you mean double mastectomy? I've been told a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is more painful than a lumpectomy or a double mastectomy without reconstruction. I had a lot of pain after my surgery and was on pain medication for a few weeks. Sleeping on my back was difficult and sometimes the pain in my back was worse than the pain in my chest. Like you said, each person is different when it comes to his/her post op needs. Hope I was able to help a little bit.

I had my BMX with no recon in August 2014. I came home from surgery and my husband had all my pillows and blankets ready for me on the recliner. I pretty much was in the recliner for the next 48 hours. I didn't move much, slept a lot and watched a lot of TV. When I did move off the recliner it was to take a shower or go to the bathroom or to an appointment. However, I was up and moving by the 4th day after surgery, but I still had trouble putting my arms over my head and getting dressed by myself. I went back to work part-time after two weeks and full time 4 weeks after surgery.

Hubby took a week off work...and I had hubby note what time I had to take my meds on a sheet of paper, I was drugged up on painkillers and antibiotics, very sleepy and just needed to rest and take it easy, plus drink fluids and light meals.

Have a pillow for after surgery to place between seat belt and her chest..when driving her home.

What you do want to ensure is that you mum doesn't get constipated 😨 because the long surgery and drugs block up that part of your plumbing...And can be a painful issue....just sayin!!!!

Hubby emptied my drains (all five of them) and measured the contents....I am squeamish so not something I wanted to deal with!

Within a week I was fine, perhaps some folks could bring meals round or have a light bite prepared for her?

Hope that helps!

Ali

I think being prepared, as many mentioned, will be very helpful to you and your mom. My bed was set up with a wedge pillow and side pillows to support my arms (looked like a pillow throne). My bed is very high so I had a stool placed bedside since I couldn't push off with my arms. I took care of my drains myself but dd's helped with bathing and household chores as well as taking care of my dogs. They also accompanied me on my first few walks around the block and drove me to my doctors appointments. My school community set up meal deliveries which fed not only me, but anyone who helped care for me. After the first few days at home, when it was clear that I was doing we well, family would make sure that I had food/drinks within easy reach and they went back to work but came by each evening for dinner, to help with chores and to keep me company. All the best to you and your mom.

I had bmx 3 years ago. I had a small pillow for under the seat belt. Wore zip up hoodies for a few days. Slept in recliner a few days. Home nurse checked for infection, did my drains by my self. Didn't need pain meds, it was all numb. No recon, ever. No hair to wash. Got a new dog during last chemo, handled both by myself if DH wasn't around.