Hi my fellow lovelies.
I am 35 and have been diagnosed with low/intermediate 10cm of DCIS on one side, and have a mastectomy and reconstruction booked at the end of the month. I have never had surgery before, let alone a hospital stay. Do you have any advice for things to take for the surgery and what helped you post surgery to cope with healing?
Has anyone else only had a mastectomy and reconstiction with an implant on one side? How did it turn out for you?
This website has been incredible in helping me learn more about DCIS and it’s amazing to see such support on these forums.
I had mastectomy but without reconstruction and like you first stay in hospital. Took my usual toiletries, front button pjs, a towel and flannel (although hospital also provided). Also took wetwipes tisdues, slippers and dressing gown. Book/magazine or somethings to keep you entertained, phone charger, snacks and drinks. I also took a small amount of cash in case needed but left cards at home. My hospital supplied a drain bag and heart shaped cushion. As it turned out I was discharged the next morning so didn’t need most of it! Hope all goes well for you, it wasn’t as bad as I imagined hospital or the op would be.
Coming up for 6 weeks post op now. Am doing ok thanks. Lucky so far, no side effects, had minimal pain, was mainly discomfort and more or less back to normal after a couple of weeks. I didnt have reconstruction though which i think has a bit longer recovery time. Try not to worry, I think the lead up to it and not really knowing what it would be like was worse than the reality. Others on here have said dont google and I agree. Google gave me the impression I’d be incapacitated and dependant on others for months - not true. Best advice is be sensible, dont overdo things and listen to your body. If help is offered take it if you need it. Oh and do the arm exercises, they really do help although a bit painful at first. All the best.
I had my op and was out the same day (Covid times) so everything I took I didn’t need. It was my 1st op and actually not as bad as I was expecting.
Rest as much as you can, listen to your body, but make sure you do the exercises they give you, they are so important.
Have meals prepared and lots of snacks/treats, spoil yourself!
Go outside in the fresh air too. x
Good support for your reconstruction is essential.
If you have not already then get ask the BCN for a special post surgery bra, ti wear immediately and 24/7.
At my hospital they gave me a ‘reco bra’, which was excellent. This is what the website says: “ Designed to be worn immediately after surgery, the Reco Bra® can be worn 24/7 post-surgery for up to 6-8 weeks.”
If you have any pain after the surgery ask for pain relief asap. Best not let it linger and get worse. Nip it in the bud.
Another simple practical thing but I found this important: After surgery for a few weeks avoid roads with speed bumps. While you are the passenger you can hold your reconstruction firmly with your hands if a speed bump or pothole comes up.
Hi @shesthebeat
I’m 3 weeks post mastectomy with implant reconstruction under my skin. I had my operation around midday so meant I had an overnight stay in hospital. I guess if you go to theatre earlier then you may get home the same day. I found the whole experience very well organised and I was looked after brilliantly. I was so nervous about GA but in the end need not have worried as felt so reassured by the anaesthetists and I had a great sleep TIP - if you wear cotton underwear you can keep them on for surgery otherwise you have to wear paper knickers! This may not be the case for all hospitals though.
I was up and about in the evening to go to the toilet and brush teeth. I didn’t sleep great but was having obs done every hour! I only needed ibuprofen for pain relief and to be honest I wasn’t in much pain just a bit uncomfortable. This may have been due to a nerve blocker I was given by anaesthetist during surgery. I had one drain and a vacuum dressing. I bought a cheap drain bag on Amazon that clipped round my waist to hold the drain bottle and vacuum device. I was given a compression bra to wear 24/7 for 6 weeks. I have bought another one from M&S which I wear during the day and use the hospital one for bed as it’s a bit more comfortable for sleeping.
I took an overnight bag with PJs (button up front) and clean underwear but I didn’t end up wearing the PJs as it was so hot! I just stayed in the hospital gown. I also took a towel and toiletries. My hubby brought in my iPad which I had downloaded lots of shows to watch. I recommend you take ear plugs and an eye mask. I was lucky enough to have my own room with an en-suite but it was still noisy and bright!
Going home I had a little cushion to place under my seatbelt and I also used it under my armpit for extra comfort whilst sitting and sleeping.
I was incredibly nervous but honestly it’s not as bad as you think. My recovery is going really well and I’m over the moon with the results. I have full range of movement in my arm but I only had sentinel lymph node removed for testing. I’ll hopefully be back to driving next week. I’ve got radiotherapy in the new year and there is a risk of capsular contracture but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Good luck for your surgery 🩷
Vixter xx
Thank you so much for your replies! It’s so reassuring to hear your experiences and that you’re all healing well. I have made a list from all of your recommendations of what to take!
How are you all doing emotionally? Right now i feel on autopilot, but im afraid its going to hit me like a tonne of bricks at some point.
I was diagnosed back in March. It took a long time for it to sink in that I actually had breast cancer. It’s strange as other than a lumpy boob I felt physically well. My mind went to dark places whilst waiting for scans and appointments. When I started chemo I really struggled and my emotions were all over the place. My nurse suggested I do some counselling through a local charity. It was honestly the best thing for me and really helped my state of mind in order to get through the treatment.
I’ve had a complete response to chemo which I’m thrilled about but I do still worry it will return elsewhere. I will be doing as much as I can to keep myself healthy and reduce my risk. I’ve got another 14 rounds of phesgo to go and start tamoxifen in the new year.
Are you feeling any better about surgery? Will you be having chemo?
V xx
. I felt so relived when I was in recovery , knowing that the cancer was no longer in my body.
TIP - if you wear cotton underwear you can keep them on for surgery otherwise you have to wear paper knickers! This may not be the case for all hospitals though.