Hi all,thought i might start a thread for all those facing a november op date. I have an mx and node clearance booked for 8th nov, had my pre op today which took for ever and am starting to panic. I was diagnosed on the 8th Oct with a multi focal, grade 2 cancer with lymph nodes involved. I’m 44 with 3 children and work as a gardener so being out of action physically is very worrying. on a practical note, any good suggestions for what to wear post op in hospital, i’m a t shirt sort of person but guess any thing fitted might rub, will i be able to get something baggy on?
Hugs to anyone feeling shaky tonight
herbi x
Hi Herbi. Just saw your post and thought I would say hello.
I had my Mx on 1st June which was my 45th birthday. Not the best present but at least it was getting rid of the lump. I was really anxious beforehand. I just couldn’t imagine what it was going to be like. In the event the operation wasn’t as bad as I thought and the wound healed amazingly quickly. You’ll be shown gentle exercises to keep the arm mobile and avoid tightnes underthe armpit.
Wishing you all the best.
Polly x
Hi Herbi
I know how panicky you must be feeling but it’s not as bad as you imagine. Our imaginations run away with us don’t they? I was the worlds worst with hospitals, never having any experience with them before but it wasn’t at all unbearable! You need to wear something that opens down the front for easy access to your wound and with loose sleeves for a canula or drip in your arm etc. As Polly says the wound does heal quickly and you’ll be doing those exercises in no time. Keep positive. You’ll no doubt be in hospital with other girls like yourself which is helpful. I found wet wipes really useful for freshening up.
Next week will soon come and you’ll be up and out in no time. Sending you warm thoughts for next week. Ami xx
Slinky pyjamas with button up tops,and definately soft bed socks amazing how cold the feet get.I found a posh carrier or shopping bag helped withmy 2 drains,better than the bed pan they gave me to carry around,GD idea and it worked even to going out with drains in,district nurse impressed,mine was covered in cupcakes (a little calender girls):0)
Good Luck Mavis,
Ps I came out the next day,the whole thing not as bad as anticipation!
I carried my drain bottle (christened “Calvin” by my daughter for no readily apparent reason) around in a sparkly red Christmas present bag as it had a nice square bottom so no risk of it falling over, and easily seen so not going to get tripped over.
The main risk of drains is that you forget they’re there and set off forgetting to pick up your bag! If you’re on your feet a lot you might want to use a bag that you can wear across your body (no narrow shoulder straps on the affected side though - lympho risk!)
Good luck herbi!
Jane xxx
Thanks for all the info, im due for mx on the 10th and any titbits like these are invaluable!!
Note to self - go shopping and buy posh bag! - any excuse!
oh and new pj’s…
Hi, I had a mastecomy last Wed, best advise was the bag! For me the NHS hosp food was unbearable, so get friends to bring in healthy food. I had a rebuild, so the masc bra is a godsend! I hate taking it off even for a shower.
I hope it all goes well for you xx
Hi
I had right Mx 3 weeks ago on 13th oct. It wasn’t as bad as I imagined. The rest of the ladies are right about bed socks and button up pj’s and the bag…don’t forget the bag!! The hossie staff took pain relief really seriously so just swallow all pain killers offered, the food was good where I was operated on. I have what I call “white coat syndrome”, I hate hospitals but I couldn’t fault the care and support I recieved. They had to put up with me crying and everything. I had 2 drains, one was taken out after 2 days and I went home with the other in place. I was up and about the next day and was visiting my daughter and shopping the next week.
Wishing you all the best wishes and speedy recovery. M
Thanks for all ur comments, have been feeling really down all day and it’s so nice to find there’s always someone here with a helpful comment. Not working tomorrow so will have shopping expedition for new pj’s and a bag , and maybe some new shoes and lunch - ha ha!
Herbi x