Surgery Moved.. Too Soon?

Hi Mindy,

Sorry that you had all the anticipation, anxiety, rush to get things done and a looong drive only to have
your surgery date changed.

Glad you have extra time to get yourself ready for your surgery part of your treatment plan.
Glad you will have even more good wishes.
Glad that you will now have additional confidence in your intuitive knowledge of your body.
You said from the start.....March 5 was too soon.

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 on your recent trip.   Or maybe you can have measurements
             done locally.
        Reason for pre-surgery arm measurements:
                   Baseline to have in case there is a question of swelling or lymphedema in the future.
                         (of course, most women will 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.
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 and quick recovery thoughs,

Grateful for today.......Judy

----------------------------------------------

Mindy,

Addendum on 3/24/12.
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 reconstruction) would benefit from a
     physical therapy evaluation.
    see PT info on link:    http://breastfree.org/viewer.php?num=7

                     Judy
-----------------------------------------

Linda,

Thank goodness everything finally turned out OK for you.
What an experience to have gone through.

With caring and positive thoughts,

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



edited to make a link live

Edited by Grateful for today - Mar 25 2012 at 8:56am

Dear Charlene,

Thanks for your kind words and support.  You're a blessing to this forum.  

I'm extremely grateful to each of you who have supported me through this waiting period.

Deb-  I dropped you an email.  Thanks as always for your friendship and support. While this week seems like the longest, unproductive week of my life.. there's much to do next week.  First on the list is to reach my health providers this calendar year and get my medical deductible squared away to satisfy my insurance.  I need to gain clarification on their letter regarding review of my reconstructive surgery - IF that even happens at the time of surgery.  Since my mass appears to be so close to the skin surface, the reconstructive surgeon may need to make an incision through the skin to obtain a clean margin.  This will need to heal first.  As you know I'm having a skin sparing bilateral MX.  Reconstruction pales in comparison to anything which could jeopardize the best surgical outcome. I have much faith in my TN savvy surgical team. We've covered all these bases. I'll receive antibiotics for surgery and pain meds after.  The follow-up exam hasn't changed online yet, though I know from the last planned surgery it will fall a little over 3 weeks post-op.

Judy- dear, wonderful Judy.. How can I thank you enough for taking so much of your time to provide excellent post-op tips along with questions to ask my surgeon.  I do know I'll have 2 drains on each side.  I've tried to prepare for post-op in almost every way.  The only thing I'm missing is a recliner.  I'll look into renting or buying one next week.    I've heard from Donna, you and others that it's the most comfortable way to rest and get up and down after this type of surgery.   You've helped more than you know.  You  brought up a few things that I wasn't aware of, and elaborated so helpfully on other points.   Your information and support has been invaluable.  Thank you and may many blessings be yours Judy!!!

A round of big hugs to all my sisters  

Without your support this time would have been a lot more stressful & difficult for me. 

My love, gratitude and best wishes to you all,

Mindy


Edited by mindy555 - Mar 10 2012 at 7:20pm

Dear MIndy,

Sending tons of good wishes your way for surgery and the best and quickest of recoveries.

Love and lots and lots of cyber hugs to you, Mindy.


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

Mindy,

Mindy,

Mindy
Good luck to you and pulling for the best outcome possible - Lee

Thinking about you Mindy and sending positive thoughts your way.

Hugs,

Natalia

Mindy,

The prior posts are our pre-surgery wishes.

Now, for some post surgery wishes.

Post surgery wishes that all went very well.......all meds working just as they should......
wishes that you will be feeling better every day.

Lots of love and cyber hugs,

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

Edited by Grateful for today - Mar 20 2012 at 12:47am

Mindy, 

Mindy,