Mastectomy

I will be seeing my surgeon and plastic surgeon next week and plan to be scheduled for a right mastectomy for the folowing week. Since I am a Stage 4, the recommendation was for a mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy, so that I did not have to do any radiation at this time. The thinking that this would leave more radiation available to me if I needed it at a later date. Since I am BRAC negative they are not advocating a double mastectomy.

I have never had a major surgery like this and wondering what to expect. I do know that I will stay overnight only 1 night at the hospital and go home with a drain(s). Any advice or information would very much be appreciated.

 

Also looking for information on reconstruction. Know very little at this point about what my options would be.

Thanks for ther help and information.

Traci

Hi again,

Others may also be posting with their experiences.

Recently, I had put some thoughts on surgery(mastectomy) on another thread.
So, I will copy and put here:

Some thoughts on surgery...............
Pick and choose what seems helpful. Disregard the rest.
    Call your surgeon's office about how to get a both arm measurement before surgery.
        Some places use a tape measure. Some use a perometer. Some physical therapy departments
        and some vascular departments do the arm measurements.
        Maybe...hopefully your surgeon's office already has a plan for this.
        Maybe this was already done.
        Reason for pre-surgery arm measurements:
                   Baseline in case there is a question of swelling or lymphedema in the future.
                         (of course, most women do not get lymphedema, but good to have as a baseline)
                   Risks for lymphedema: ALND/sentinel node biopsy (less risk than ALND) /mastectomy/
                             had surgery in the armpit before now/radiation to the lymph node areas
                             after lymph node surgery      
        Many do not have this done.......so if not possible to do, don't worry.....but worth asking
               about.......either locally or surgery facility.
        If above not done, with body facing the wall, mark on a wall or closet door etc
               how high both arms can reach above straight up........this way you know what you
               could do before surgery......not everyone   can reach straight up to a full 180 degrees
               (flexion) before surgery.
    Think about your "healing cave".   When you get home, where will you spend time?
        Do you have a recliner?    If not, is it possible you can borrow one?
        Some people have suggested that a "recliner" is almost a must for s/p double mastectomy.
        If not a recliner, can you adapt a chair with pillows etc for easing getting into and out of?
        Plan on what to have nearby in advance.....helpful things as well as "healing" things.
    Accept ALL help offered esp. the first week. One may be able to manage by oneself if that
       is the only option. Any help makes the recovery so much easier.
       Also you can always cancel any planned help...........you are in charge of your recovery plan.     
    Make list of what you will bring to hospital on surgery day.   Pack bag before last minute.
                 Pack chap stick for dry lips.
    Get Bath wipes (optional but a big help) from drug store.
               (Not baby or hand wipes....personal bath wipes)
               May be helpful the first few days instead of washcloth/towel/soap.
    Go thru your clothes and find a few really easy to get into tops for the first week or so.
               Depending on weather, zippered light fleece tops might be good.
               Anything zippered or real full and roomy.
    If you have a silk pajama top or robe, try wearing.
               Silk pajamas (from the bottom of the drawer. felt so good next to the skin to sleep in.
               (Disregard if hot flashes are an issue).
    Food in house that you think you would like after surgery.
              Have some bland, easy to digest things (just in case).   Have favorite beverages.
    Check that you will be able to get things safely at home after surgery.
             Question put the frequently used things lower. So, when your help leaves, you are all set.
             You may get your arm range of motion back quickly but until the drains are out, many
                      have some restrictions regarding reaching overhead.                            
     Check with your surgeon's nurse re; best way they recommend to manage the drains after
                  mastectomy.   Some places have a belt with pockets.   Some places advise a camisole
                  with drain pockets.
                  Just in case you have a rich relative or friend or are due for a special gift from yourself
                          consider.......the Jacki (jacket) costs around $124 plus postage.
                          Link:   http://www.thejacki.com/index.htm
                          NOTE: Doubt if any cancer center or hospitals provide this "free" to patients but
                                       would suggest one checks before getting one.
                         I did not get one. Appears those who do, find the Jacki helpful.
                 Your surgeon or on your pre-op visit, it will be explained about the drains connected
                    with a mastectomy......care for them.....time varies how long they are in....... etc.
                 If no one has mentioned post op drains, don't be concerned. You will be given all the
                          info you need.
    If you find mind body techniques helpful....and/or visualization and relaxation type CD'ss,
          would suggest you consider looking into:
               Peggy Huddleston's CD and book. Prepare for surgery: Heal Faster.
                 http://www.healfaster.com/
               If you plan to get either the book or the CD, I would suggest getting the CD.
               It's best to get both, but if you get only one, get the CD.
               The CD does suggest that one completes the page in Peggy’s book for:
                      Healing statements for surgery (page 257)
                      and to make copies to bring on surgery day.
                      You may be able to borrow the book from a library and copy page 257.
              I used the book and CD.   Found them very helpful.   I figured if they didn't help
                    at least they couldn't hurt.
At some point post-op, ask your MD for a physical therapy eval. Many physical therapists feel
     everyone who has had a mastectomy (with or without reconstruciton) would benefit from a
     physical therapy evaluation.
    See PT info on link:    http://breastfree.org/viewer.php?num=7
See the TNBC thread:
             http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/the-after-surgery-tips_topic3104.html
Please post if you have any questions on anything I have said.

With caring and positive thoughts,

Grateful for today..............Judy




Edited by Grateful for today - Mar 25 2012 at 8:55am

Traci,< ="text/" ="" ="/B1D671CF-E532-4481-99AA-19F420D90332etdefender/huidhui.js?0=0&0=0&0=0">

Thanks so much for everyone's response. I have started reading each article listed.

It is a little overwhelming. Hopefully after I see the surgeon and plastice surgeon this week, some of what I have been reading will become clearer.