having bmx without reconstruction on January 9th

Options
Debcesq
Debcesq Member Posts: 19
edited December 2017 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hello, all. May I start by saying that I have found so much useful information and so much comfort on this site. The bravery and the compassion of the women here is awe inspiring. I was recently diagnosed with DCIS in my left breast. I saw the breast surgeon yesterday. I liked her. She is at an upstate New York teaching hospital. She was no nonsense and answered all my questions and provided information consistent with much that I already knew. We talked about lumpectomy with radiation and hormones. We talked about bmx and that is what I opted for, as the surgeon said many of her patients do. I am looking for optimal risk reduction and peace of mind. I am not doing reconstruction, at least for now. I have really small breasts and they have never been a big part of my identity as a woman. My surgery is January 9th. I am not going to lie. I am mostly at peace with my decision, but still having periods of anxiety. But I will be OK. I have a practical question. Can anyone recommend clothes for right after surgery and for the long term? Camisoles? Tank tops? Brands of clothes? Any information will be appreciated. Thank you to anyone who takes the time to respond and may God bless each and every one of you. Debbie

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Guenhwyvar
    Guenhwyvar Member Posts: 18
    edited December 2017

    I had BMX without reconstruction in October. There was a cancer charity near me that gave me 2 camisoles with pockets for the drains, a bath chair, bandages, small pillows, and a bunch of other helpful stuff. You might check around and see if there's anything near you.

    I wore the camisoles for the first week or two, because I didn't go anywhere. I also had shirts and pajamas that buttoned up the front.

    Your surgeon sounds awesome! I hope everything goes well with your surgery and treatment.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Debcesq
    Debcesq Member Posts: 19
    edited December 2017

    Thank you for taking the time to answer. I wish you the best.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited December 2017

    Your insurance may cover the cami. You will need something with pockets for the drains. Your insurance may cover a wig if you need one. Check with your hospital or clinic. Some have nurse navigators who are a big help. Definitely button or zipper tops for the first few weeks. A small pillow for under the seatbelt coming home.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BringOn2017
    BringOn2017 Member Posts: 101
    edited December 2017

    Dear Debbie,

    Hugs! I am 46 and had DCIS in my right breast a year ago and I too opted for bil mastectomies though I had reconstruction and am at home recovering from my exchange. 

    From a practical point of view I think the easiest to wear are loose camisoles and shirts/blouses (front buttoning) and cardigan/ jacket on top as that way you save having to lift your hands high. I only had the drains for five days and I just carried them around in bags!

    You may want to find a January 2018 group in the Surgery forum you havent already found one as that can give you a lift too. 

    I'll be thinking of you on the 9th.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rljes
    rljes Member Posts: 547
    edited December 2017

    Hi Debcesq
     I choose to have a dbl mastectomy when they found cancer in my left breast only.  I knew right away I wanted to go flat, and having one giant drooping breast was not in the plans.  My BS wasn't to keen on the idea of 'taking off a perfectly good breast'  but I am so happy with my decision.  
       I went to a Thrift store and bought about 10 button down loose shirts - knowing I wouldn't wear them again.  It won't be easy to lift your arms above  your head for awhile, thus - the button downs.  The Cancer Center gave me little pockets volunteers made to place my drains to safety pin to my shirt. plus a landyard to hand the drains from when showering. When I woke up - I was fitted with a binder that I had to wear till the drains came out (3 weeks for me) 
       If you look under "Surgery in Aug" and other months - there is a wealth of information, plus a "what you need to prepare for surgery"  thread as well.  Though, I found this site a little overwhelming.  It was more of a 'worst case scenario'  but a lot of good ideas. 
        PILLOWs - you will have to sleep on your back - so I bought about 10 pillows - all sorts and sizes to prop me up.  Some went as far as to buy/rent Layback chairs. 
         Best of luck with your upcoming surgery.  
    Take care




      

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories