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I saw my breast surgeon on Monday and we didn't get clear margins on the last attempt at lumpectomy (DCIS, right breast), so it looks like I'll be going with a right mastectomy w/tissue expanders for reconstruction. I had a consult with the plastic surgeon yesterday, and I was totally freaked out about the idea of the drains. I had no idea I wouldn't be able to shower for 2-4 weeks and that even brushing my teeth would be challenging (pain wise)! Not to mention the fact that I have two little boys, 2 years old and 4 months old, so caring for them is a huge concern. Can anyone tell me what those first couple/few weeks after mastectomy were like, and specifically how they coped with the drains and personal hygiene? All the PS said was, "Well, you'll get very creative." What is THAT supposed to mean??? Bless you all who have been through this part of the process already and can help me by sharing your experiences.
Judy
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Want to leave a comment? Login or Register now!i agree with the other women. i had a double mastectomy with latissimal flaps and expanders. i was showering without any problem. i did get a shower chair and it helped when i wasn't feeling all that strong. just try to raise your arms as much as you can to stretch them so that it isn't as hard later. i bought this great tank top from soft-tee (i am sure that they have these tops at some of the specialty stores for breast cancer) and it has pockets for the drains. they are inconvenient, but that is about it. i also took saftey pins and pinned them to my shirts. sleeping was a problem for me and i found that if your prop up pillows at an angle you can get some comfort. i wish that i had asked about the after surgery experience. most of the time it is just uncomfortable. i am on week 3 and have 2 out of my 4 drains still in. they are small drains called jackson pratt drains and have a collection bulb at the end that is about the size of your fist. i hope that all goes well with you and best of luck. i am here for you if i can help you with anything else.Judy, i agree with the other women. i had a double mastectomy with latissimal flaps and expanders. i was showering without any problem. i did get a shower chair and it helped when i wasn't feeling all that strong. just try to raise your arms as much as you can to stretch them so that it isn't as hard later. i bought this great tank top from soft-tee (i am sure that they have these tops at some of the specialty stores for breast cancer) and it has pockets for the drains. they are inconvenient, but that is about it. i also took saftey pins and pinned them to my shirts. sleeping was a problem for me and i found that if your prop up pillows at an angle you can get some comfort. i wish that i had asked about the after surgery experience. most of the time it is just uncomfortable. i am on week 3 and have 2 out of my 4 drains still in. they are small drains called jackson pratt drains and have a collection bulb at the end that is about the size of your fist. i hope that all goes well with you and best of luck. i am here for you if i can help you with anything else.
juliehi a & r's mommy. just wondering how your recovery is going. i dont thikn after my mastectomy i got myself very clean from showering to brushing my teeth applying pressure hurt! good thing i always wear perfume! anyway, reconstruction was oct. 18, 2007 and applying lotion on my legs or anything with that kind of movement still pulls. not fun. my 19month old boy weighs 30 pounds so i'm sure thats part of it. take it easy!!!! hope u r doing ok really inside & out. julie
I will pray for you.
LauraI don't know why your doctor told you what he did. I had double mastectomy, drains 21 days...I had a shower 24 hours after and every day since. You can shower, brush your teeth, etc. You will have discomfort until your train comes out...but you will live on and heal. Don't worry about pain, it goes away and you will find a way to get dressed, eat and cope with everyday life, including holding your loved ones, including children....Shower.....I can't tell you how many showers I took the first week...But it was at least twice a day...drains in. Wear easy hospital gowns or blouses till the drains come out....easy to get on, but you will be fine. Trust me. I will pray for you. Laura
i had my mastectomy last friday the drain is in place but the amount of fluid is reducing daily. i am wearing jeans and just tuck the gernade like thing that the fluid drains in in my jeans pocket. as far as pain the first day i brushed my teeth it did hurt them i decided to use my wrist not my whole arm. the pain now is not hardly noticeable. i have numbness in my arm and the place where the drain is inserted feels kind of like its being pulled sometimes but othe than that i feel great. i have invasive ductive carcinoma nottingham 2 and don't have a clue what that means. i just figure i will try and research it and follow the oncologists advice when i see him next wednesday. good luck if i can be of any help let me know,
angelajudy, i had my mastectomy last friday the drain is in place but the amount of fluid is reducing daily. i am wearing jeans and just tuck the gernade like thing that the fluid drains in in my jeans pocket. as far as pain the first day i brushed my teeth it did hurt them i decided to use my wrist not my whole arm. the pain now is not hardly noticeable. i have numbness in my arm and the place where the drain is inserted feels kind of like its being pulled sometimes but othe than that i feel great. i have invasive ductive carcinoma nottingham 2 and don't have a clue what that means. i just figure i will try and research it and follow the oncologists advice when i see him next wednesday. good luck if i can be of any help let me know, angela