dble MX on 1/22/19, just diagnosed with DCIS, and family history

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jb1469
jb1469 Member Posts: 2
edited January 2019 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I will be the 6th person diagnosed with cancer. I had 4 lumpectomies removed prior, 2 I was just told were A-typical, my first one was when I was 11. I am now 49, not surprised this happened, but surprised in the left breast, since all of the other were in the right.

I have no money for all of these extra clothing and garment items. What do I do? And I am so afraid to not be able to wash my own hair and blow dry it in the cold climate. I called and was given prices between 53 and 65 and wasn't even asking for a style.

I have been unable to work due to hypertension issues, so at a complete loss as to how to accommodate the extra items.

And I am so afraid that I won't be able to wash my own hair since my caregiver is my best friend but also ex-hubbie.

~Jen

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  • SDWoman
    SDWoman Member Posts: 113
    edited January 2019

    jb1469 I too have an extensive family history.

    Are you doing reconstruction as well?

    You do not need to buy much of anything since you most likely will be fitted with a surgical bra after your surgery.

    After 2 weeks I was told I could wear sports bras and I bought the WANAYOU kind off of Amazon (2 for 18.99). They are very comfy!

    As far as storage for your drains, there are all kinds of things go buy but you do not need them, since you must likely will have something provided at the hospital. I couldn't shower with my drains, but if you are allowed, a long shoelace or hoodie string will work just fine to hold your drains while you shower!

    As far as your hair, my husband washed my hair once for me. After that I was able to do it over the sink. I am 3 weeks out and blow drying my hair is exhausting still so I am only washing it every 3 days and use dry shampoo in between. Batiste (Walmart) works pretty good.

    The whole ordeal has been much easier than I ever thought it would be!

    Best of luck to you!

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  • jb1469
    jb1469 Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2019

    Thank you so much for your reply, and yes apparently having reconstruction sooner than I thought.They are putting in the tissue expanders during the surgery which I just found out.

    I am a larger woman, so a bit self self conscience going on as well. Although my caregiver is my best friend, he is also my first ex husband. Finding it strange

    Also, finding it strange to ask for help already, can't imagine how after surgery will be.

    *****MOST IMPORTANT***** I very much wish you the best of luck in your recovery, and will add SDWoman to my prayer list, I am sure God knows who you are!

    Thanks for the dry shampoo suggestion, forgot about that entirely!

    I am so used to being the helper, hard to ask at this point......Thank you again! Best Wishes, Jen





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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2019

    jb1469, we welcome you warmly to Breastcancer.org. Dry shampoo is a great idea (thanks, SDWoman)! You may also want to contact Reach to Recovery at the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-...) to see how they could help with their products, depending on where you live.

    Please keep us posted!

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  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited January 2019

    There are organizations specifically to help women with bras and wigs, and even help with transportation, rent, or caregiving, during cancer treatment. Does your treatment center have a social worker that can help you find and apply for grants?

    Some links:

    https://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/FinancialResour...

    https://breastcancerfreebies.com/financial-assista...

    https://thebreastcancercharities.org/help-now-fund... (This you must apply for today or tomorrow for the month of January)

    https://www.pinkfund.org/get-help/ (Decisions made the 2nd Monday of the month)

    I'm so sorry you need to deal with financial stress on top of the medical stress. Good luck!!


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