Thank you for your helpful tips to help me prepare for surgery

@gailmarienewton , blessings to you. You’ll do fine and we are here for you. Pop in when able to let us know how you’re doing. You will find wonderful support and great caring information here.

Pretty red lipstick. And a box of good chocolates.

I will take the hug....can't have chocolates because I have leukemia, but I dream of them! SMiles.

I think you can get more information from this thread. Colleen Young posted several helpful links that might help you.
I found reclining chair the most helpful since I had to sleep in inclined position until the drains were removed, but some people do fine with wedge pillows. You will need stuff to take care of the drains but those you can get from local drug stores. Wish you all the best.

I would recommend getting a drain holder from Amazon. Inexpensive but it allows you to shower freely. Of course you will have to bend your head down to reach because you can’t raise your arms up for a bit. I only needed help the first day and once I got the hang of it I was ok. Get your button up shirts and sweaters ready for after the drains come out. It will be easier for you to dress. I slept sitting up in a recliner with pillows around me for a couple weeks. It just felt better to me. Then I moved to my bed with pillows bolstering me up. Move any thing you want down to where you can reach them. I did that with my cups and a plate and my tea etc. I moved as much as possible and followed instructions to do pt. A friend who had a bilateral mastectomy told me to eat a lot of protein to aid in healing and recommended fairlite chocolate drink. I had one every day with healthy protein loaded meals. I would also take a probiotic to keep your stomach good if you are taking antibiotics. Don’t take them at the same time. Two hours apart is best. You have this! I wish you all the best. Just remember to breathe. Count four in and 6-8 out. Hugs!

@myoga
Oops. I just realized that I didn’t attach the link. It’s probably too late since your surgery is tomorrow.
Anyway, I want to wish you a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Hugs.

yesterday was my birthday! Today we will call it B Day! Leaving for hospital....had a thought....Do I just leave the bandages....or do I have to change them???? Just thinking....can't find anything in material. SMiles....
My right breast has shrunk terribly....now my left has started....goodbye girls....soon none.

@gailmarienewton hope it all went well. Wishing you a speedy recovery. This is a great book to have for your reference as you continue on this journey. My breast surgeon gave a copy to me that was donated by a local nonprofit. It was immensely helpful. Thought I would pass it on.

Judy C. Kneece
Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook, 10th Edition (2022): Understanding the Disease, Treatments, Emotions and Recovery from Breast Cancer

@gailmarienewton
I hope your B Day went well and you’re now resting comfortably. Let me know if you have any questions. Nothing to worry now but resting and let your husband pamper you. Hugs.

I am black and blue on both flanks. They took a CT. The only thing I see on it is leaking blood from the incisions and soft tissue swelling. I see the surgeon in the morning. Did anyone have that?
I had a code blue in recovery and spent a couple days in icu. Just came home as I have an appointment with surgeon in morning. What a mess.
Always with a smiling but hurting….