I got a call today to inform me that surgery is bookedon Monday. Mastectomy and axillary clearance. I’m nervous for obvious reasons and I feel guilty a sin that my poor husband is going to have to take on all my chores and be mummy to the kids.
Any ways, guilt aside, can anyone offer me advice on things that would help me during my hospital stay and at home in the first few days. I’m open to all suggestions x
Good luck with your surgery. I don’t have any advice as I haven’t had mine yet - just don’t feel guilty. I am sure your husband will want to do everything he can to help with your recovery
Hi Kander,
While you are waiting for other members to reply to your post, it might help to look through the section “going through Treatment/surgery”. I have found one thread on there which might help:
forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Surgery/What-to-take-into-Hospital-Mastectomy/td-p/586237/page/2
I’ve also attached a link to our publication “Your operation and recovery”:
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/sites/default/files/your_operation_and_recovery_bcc151_0.pdf
And don’t forget there’s always our helpline for information and support. 0808 800 6000. The opening times are 9-5 on weekdays and 10-2 on Saturdays.
Take care
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
Hi,
I had my mastectomy 2 weeks ago, I also felt guilty about my husband having to take over everything and look after our 4 children. The only advice I can give you is first of all, dont feel guilty…your husband will need to do things to help you and take his mind off worrying about you. Take any offers of help from friends and family…people want to feel as though they are doing something for you.
The op really isnt as bad as you think it is…I had mine at 9am and was able to go home that day…apart from feeling at little stiff I really had no pain. I was able to help a little with the children a little and the children were relieved to see that I was ok. Do your exercises that physio will give you and try not to worry (easier said than done)…its all very daunting but its one HUGE step closer to getting better.
Sending you positive thoughts and ((((hugs)))) xx
Thank you for your replies. My surgery is booked in for 1pm so I’ll be spending at least 1 night. My breast care nurse said it’ll be a few nights. I need to be home before Thursday because it’s my little girls second birthday and I’ll feel awful if I’m not there to watch her get excited.
I will be thinking of you on Monday xx and I am sure you will be home in time for your daughter’s birthday xx
Hi, I had mine last Friday with Axillary Node clearance. I also have 2 young boys (9 and 6). I have been very lucky as my sister came to help for the first few days. You mustn’t feel guilty, you are sick and you must take all the help you can get and sometimes it is good for dads to see how much we actually do as mums! I have had virtually no pain, just the funny nerve feelings which are becoming more frequent as they heal. Definitely do your exercises from the time you get home. I was in for 1 night, our hospital allows you home after 24 hours, providing the drains are less than 150mls.
The only thing I would say is that physically I had very little pain but mentally I have found it very hard to accept the new version of me. Everybody deals with things differently, for me I am glad that the cancer is hopefully cut out but the first few times I looked at myself in a mirror I struggled…but as the week has progressed I am finding it easier…try to make sure you look at yourself when you are in hospital with the nurse, they are very reassuring and gentle. Also, you will have to check yourself daily for any signs of infection, so it is good to look when you are in hospital to know what is normal. I was also visited by the breast nurse who gave me a softie to put in my bra…I live in my bra now…I definitely recommend you buy a post surgery bra (I got mine from M&S, they are brilliant)…I feel very confident with my bra and softie in, nobody would know I was lob sided! I get my pathology results on Tuesday and see the oncologist to discuss which chemo I will be having.
Anyway, hope this has helped. Good luck with everything and make sure you do take it easy that first week after surgery to avoid any risk of infection etc.
A xx
Hi Kander, please don’t feel guilty. You are no.1 priority right now, and I bet your husband has told you that already. Accept any offers of help and support from family and friends. You cannot rush the BC journey you are on, it will
chug along at its own pace. The one and only aim of it is to get you free of cancer, everything else comes second. Even if you have to delay your little girls birthday celebration for a day or two until you’ve recovered enough to enjoy it.
Best wishes for Mon, and please try to take it day by day thereafter, you can’t rush recovery.
((hug)) x
Hello Kander
My heart goes out to you, but you will be fine. I had a mastectomy in November 2012 and I must say, a paper cut has been more sore than the mastectomy scar. It is amazing how it heals so quickly. Do take things easy though. I did have some bruising, but nothing much.
Here are my practical tips: I used my heart cushion which I was given, a great deal - and it slipped under my coat too!, I found a travel hair dryer very useful (before I lost my hair due to chemo!), button fronted pyjmas/night shirt. I also dried my scar with the hair dryer on cool, and from a distance to make sure it was kept nice and dry to heal.
I wish you all the best, and let people help you! Any tips neede for anything else, just contact me!
Love and hugs,
Tiggy
Hi Kander,
I just wanted to wish you all the best tomorrow, I will be thinking of you.
I was diagnosed just after you and had all my tests and scans done last week and now waiting for Thur to get my treatment plan.
As for hospital advice, do everything at your own pace. I am sure your husband just wants to see you better and he would be more than happy to do anything to support you.
I have heard you will need to do your exercises once you get home too.
Xxxx
Hey Kander
Hope all’s well and your recovery is going according to plan x
Sending you a gentle (((hug))) thru cyberspace.
Best Wishes
Lesley x