After double mastectomy question

Deamo1 - I had a BMX last year and it was much easier than I thought it would be. I was uncomfortable for a week or so but not really any pain. I had no problem with using the toilet or wiping myself. The hardest thing for me was taking a shower (you can't until a couple of days after surgery) because you will have drains and you need something to hold them. Your hospital should, hopefully, give you a kind of camisole that closes in the front, and that has drain holders on each side. But before your surgery, I recommend you get in touch with your local American Cancer Society office and ask if they have any kind of drain holders. I sent away for Pink Pockets and they can get them to you pretty fast, I think. Just google Pink Pockets and you should be able to find them. I have several at home but we are traveling and there's no way I could get them to you before next week.

so back to your questions. There wasn't much I couldn't do for myself, as I stayed in a nightgown or pajamas for the first week or so until my drains came out at my post-op appointment> You will have to be careful reaching over your head, picking up heavy stuff, etc. but they should give you a list of things you shouldn't do. I was also sent to the lymphodema clinic, once before surgery and once afterward. They will also tell you what not to do. My husband and I put a couple of lightweight plastic dinner and lunch plates, coffee mug, glass, etc. on the counter so that I could get them easily if he wasn't home. We also had a cleaning lady come in every other week for about 2 months just to take care of the floors and bathrooms.

Just baby yourself and let yourself be waited on if possible. I found that the physical part was nothing but I am still dealing with the emotional and psychological aspects. I thought that at 70, I would have no problem dealing with the whole thing but that has not been the case. So if you find that you are having trouble emotionally, tell your doctors. They will help you with that, either through medication or counseling. I have both.

Are you having any reconstruction? I opted not to bother and I don't regret the decision. It has taken some adjustment, but I think I do pretty well with it. I'm comfortable wearing the occasional sports bra when needed. Otherwise, I go flat and I absolutely love not tugging at a bra, feeling the sweat run down between my boobs, etc. I live in florida, so that was always an issue for me.

Well, I didn't mean to write a book! I wish I had been smart enough to ask the questions you've asked before I had surgery. You will do just fine. You will be in my prayers; please keep posting here so we know how you are doing. And don't be afraid to ask questions!!!!

Ann

Toilet will be okay. Some good suggestions already in this thread. You may need help showering and dressing the first few weeks.