Hi everyone. Newbie here. I was diagnosed with intermediate dcis in october and have had 3 surgeries to clear the cells. Unfortunately it appears that it is all over my boob so mastectomy next step (next tuesday) ive opted for a bilateral mastectomy and diep reconstruction. If any one has been in this situation i would love to hear what helped post op e.g pillows, bras anything really as feel a bit over whelmed with it all xx
Hi
I had Diep reconstruction in 2023
Marks & Spencers have some good options for bras i had a few from there, they also have some that zip fasten at the front so a lot easier to do yourself after surgery.
Protein is a big thing after the surgery, as this promotes healing. so i would try to eat well but to boost it i had collagen powder which has protein in it which really helped.
Hi Liz089
Thanks for replying and thanks the info. Ill have a look at M n S for bras. Hope you dont mind me asking but are you pleased with the results?
Hiya
yes very pleased, they were able to do nipple sparing and if i hadn’t ended up with a bit of necrosis (which was out of everyone’s control) which took some of my nipple away you would never even know that i’d had surgery.
Hi there, I had my a lumpectomy in the summer 2024 and was trying to avoid mastectomy so had 3 reincisions but I still couldn’t get a clear margin. 2 weeks ago today, I had a mastectomy on my left breast and a Diep flat reconstruction ( and diastasis repair) all at the same time. The thing is I’m extremely squeamish and hate needles but did it anyway. That first 5 days in hospital was rough and at my lowest (nausea and really bad constipation and backache) I started to wonder if I had done the right thing. Now only one week later, I’m stiff but not in any pain and feel myself again and have no regrets! Once your drains are out, you feel so much more normal. I normally sleep on my side so sleeping on my back has been really hard. I bought a wedge pillow from Amazon before surgery and have taken all the pillows from around my home to make a comfortable upright sleeping position. I bought some control knickers that go all the way up to my bra (Matalan and Tesco) and put them on in front of the nurse before I left the hospital to make sure she thought they fitted well. I just ordered a few more pairs so I wouldn’t have to do laundry all the time. One suggestion is to take one of those grey paper tray/tub things from the hospital to put your stuff in on your bed so you don’t have far to reach. I have so much to say but think I might be going on too much for your single question! Good luck with your surgery! At one point just before the surgery, I calmed myself down by thinking how the surgeons and nurses are the ones doing everything and I don’t need to do anything but lie there konked out on anaesthesia! Xx
Hi my boobjobjourney
Thnaks so much for all the information! Ive just ordered a wedge pillow. I am feeling nervous about the surgery. This will be my 4th surgery as like you they had a numbr of attempts at getting clear margins 1st. Its really reassuring to hear that you recovered well any more info you have please feel free to share. I like to be organised so any tips are appreciated xx
Hi @greykitty
Every one is nervous you will be fine . The team will look after you can’t add much more than what has been said , make sure everything you wear buttons at the front
I bought nightshirts which were comfy and roomy , my daughter bought me heart shape pillow for under my arm which was great and in the car coming home stopped seat belt rubbing . And a lovely bag for my drain 
sending best wishes good luck xxx
Hi Charlottebee
Thanks for replying. I have seen the heart cushions too i might get a couple. Cancer seems to have encouraged me to spend anyway! Wishing you all the best xx
Hi @greykitty
I know what you mean I bought v pillows
Which I still use , worth spending to make you more comfortable when you get home
Good luck xx