Double whammy, may be

[jillybee]

All this has been brilliant. I am now returned to pilates and body balance classes in my gym, building up my core strength...I feel fairly well prepared bnow, although surgery wont be till summer at least!!! Again, a lovely thread, we are not a bad bunch of people, and as you say, nextstep,lots of help from from friends, they are just great...xx

[Nextstep]

Don't forget you can always ask people to help you. I only had one side done but couldn't wash my hair.  Friends and neighbours took it in turns to come and wash it for me, and to be honest I think it made them feel good.  If it was a friend of yours you would want to do what you could to help no doubt, so let them do the same for you.  Women tend to find giving easier than taking but you are giving people an opportunity to feel good by helping you!

[samos]

I think you will do just fine Jillybee.

I found Triumph Tri-action bras really really comfy
http://www.johnlewis.com/triumph-sports-tri-workout-soft-bra-white/p65355#BVRRWidgetID

[jillybee]

Thanks Samos, 

I am actually going for assessment on Friday, so gives me chance to  ask a few questions, however, this board has proved to be wonderful. I love loose type clothes,leggings and smock tops. Maybe a visit to Primark would not be a bad idea. Having serveral operations including 11 for the breast4 199-2004 and 7, 2013-14 and 2 total hip replacements I know I shall be fine. I am now regaining my fitness levels , as was OK before this hiccup. Plan to complete the BUPA 10k in London this May, raising funds for our BC unit.

The only really query I have at present where did people get their bras???

[samos]

Hi Jillybee. I've had a double DIEP - although mine was done just after chemo along with bc and prophylactic mx's and ANC.
I'll not deny that having the two done is harder than the one - although I had no problem with brushing hair as I was bald from the chemo!
Everything is made extra difficult as you do not have a 'good arm' to help with anything. Getting out of bed is a real nightmare - you try doing it without the use of your arms or stomach muscles...
Even going to the toilet in the early days requires a helping hand. You can't pour yourself a glass of water from the hospital jug as you are only allowed to lift the weight of a cup of tea...
You can't open and pull heavy doors - even car doors can be challenging for a few weeks.
Front fastening clothes are your friend, as are easy on easy off loose, elasticated and stretchy things.

However, despite all that, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I'm two years post dx now and I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever.

[Helenbythesea]

I am the one with the affected left hand and the weak right!

Teeth -  i wedged my left elbow into my waist and brought my head down towards it - awkward but effective. 

Hair - - not sure, mine is very very curly so I only use a wide toothed comb which i could manage with my right hand.  In hospital I am sure someone would help if you asked too.

[songbird68]

Hi Jillybee,

I've been thinking on how to brush your hair, but I have no experience. I'm sure you will manage it somehow.  Not very helpful, sorry, but I expect someone will be along that can answer this 🙂

Take care x x

[jillybee]

Thanks for all the tips.espeaily about long skirts, which I like to wear anyway. Having had loads of breast surgery, 11 operations in all, have learnt a lot , but this will effect both sides....thanks again

[Helenbythesea]

Also buy loads of wipes - wet wipes and sanitised ones.  I am left handed and my Mastectomy was on that side, but my right hand is weak and terribly uncoordinated!  So I found wipes fabulous and buttoned up at the front clothes.  I watched a lady trying to dress herself folllowing her op to go home - she had a loose t shirt but could not get her arms up to get them into the sleeves.  A pull on long skirt hides a multitude of sins too.

[songbird68]

Hi Jillybee, hope you are well:)

I say you are right that you may have difficulty raising both arms. Maybe you have someone to help you do things for the first week or so. Before you go in for surgery you need also to rearrange your kitchen cupboards so that everything is easy reach without stretching. Prepare meals and put them in the freezer. Maybe you will spend the first few days at home sleeping in the armchair/recliner, so have pillows ready just in case. Extra pillows to rest your arms on too. A selection of DVDs. Ways of clipping up your drains so that you can wash..clothing that you can put on easily without lifting your arms too much, or straining your tummy - I forgot the donor site there sorry! I was just thinking arms lol.

They'll give you plenty of support in hospital, and don't forget you could be staying in there maybe five days to make sure the flaps take, and that you are well.

There's lots of DIEP threads on breast cancer.org and there's a lot of info that could be really helpful, even though it's an American site. You can find me there too under the same name.:)

Take care x x

[jillybee]

The booklet I have,advising me on DIEP surgery, talks of one arm, thus thinking you are having just one side done. However, has I need both breasts done, has anyone had this?? How will I brush my hair??Although I realise at the time, this will be last of my concerns!