Hi
Newbie here.
I was diagnosed about 4 weeks ago with intermediate DCIS and due to go in for left mx and diep reconstruction on 5th September. I thought I was coping fine but in reality I think my brain was refusing to make the connections. (Although my surgeon was really kind and explained everything about DCIS, mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy, etc - I don’t think he actually said the words cancer/ breast cancer. I was like a rabbit in the headlights though!) I crashed last weekend and just kept bursting into tears. This week I’ve gone into practical mode and am trying to work out little, possibly daft, questions. I have family and friends nearby but live alone. How do you manage everyday tasks like showering if drains are still in, hair washing, etc? What sort of nightwear should I take into hospital or do they put you in a hospital gown because wounds and dressings are being checked?
Would appreciate any advice.
Thanks
Hi Stormcloud ,
i was diagnosed with grade 2 invasive lobular breast cancer in January and ended up having 2 lumpectomy operations and because the surgeons still couldn’t get clear margins they said I needed to have a mastectomy ! I chose to have a reconstruction ( tram flap ) at the same time which I had just over three months ago ! Like you things were explained to me and my husband but it was difficult to take it all in !
Regarding your hospital stay they will provide a hospital gown as much easier for the checks which they do on a regular basis and it’s easier for the drains and catheter ! Basically as the week goes on and the drains and catheter are removed then it’s up to you if you want to wear your own nightwear but button through tops are easier ! When you go home it might be easier if you have a friend or family member with you for a while as you are not allowed to lift anything more than half a kettle of water or two cups of tea ! I wasn’t able to shower for a good two weeks possibly longer so had to put up with a good wash each day ! Unfortunately washing your hair is probably not advised initially as you mustn’t bend forwards or backwards because of your wounds ! I was lucky that I have a friend who is a nurse who was able to wash my hair while I was lying on the bed ! She has been nursing intensive care patients so knew how to do it without me moving very much !
i had one of my abdominal drains in when I came home too so that was another reason for not showering ! When you do get to shower ask for waterproof dressings as I wasn’t given them to start with and my abdominal wound took around 10 weeks to heal ( this is apparently quite common so don’t be alarmed! )
If you want anymore advice I am happy for you to message me privately , just let me know x
thinking of you and hope all goes ok
love Philippa xx