I have just received a surgery date of 31/1/26 for a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction (DIEP). I have Lobular Cancer in my right breast which does not have appeared to have spread outside and is sitting a Grade 1 at the moment. I have googled the hell out of the whole process and watched animations so I know what I am in for surgery wise. I would love to hear from other ladies who underwent this and how they coped over the first few weeks. I am very lucky to have a partner who is a nurse (semi retired) so he will be home with me for the first couple of weeks which is an advantage which I don’t take for granted. I would like to hear some of the practical tips. We have Lazy Boy Recliners so I figure I can sleep on my back on these so I am not disturbing the wounds/drains. Another lady suggested buying a Tri Pillow and sleeping in bed. What have others found worked well? My partner will eventually go back to work at night doing security and I am thinking about ordering in some boxed meals which will be easy to prepare. I am wondering about bras as I figure support for the reconstructed breast will be needed…… does the hospital organise this initially or is this up to the patient? When do you have to wear them. Any insider tips, etc would be much appreciated. As the hospital is on skeleton staff over the holidays they have just given me the date with no information. They have told me someone will follow up next week but i like to be proactive and think ahead so I am mentally and physically prepared. Thanks for all your help.
@cleolotus
I too had fairly extensive lobular in my right breast and had a Diep reconstruction (also a small implant, as not enough tummy) and a reduction on my left… It’s a tough surgery, but not as brutal as I was expecting I was lucky that my husband could work from home and he did everything for me for weeks! Because of the addition of the implant, I was higher risk, but I would offer the following advice for when you’re home:
I slept in bed with lots of pillows to keep me upright - and a big V pillow (from Dunelm) was invaluable.
I bought a tray with legs so that I could eat sitting on the sofa, protecting my tummy.
Pre-prepared meals is a great idea, as you mustn’t lift or reach up for several weeks. A small meal in the microwave is doable in your own
I bought front fastening supportive bras from M&S (worn 24/7 for 8 weeks) and medium support high knickers from M&S, (also 24/7) - a friend cut the gusset and sewed in poppers - I wore normal knickers underneath. it was perfect and I didn’t have to wash the support knickers every day!
A table by your side with snacks, water etc
Sorry if this is garbled… there’s so much to take in and I remember being frazzled before my surgery!
I had my surgery in 2023, so it’s hard to remember everything, but I would highly recommend you join the Facebook group ‘Diep Reconstruction UK’ - there’s a wealth of knowledge and lots of lists of things you need in hospital too.
If you have questions, fire away- I’d love to help! The best of luck xxx
Thank you for your reply. Great idea on the table with sides. My partner looked after me when I had a broken ankle and he used to put all my food on a side table so I could tend to it myself while he was at work and I was on crutches. I am talking to someone on Monday who is confirming the date so I figure they will send out the information on the bras, etc. I am happy to hear the surgery was not as brutal as you thought is was going to be. One of my friends thinks I am lucky that I am getting a tummy tuck……………. um I think that is being just a little bit too positive!!
I hated people saying that!! However, you do get a flatter tummy….
Seriously, please ask any questions that pop into your head.
Be aware that the pain is more about being stooped over- it hurts your back more than anywhere else weirdly! I wish I’d thought of using a walking stick. x
And a hand held/ table top fan is a MUST in hospital- you’re under a ‘bear hugger’ for 24 hours which is like a heated lilo… you have sweat pouring down your face
Well done on preparing for your operation. I had a mastectomy in January 2021 with no recon, although I was offered the tummy tuck route. I am a big advocate for a V pillow for the first 2 weeks or so. We had recliners in the lounge but would never had contemplatedsleeping in them at night. Thinking about it, I like the demarcation between day and night.
Mine was a right-sided op and I slept on the left side of the bed so anyhow so no other adaptations were needed there.
When I felt able to start lying back on my right side (my preferred nodding off position), I bought a long or body pillow and had that tucked into me. I gradually moved it away as I got to more and more fully on my side.
I got on with cooking etc. but then my op was much more simple. There was little pain and the drain was easy to manage once I worked out how to close it properly. I would suggest you film a nurse doing this as it would’ve been so helpful.
I used a huge Iceland recycled plastic (you know the material) shopping carrier bag to fashion a shower cape - slicing the bottom to put my head through. That really protected my dressings while I needed to keep it dry. You might need something even bigger to protect your tummy wound - a big thick gardening rubbish sack perhaps? I even washed my hair! I had the shower head low so there was no chance of the water trickling down my neck. I felt so much better after the first one.
Keep up the fluids and get cracking with any exercises you’re given ASAP and do diligently.
I hope it all goes well and here’s to a speedy recovery and great outcome.
Thank you Angela. Great tips! I especially like all the tips for the shower. I am very proactive so will definitely do all the exercises, etc. When I rehabilitated from my broken ankle my partner put a plastic chair in the shower so I could sit in there and shower safely. We are lucky in this house as it was owned by an elderly lady before us and lots of safety features are already installed.
I was lucky that my husband could work from home and he did everything for me for weeks! Because of the addition of the implant, I was higher risk, but I would offer the following advice for when you’re home:
