It’s been a while since i posted on here (diagnosed early July 2018) but am looking for some thoughts/reassurance on my situation.
I’m having to have a single mx (IDC tumour removed with an WLE but results showed more DCIS so mx recommended) and my consultant and BCN are both keen for me to have immediate reconstruction with DIEP.
I know this is a major operation and major recovery and I’m very anxious about it because I live alone, with no family immediately nearby and no close friends to draw on for support. Initially we had thought that I’d go to stay at my brother’s to recuperate but the doc and BCN were very clear this wasn’t a good idea as it would involve a 90 min car journey when I was discharged and I’d be away from the hospital that did my surgery if there was a problem.
I’ve been in denial about all of this since I was told about the mx but now I’m really having a big anxiety meltdown as I don’t see how this can happen when I’ve not got any support at home.
Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Please someone tell me that it’s possible to get through this if you don’t have someone with you all the time?
I really feel for you and your situation especially as you’ve been through so much already. I’m probably not the best person to advise as I had a mx and LD flap recon but I think they have similar recovery times. I know it’s not what you want to hear but I don’t think I would’ve been able to manage on my own for a good couple of weeks after my surgery especially while the drain is still in. I was very lucky as my husband did everything in the house (in fact he is still doing some things and I’m 7 weeks post op).
Is there anyone that could maybe pop in to help you out for the first week or so when you get out of hospital? Have they told you how long you will be in hospital? I was in 5 days but I was wondering if you could maybe stay longer because of your circumstances.
I’m sure somene who has had a DIEP recon will come and give you some advice.
Social care employment agencies (different from social services) employ self employed community support workers. I can suggest that you find out where your nearest agency is and advise them of your situation. Alternatively you could put an add on a website saying that you were looking for a community support worker.
The support workers would be DBS checked and I can say that there are a lot of lovely people who work in this field.
I’m 7 weeks post DIEP & reduction. Like everything, you just don’t know how your body will react. I’ve been very lucky post op with no complications other than a reaction to the surgical tape.
My hospital was a 50 minute journey from home, the car ride was ok but you’d need a pillow. The hospital like you to go back there, usually a week from discharge to the dressing clinic.
It’s little things like getting the stockings on & off for a shower which is difficult. There’s a lady on the going through treatment - surgery part who also lives alone & is due to have a DIEP.
The reconstruction breast nurse said I could take a picture & email it to her if I was worried about anything. I know from talking to others that not every hospital has a reconstruction nurse though. I had to inject myself with a blood thinner for 7 days, would you be ok with that?
I don’t think you’d need someone with you all the time but you definitely need someone to check on you daily. Your body will really let you know if you do too much & you don’t want the risk of complications. Sorry, I know you don’t want to hear that ? I hate the thought of you being alone after such a major operation. You also can’t stand straight for about a week. They use surgical tape which you can shower with so that’s not a problem. After 9 days I was going stir crazy & pottered around Tesco with my husband! I was exhausted for doing so.
I had single mx with double diep reconstruction on 24th sept (1st mastectomy was july 2017) just over 2 weeks ago. I was terrified of operation and recovery time as i am fiercely independent . I was in hospital 6 days and physio made sure i was able to get up and do stairs etc before i got home, my husband took a week off work to look after me (he normally works away from home) but honestly it was no where near as bad as i feared, yes i was tired and needed naps (still do) but i have been able to do all my personal care myself and potter around house very well. I was out walking dog exactly 1 week after my op albeit a bit slow. District nurses are available to change dressings (hubby did this for me). I know everyone is different but i certainly (so far) have not found recovery as bad as i feared. Hope this helps. Sending a hug x
I was also very undecided before my surgery about whether to have reconstruction or not as my boobs are very small and I didn’t think it would make much difference to me but I decided to have it for psychological reasons mainly. I totally agree with the person that told you to look at and touch your new boob as soon as possible as this helps you to get used to it right from the beginning. I also agree that you have to look at the long term when making your decision.
I’m sure you will make the right decision for you - good luck xx
