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Will I Need Help After Bilateral Mastectomy?

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Feb 23 3:17pm | Replies (13)

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Profile picture for dolphina3 @dolphina3

Hi,
These are things that help.
Button up pj's pull on pants, button or zip on shirts slip on shoes.
Wedge pillows or alot of pillows to prop yourself up.
You can't reach or lift arms overhead for awhile. No driving at first. Some say after drains are out, one to two weeks. Some hoodies have inner pockets to hold drains.
Put plates cups at low level with in easy reach.
Make your food ahead of time if you can. Freeze some.
Get some wet wipe cloths. Showering isnt usually allowed at first.
Ask your cancer team any questions and ask them what you need.
Thinking of you and sending hugs.
They want you to move around some each day.
Once healed I had physical therapy to keep range of motion with shoulders. They should tell you about that.

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Replies to "Hi, These are things that help. Button up pj's pull on pants, button or zip on..."

@dolphina3 Hello

So sorry about your daughter’s fall and collarbone break. I feel very badly that she is experiencing the difficulty of the collarbone break (and you a facing the bilateral major breast surgery.

I can imagine anticipating the surgery and recovery is stressful.

Have you considered requesting that your MD refer you to VISITING NURSE program in your area? The visiting nurses will visit you at home and check drains, pain medication , any arm swelling, and your healing , comfort and recovery and manage any issues.

Your MD should be able to schedule at home, post discharge Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy in order to plan arm exercises and monitor your progress and range of motion and mobility as we as placement of water, medication near your bed, etc. They will be able to appropriately guide you on Walking and Movement which are important for your health and recovery .

Have you considered any hospital Stress Management sessions with a MD, PhD or MSW in order that you able to comfortably cope with any stress.

If you are interested, You Tube offers FREE Stress Guided Imagery videos with music that are calming and soothing.

Best wishes for your recovery. .

Susan

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