Can I just take care of myself after double mastectomy?

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  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 34,614
    edited September 2017

    hi Khanartist, you got some great advice above. Here are a few additional thoughts.

    Ask whomever drives you home from the hospital to bring a small pillow to put between you and the seatbelt.

    I had BMX no recon on a Tues and was discharged Thurs with two drains. Got them out the next Monday. TIP: make sure the doc opens the caps on the suction bulbs before s/he pulls out the tubing.

    I took two weeks off work but my hubby didn't (couldn't). Was fine at home alone. Rested most of the time in a recliner we splurged on that worked via power button instead of pull-lever arm. We still have it, so it turned out to be a good investment. Needed a ride to work for another two months as couldn't drive comfortably yet. It's amazing how many motions require chest muscles.

    Sometimes you just have to ask for help. I remember not being able to reach something on the top shelf at the grocery store and having to ask some kid to get it for me. TIP: have a list of chores ready and when people ask what they can do, pull out your list and ask if they can do one or two things. That way you get some help and they don't feel overwhelmed.

    Best wishes and gentle ((hugs)).

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  • IntegraGirl
    IntegraGirl Member Posts: 147
    edited September 2017

    I had BMX on Aug 31 and I was able to care for myself and function in my house. I was in hospital overnight and released the next day. I had people around to help if needed but I was really able to function on my own, albeit some things took more time.

    I agree with suggestions that you have fully stocked freezer, fridge and pantry. When my drains were in (10 days), I didn't feel like going out in public. I had a step stool in my kitchen because I couldn't reach.

    I also used baby wipes for those times that coordinating drains for a shower seemed too complicated :).

    It's not easy but it's doable


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  • exercise_guru
    exercise_guru Member Posts: 716
    edited September 2017

    OK reading these responses I remembered a few things my mom loves the dollar store she bought some shower wipes the kind you can wipe yourself and get clean without getting in the shower the first few days.

    I have a very dramatic family as well. The Uber is a good idea but in our area they have a medical disability bus to the hospital . That might have worked in a pinch.

    For my final surgery my mom waant here. I Ehad a friend who had a good heart. She just came over once or twice and did two chores and that was it. If you spread things around you will probably avoid much of the drama but if not just don't worry about it.

    BTW when I go out of town I put out extra litter boxes. Maybe that will make it easier for you.

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  • EveryDayisaGift
    EveryDayisaGift Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2017

    I had BMX and immediate reconstruction. My family is not nearby and my friends picked up the slack. They visited and brought food, kept telling me I looked good (even if I didn't), helped me do dry hair washes (because my PS said no shower allowed until drains removed) and a nurse friend visited to help me with my drains, binder and dressing. I did not hire any outside help but it would be good to have the information in case you do want to consider it. There is a lot of good info on this site, wish I had known about this site prior to my surgery! You will need help reaching for things above your shoulders and driving. You should plan to take it easy and no lifting as you don't want to risk opening up your wounds and almost everyone I talked to was totally wiped out. I am about 3 months out and I am still not 100 percent but tons better than when I came home from the hospital. I agree with preplanning and getting as much info and questions answered ahead of time. Positive thoughts and hugs to you...


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  • michelept
    michelept Member Posts: 20
    edited October 2017

    the short answer is yes......the hardest part is dealing with drains......making sure you keep a log of how much fluid drains and draining it often.

    I didn't feel much pain....so, yes...you can very much care for yourself.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited October 2017

    I had BMX no recon. Home that afternoon with 4 drains. I didn't have much pain, but I couldn't do things like open the refrigerator, open the peanut butter, turn on the faucet, etc. I certainly couldn't drive, and I was very tired.

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