Hi All
I’m new to the surgery discussions, my date has been set for 21st Nov… EEK. Feel a mixture of relief and terror.
Any advice on keeping calm very much appreciated. Also anything you can tell me about what I need for hospital, how soon I’ll be mobile etc?
Cecelia. x
Hi Cecelai
i know your feelings, my date is for the 8th Nov. (bilateral mastectomy) sounds sad but i can’t wait. Another phase over with and the cancer out. I do get nervous and go a bit quite at times thinking of it but my partner picks up on it and starts acting the goat.
i finished my chemo nearly 2 weeks ago and for once feel quite fit so i’m making the most of it, there’s no stopping me at the moment. keeping busy busy busy. My BN said that recovery for me will be about 3-4 weeks and thats taking into account that i will be having bilateral mastectomy with immediate recon and my overies removed. I suppose it depends on what surgery you have as to the recovery period for you.
Try not to think about your date too much and keep your mind active ( i took up reading)
Karen xx
Cecilia,
good to know you have a date!
Personally I’d get some aromatherapy oils and a burner - a soothing cd, tub of hagan daas and a bottle of wine!
hugs
x x x
Hi Cecelia
I’m presuming you’re having a mastectomy/lumpectomy ?
I recently had a left mastectomy and lymph node removal and it wasn’t that bad at all. Luckily I was first one down to theatre that morning so didn’t have a lot of time to get nervous. Was a bit tearful as my husband waved me off though ! Its not that long ago that I’d had a general anaesthetic (I had a sentinol node biopsy back in April)so I knew what to expect where that was concerned, and I quite like the feeling of drifting off into an anaesthetic induced state (weirdo, I know!).
My op took about 2-3 hrs and I don’t remember feeling particularly sore, although they did constantly dose me up with painkillers ! The only things I found uncomfortable were the bloomin’ drains - I had three in and kept forgetting they were attached - ouch ! They do give you a bag to put them in though and when you first attempt the loo by yourself, its a bit of a pallava (but laughable!).
As for things you need while you’re in - well there’s the obvious dressing gown and slippers, and a couple of sets of Pyjamas (with buttons down the front). However, I never wore mine while I was in, I felt more comfortable in the hospital gown, because of the positioning of my drains. I took a couple of books (which I managed to read in 2 days) and a pile of magazines, some wipes to freshen up with (getting to the bathroom for a wash can prove a little difficult for the first couple of days). I had lots of visitors too so was never bored.
I had my op on the Wednesday and was allowed home the following Monday when my last drain was taken out. I’m pretty mobile 4 weeks on although I still can’t drive which is annoying me (this is because I’ve got a tissue expander in and have been getting inflated, so my Consultant doesn’t recommend me driving yet).
Overall, try not to worry - easy for me to say, I know. Just look forward to having a relaxing break in hospital and being thoroughly spoiled. You’ll be back on your feet in no time !
Lots and lots of love
Julie xxx