Hi folks
My mum (64) got diagnosed with DCIS (intermediate grade both left and right) last week following a biopsy a few weeks ago. She’s having a double mastectomy next Friday and I’m freaking out a little. She had her pre-op assessment yesterday and we were told that her mastectomy is going to be done as a day-case - is this standard procedure these days? I was wondering if anyone else has been through or shared a similar experience and what you would advise re: what to take into hospital? what to expect recovery-wise and scar-wise? what to wear after the op in terms of bra/support (mum is opting for non-reconstructive surgery)? how long did it take before you felt up to doing any activities?
Am trying to hold it all together for mum and our immediate family - I am the one that usually contains everyone but finding this all very hard. Just want to offer her the best support I can. In the middle of all this, one of my brother’s is getting married 10 days after her op so she’s worrying about that…not so much from a what to wear or physically being there point of view, but more from a sharing her situation with others - she is a very private person in that respect.
Hoping you guys can help ease some of my freaking-out ness! Thanks xxx
Hi prav_888
Sorry you have this concern about your mother, but she is lucky to have a loving daughter like you to care for her!
I had a single mastectomy, rather than a double, but I’ll share what happened to me. I am in Canada, and I was in the day surgery unit, but given the expectation to stay overnight. I think if you have the surgery early in the day, and seem well enough you are given the option to go home same day.
The scars will extend from just under her arm, horizontally to about an inch from her “breastbone” on each side. She won’t need any sort of bra or support as the breasts will be gone, and she’ll likely have a thick dressing pad over each scar for at least a couple of days. My incision was closed with paper strips, with dissolving sutures beneath the skin. I think this is the norm.
She will wear a hospital gown probably so won’t need a nightie, but a light, loose housecoat/dressing gown might be useful, and some slippers. Maybe a change of underwear? Apart from that a wash-kit with toothbrush, toothpaste, facecloth and soap, and a brush/comb. Lip salve and moisturizer possibly? A book just in case she has the time or inclination?
It’s a good idea to wear in what she’ll want to wear home, so a buttoned, loose blouse/shirt that she won’t have to pull over her head. She may have a drain or drains in for a few days, and if so you’ll be shown how to empty that. Drains or not, She won’t be able to raise her arms easily above her head for a while, and a physiotherapist or breast nurse should go over some exercises to gradually regain shoulder range.
They should establish pain control before they send her home, and she may be on quite strong painkillers to start with, so get some stool softeners and laxatives ready, and make her use them from the get go, because analgesics are highly constipating, and prevention is a thousand times better than a cure! Once home, plenty of fluids, and fruit etc will also help.
They encourage people to get up and move around frequently, to improve circulation, and to take deep breaths. Once at home she should continue to get up and move around at least every hour or two, and can progress to short walks outdoors if weather permits. She will feel tired but frequent short walks are strangely beneficial for this!
The paper steristrips stay on for about two weeks, or until they fall off, or a doctor/nurse removes them. I was allowed to shower after 48 hours, while not directing the spray right onto the wound, but sometimes people are told not to get the wound wet! She may need help with washing herself and hair washing to start with, as both sides are affected.
Sleep can be awkward. It helps to sleep propped up with lots of pillows to start with, behind the back, and also under the arms, or even snooze in a recliner for a few days if that is more comfortable.
Hope this helps to start with. I’m sure she will be given loads of information by her breast nurse, who should also be accessible to answer any questions.
Good luck next week!!
Hi Prav
Im sorry to hear about your mum but she has a very loving daughter. X she will be ok. As Morwenna says, just be there for her in those first day says to help with preparing drinks, food and any lifting required. In terms of sleeping, I would recommend investing in a V shaped pillow. This helped tremendously and enabled me to sleep in bed by propping me up and keeping me on my front.
Stay strong for her. Take care x
JF
Oops…keeping me on my back not my front!
JF
Hi Morwenna and JF
Sorry for the late reply but huge thanks for your reassuring and informative responses. Will definitely take your tips on board! I’ve decided to take next week off from work to help mum with her recovery process…I think her attendance at my brother’s wedding will be doubtful but will cross that bridge next week!..along with an even bigger bridge when we get results re: lymph node biopsy! Once again, thanks for taking time out to reply - much appreciated xxx
Hi
So my mum had her double mastectomy and lymph node investigation yesterday morning and was discharged early evening. Apart from having to call an emergency doctor to the house last night due to severe nausea she’s doing way better than i imagined so first hurdle well and truly out the way. She’s suffering a bit with fluid build up on both sides - she didn’t have a drain as its not protocol at the treatment centre she went to unless she obviously needed one…I’m just wondering if anyone who’s had direct or indirect experience of a mastectomy also had fluid build up? If so, I wondered whether you would mind sharing your experience, i.e. how long will this last for? is there anything to do/avoid doing to help reduce build up of fluid? Obviously everyones experience is different but its helpful coming on here and getting reassurance from others x