Hello ladies
I’m hoping you can answer some questions for me.
First a bit of background - I was first diagnosed April 07, had WLE with sample nodes 1 of 9 affected. Had 8 sessions chemo and 6 weeks radiotherapy, finally finishing January 08.
Unfortunately I found another lump in May 08 and after having gone through the various tests was diagnosed with another cancerous tumour in the same breast.
I am booked in for a mastectomy & an immediate recon on 18th September and as the date gets nearer I am getting more nervous!
I’ve been told to expect to be in hospital for a week and my questions are:
Are the drains removed before leaving hospital?
Does physio exercises start straight away?
Were you able to shower/wash yourself straight after the op etc?
Any other advice welcomed based on your own experiences on what I can expect to be able to do for myself or what help I can expect to need in the first couple of weeks.
I suppose I’m worrying about the practicalities of what I will and be able to do in the first few days after the surgery.
1 Most drains are taken out by 5-7 days so usually before you go home,some hospitals will allow you home with them a bit earlier if you are well otherwise.
I didn’t fancy that ,I wanted drains etc confined to my memories of hospital.
2 The physio was round 24 hrs after op with very gentle exercises
3 I was weak on day one (I had a rough time immediately after op with blood loss etc) so got bed bath and next day the nurse helped me shower and wash my hair.
Good luck with the op and sorry for the rushed reply,feel free to ask any more questions,
Thanks for replying Dot.
Another question…
Did anyone have chemotherapy after having an immediate recon as I’ve seen posts on here that mention that an immediate recon wasn’t possible because of having chemotherapy after surgery?
I had an immediate TRAM recon and I had chemo but not rads.
I had drains out in hospital but it seems to depend on individual hospital.
I was in bed for day and 1/2 so catheter and bed bath. Drains are a pain when you come to have a shower. It’s exhausting and everything is wet. I rang the buzzer for help, so ask for help before you go for one.
The morphine drip can cause constipation so be prepared.
I was in a week and all drains were out before I went home
I was encouraged to start physio exercises after a few days - but it’s dependent on the type of reconstruction you have. You’re not supposed to lift your arm above your head for 15 days if you’ve had a DIEP
I didn’t shower properly until all drains were out and I was home - so be prepared for strip-type washes at the sink! With 3 drains, this is tricky!
I can’t see why an immediate reconstruction would prevent you having chemo
What kind of reconstruction are you having?
I would say that I was uncomfortable for around 3 weeks after the op but was never in any kind of excrutiating pain - and I had a morphine patient-controlled drip in for 48 hours afterwards (that was with a DIEP).
Good luck Carol - I haven’t regretted it at all and I’m now nearly 6 months down the line.
I have posted below for you the link to BCC’s publication on breast reconstruction. You can either download a copy or order a free copy to be posted out to you. If you wish to discuss any aspect of the surgery and recovery, our helpline staff will be only too happy to have a chat with you. The calls are free, lines open Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm and Sat 9am - 2pm on 0808 800 6000. Hope this is all of some help to you.