So many questions!

Mom2Sarah,

We're so very sorry to hear about your diagnosis, and for the loss of your aunt. We're sure you've got a lot running through your mind, but you can rest assured that this Community will prove to be a very helpful resource for you!

While you wait for the support from others here, you may be interested in checking out the thread Shopping/Packing/To-Do List for Surgery+Recovery, which offers lots of practical solutions and advice for your upcoming surgery.

We look forward to helping you along your treatment journey. Come back often, ask lots of questions, and get the support you need -- we're all here for you!

--The Mods

So sorry for your diagnosis, and I wish you the best on your upcoming surgery. I had an UMX with direct to implant. The list the mods provided is what I helped to get ready for surgery. Lots of pillows is definetly something I needed. The hospital provided a seatbelt pillow for me but bring a small soft pillow for the ride home. I used face cloths, bath wipes, and dry shampoo until I was allowed to shower. I did use a lanyard for my drains when I showered. I had two post op bras and one camisole that had velcro pockets for my drain, so I just used those. If you are going to have to open your pill bottles yourself, get easy open lids. Even with just having a UMX I could not open my pill bottles. I did try to put on a tshirt a few days post op and for me that was a mistake. It didn't go so well in trying to get it off comfy pants that are easy to pull up and button up shirts is what I used until I got good range of motion back. I would say overall the recovery was easier than I expected. I needed a lot of help at home those first days though.

I know it does all seem overwhelming, but that does get better. I was so anxious leading up to my surgery but I had an odd sense of calm the day of the procedure. It also helped to join the thread for the month I was having my surgery. It was comforting to follow along and learn from others experiences and get support when I needed it. This community is amazing and I am glad you have found it. Ask as many questions as you need, or if you just need to vent we are here for you.

I lived in a zip up terrycloth mumu that I found at Macy's. If it is cold weather, zip front hoodies and sweatpants (remember pulling on pants will challenge you as well so nothing like tight jeans you would have to tug). And button front large shirts that hid my drains which were attached to a drain belt around my waist.

Oh and I had my underarms waxed 4 days before my surgery. (check with your BS on timing)

Mom2Sarah, you've got this! I am still mostly resting at home- my 2nd surgery, for re-excision of a close margin, has held me back some with swelling that refuses to go down. I too am not a button up shirt person, but I bought a button front nightshirt and a button front pajama top, both of which I'm wearing with sweat pants or leggings. I bought 2 button up shirts on sale to wear when I had to go out. For drains, women at a local church make the cutest aprons with fun fabrics, and I received one at PS and one at the hospital. They were my “dressy" drain holders. I bought a couple of waitress aprons that I wore all the time otherwise. The best thing I bought was a nylon mesh pouch with waist ties for the shower. Not sure if it is ok to provide a link on here or not,but it was an amazing help for showering. My husband and I would have struggled with safety pins. Remember that the drains are temporary and that will help! If anyone can direct me to hints for work clothing during this time of tissue expanders and odd shaped upper body, I would appreciate it. I don't want to buy a new wardrobe.

I'm also sorry for your diagnosis. I had a double mastectomy in 2007. It came right after my mom passed away and I was not quite "myself" yet. I opted for using the lats for reconstruction with implants because it was a one-time deal of sorts. I'm sure you can research everything, but I would not recommend using the lats at all. It's been 11 years and I still have that "iron bra" feeling and a very tight back. As I have gotten older, I'm 64 now, my traps are very fatigued because I don't have those two big muscles in my back, helping me to stay erect. If I could do it over again, I would opt for the tissue expanders. It's a hard decision for sure, but this is my opinion 11 years after surgery. I wish you all the very best.

SpecialK, thanks for the ideas for work clothing, I mostly wear solid colors in tops and resses, so scarves will be great and will allow me to continue to wear some of my clothes. Had not thought of ruching and ruffles, so that will be great, and will add some prints too. Maybe I will find a new “look" that I love!