bilateral mastectomy in two days!

[sonyarizzo1]

Hello everyone.
I'm having a bilateral mastectomy on Friday and I'm scared to death. I'm worried about anethesia and I'm worried about the pain. I just can't wait for this all to be over! I'm totally freaked out.

[blessedwitluv]

I'm sorru your having to go through this hun. I just had one done on the 13th of this month and I'm currently pregnant....I was concerned more like freaking out about well the affect of the drugs on my baby and wondering if they would have to deliver me early, etc...

But the pain is manageable, in my personal opinion. I moved slower than a snail after my surgery, I let whoever wanted to help to help...my mom had to feed me the 1st day my arms/shoulder area were too sore and she had to help me get my clothes down so I could use the restroom....To be absolutely honest with you after going through everything and still recovering, for me it I now see its the fear of the unknown that really got me. Not knowing what to exactly expect going in and after....

Everybody tolerates pain and heals differently. The first couple of hours out of surgery for me were truly just not fun...between contending with my pain, pregnant belly, little to no arm movement and they pump you full of iv fluids I ended up letting them drain my urine right out of surgery...but once I got in my room calmed down I was able to slowly get up with help.

I will also say talk to the doc and nurses about anything and everything even if it seems embarrassing, they have likely heard it, seen it etc before. I was getting my vitals checked and OMG I couldn't stop passing gas! I kept apologizing and all the nurse said was It's best for it to come out, so I know your insides are trying to relieve the air and your bowels are trying to work...but I was just soo embarrassed! And if your in any kind of discomfort, pain feel awkward anything ask and if its something they (nurse) can address they will and if.not they will call the doctor.

As far as clothing sweat pants or yoga type pants have been my best friend. They are easy to pull up and down...Shirts the bigger/looser/stretchy the better. They gave me hospital undies to wear despite having my own from home, I found the hospital undies better, lighter, airy, and soo much easier to get on and off.

My aunt brought me hand therapy balls, I love them! It gave me something to hold onto if I felt pains, kept my hands busy..they served as exercise and a focal point. I also had a sponge/luffa thing on a stick so I could wash my private area..I'm glad I had it otherwise my mom would have been washing it the 1st couple days...

Just take it slowly, and rest...for the 1st week all I did was eat, sleep and maybe walk 5ft...

But once you figure out a routine with pain meds, going to the restroom, and a comfortable position to sleep in you'll be okay. I do recommend bringing your own pillows because hospital pillows just suck.

When you cough or sneeze brace yourself, hold something, a pillow to the chest, or just something to grab was helpful and recommended to me by a few other ladies here. Coughing and sneezing hurts for a min or two, but its better to get it over with then try to hold it in then end up having a coughing fit....

But here I am 7 months pregnant almost 2 weeks after surgery doing pretty good! So its truly manageable, you have to find what works for you mentally and physically! Baby steps, allow people to help, if you have to direct people on how to touch you do it, its your body much better to tell them how then to be in more pain than what you have to be.

I wish you nothing but the best! When your able update with how everything went! Stay strong hun!

[jenny001]

I am so glad blessedwitluv posted and I hope you get a chance to read it.   Since she has just gone through the double mastectomy recently, she gave you terrific information. 

I hope your surgery went well with no complications.

Take it slow and left family and friends help you. This is YOU time... time to rest, heal and get strong.  Its a bumpy road but we are all here to help and support you.

God Bless .

[SheriBell]

Hi Jenny - how are you feeling?  I just had a final reconstruction procedure yesterday and so happy it is over with.   Message me if you want to talk - I have been dealing with all this in the last year!

[44LSB]

 Sounds like you have a VERY positive attitude about all of this - I had a double in May 2011 & still have some pains - my right side still has not fully healed hence an additional surgery Feb 16th - also had a surgery Sept 22nd & a TERRIBLE skin infection the month of December BUT thankfully I'm alive & so are you.  When is your baby due?

Quoting blessedwitluv:

I'm sorru your having to go through this hun. I just had one done on the 13th of this month and I'm currently pregnant....I was concerned more like freaking out about well the affect of the drugs on my baby and wondering if they would have to deliver me early, etc...

But the pain is manageable, in my personal opinion. I moved slower than a snail after my surgery, I let whoever wanted to help to help...my mom had to feed me the 1st day my arms/shoulder area were too sore and she had to help me get my clothes down so I could use the restroom....To be absolutely honest with you after going through everything and still recovering, for me it I now see its the fear of the unknown that really got me. Not knowing what to exactly expect going in and after....

Everybody tolerates pain and heals differently. The first couple of hours out of surgery for me were truly just not fun...between contending with my pain, pregnant belly, little to no arm movement and they pump you full of iv fluids I ended up letting them drain my urine right out of surgery...but once I got in my room calmed down I was able to slowly get up with help.

I will also say talk to the doc and nurses about anything and everything even if it seems embarrassing, they have likely heard it, seen it etc before. I was getting my vitals checked and OMG I couldn't stop passing gas! I kept apologizing and all the nurse said was It's best for it to come out, so I know your insides are trying to relieve the air and your bowels are trying to work...but I was just soo embarrassed! And if your in any kind of discomfort, pain feel awkward anything ask and if its something they (nurse) can address they will and if.not they will call the doctor.

As far as clothing sweat pants or yoga type pants have been my best friend. They are easy to pull up and down...Shirts the bigger/looser/stretchy the better. They gave me hospital undies to wear despite having my own from home, I found the hospital undies better, lighter, airy, and soo much easier to get on and off.

My aunt brought me hand therapy balls, I love them! It gave me something to hold onto if I felt pains, kept my hands busy..they served as exercise and a focal point. I also had a sponge/luffa thing on a stick so I could wash my private area..I'm glad I had it otherwise my mom would have been washing it the 1st couple days...

Just take it slowly, and rest...for the 1st week all I did was eat, sleep and maybe walk 5ft...

But once you figure out a routine with pain meds, going to the restroom, and a comfortable position to sleep in you'll be okay. I do recommend bringing your own pillows because hospital pillows just suck.

When you cough or sneeze brace yourself, hold something, a pillow to the chest, or just something to grab was helpful and recommended to me by a few other ladies here. Coughing and sneezing hurts for a min or two, but its better to get it over with then try to hold it in then end up having a coughing fit....

But here I am 7 months pregnant almost 2 weeks after surgery doing pretty good! So its truly manageable, you have to find what works for you mentally and physically! Baby steps, allow people to help, if you have to direct people on how to touch you do it, its your body much better to tell them how then to be in more pain than what you have to be.

I wish you nothing but the best! When your able update with how everything went! Stay strong hun!

 

[blessedwitluv]

I had/have my moments of sadness and I decided that being upset all the time isn't fun....So I take everyday as a blessing. I'm most happy to be here with my children, family, friends...Not easy but I see I use less energy and I feel better when I'm not dwelling on what possible "bad" thing tomorrow, next week, or my next doctors appointment may or may not bring...

I'm due April 21st with my 3rd boy

Quoting 44LSB:

 Sounds like you have a VERY positive attitude about all of this - I had a double in May 2011 & still have some pains - my right side still has not fully healed hence an additional surgery Feb 16th - also had a surgery Sept 22nd & a TERRIBLE skin infection the month of December BUT thankfully I'm alive & so are you.  When is your baby due?

Quoting blessedwitluv:

I'm sorru your having to go through this hun. I just had one done on the 13th of this month and I'm currently pregnant....I was concerned more like freaking out about well the affect of the drugs on my baby and wondering if they would have to deliver me early, etc...

But the pain is manageable, in my personal opinion. I moved slower than a snail after my surgery, I let whoever wanted to help to help...my mom had to feed me the 1st day my arms/shoulder area were too sore and she had to help me get my clothes down so I could use the restroom....To be absolutely honest with you after going through everything and still recovering, for me it I now see its the fear of the unknown that really got me. Not knowing what to exactly expect going in and after....

Everybody tolerates pain and heals differently. The first couple of hours out of surgery for me were truly just not fun...between contending with my pain, pregnant belly, little to no arm movement and they pump you full of iv fluids I ended up letting them drain my urine right out of surgery...but once I got in my room calmed down I was able to slowly get up with help.

I will also say talk to the doc and nurses about anything and everything even if it seems embarrassing, they have likely heard it, seen it etc before. I was getting my vitals checked and OMG I couldn't stop passing gas! I kept apologizing and all the nurse said was It's best for it to come out, so I know your insides are trying to relieve the air and your bowels are trying to work...but I was just soo embarrassed! And if your in any kind of discomfort, pain feel awkward anything ask and if its something they (nurse) can address they will and if.not they will call the doctor.

As far as clothing sweat pants or yoga type pants have been my best friend. They are easy to pull up and down...Shirts the bigger/looser/stretchy the better. They gave me hospital undies to wear despite having my own from home, I found the hospital undies better, lighter, airy, and soo much easier to get on and off.

My aunt brought me hand therapy balls, I love them! It gave me something to hold onto if I felt pains, kept my hands busy..they served as exercise and a focal point. I also had a sponge/luffa thing on a stick so I could wash my private area..I'm glad I had it otherwise my mom would have been washing it the 1st couple days...

Just take it slowly, and rest...for the 1st week all I did was eat, sleep and maybe walk 5ft...

But once you figure out a routine with pain meds, going to the restroom, and a comfortable position to sleep in you'll be okay. I do recommend bringing your own pillows because hospital pillows just suck.

When you cough or sneeze brace yourself, hold something, a pillow to the chest, or just something to grab was helpful and recommended to me by a few other ladies here. Coughing and sneezing hurts for a min or two, but its better to get it over with then try to hold it in then end up having a coughing fit....

But here I am 7 months pregnant almost 2 weeks after surgery doing pretty good! So its truly manageable, you have to find what works for you mentally and physically! Baby steps, allow people to help, if you have to direct people on how to touch you do it, its your body much better to tell them how then to be in more pain than what you have to be.

I wish you nothing but the best! When your able update with how everything went! Stay strong hun!

 

[44LSB]

 Be blessed & take care of yourself.

Quoting blessedwitluv:

I had/have my moments of sadness and I decided that being upset all the time isn't fun....So I take everyday as a blessing. I'm most happy to be here with my children, family, friends...Not easy but I see I use less energy and I feel better when I'm not dwelling on what possible "bad" thing tomorrow, next week, or my next doctors appointment may or may not bring...

I'm due April 21st with my 3rd boy

Quoting 44LSB:

 Sounds like you have a VERY positive attitude about all of this - I had a double in May 2011 & still have some pains - my right side still has not fully healed hence an additional surgery Feb 16th - also had a surgery Sept 22nd & a TERRIBLE skin infection the month of December BUT thankfully I'm alive & so are you.  When is your baby due?

Quoting blessedwitluv:

I'm sorru your having to go through this hun. I just had one done on the 13th of this month and I'm currently pregnant....I was concerned more like freaking out about well the affect of the drugs on my baby and wondering if they would have to deliver me early, etc...

But the pain is manageable, in my personal opinion. I moved slower than a snail after my surgery, I let whoever wanted to help to help...my mom had to feed me the 1st day my arms/shoulder area were too sore and she had to help me get my clothes down so I could use the restroom....To be absolutely honest with you after going through everything and still recovering, for me it I now see its the fear of the unknown that really got me. Not knowing what to exactly expect going in and after....

Everybody tolerates pain and heals differently. The first couple of hours out of surgery for me were truly just not fun...between contending with my pain, pregnant belly, little to no arm movement and they pump you full of iv fluids I ended up letting them drain my urine right out of surgery...but once I got in my room calmed down I was able to slowly get up with help.

I will also say talk to the doc and nurses about anything and everything even if it seems embarrassing, they have likely heard it, seen it etc before. I was getting my vitals checked and OMG I couldn't stop passing gas! I kept apologizing and all the nurse said was It's best for it to come out, so I know your insides are trying to relieve the air and your bowels are trying to work...but I was just soo embarrassed! And if your in any kind of discomfort, pain feel awkward anything ask and if its something they (nurse) can address they will and if.not they will call the doctor.

As far as clothing sweat pants or yoga type pants have been my best friend. They are easy to pull up and down...Shirts the bigger/looser/stretchy the better. They gave me hospital undies to wear despite having my own from home, I found the hospital undies better, lighter, airy, and soo much easier to get on and off.

My aunt brought me hand therapy balls, I love them! It gave me something to hold onto if I felt pains, kept my hands busy..they served as exercise and a focal point. I also had a sponge/luffa thing on a stick so I could wash my private area..I'm glad I had it otherwise my mom would have been washing it the 1st couple days...

Just take it slowly, and rest...for the 1st week all I did was eat, sleep and maybe walk 5ft...

But once you figure out a routine with pain meds, going to the restroom, and a comfortable position to sleep in you'll be okay. I do recommend bringing your own pillows because hospital pillows just suck.

When you cough or sneeze brace yourself, hold something, a pillow to the chest, or just something to grab was helpful and recommended to me by a few other ladies here. Coughing and sneezing hurts for a min or two, but its better to get it over with then try to hold it in then end up having a coughing fit....

But here I am 7 months pregnant almost 2 weeks after surgery doing pretty good! So its truly manageable, you have to find what works for you mentally and physically! Baby steps, allow people to help, if you have to direct people on how to touch you do it, its your body much better to tell them how then to be in more pain than what you have to be.

I wish you nothing but the best! When your able update with how everything went! Stay strong hun!

 

 

[jenny001]

blessedwitluv:  She said it all.

Hang in there and keep us posted.... we are all here for you. 

[Angellinda]

 Please update us when you can! I was Diagnosed with my Triple Negative Breast Cancer, 2 years ago today. Sending Care! You're a Survivor!!