ACAB

Texas 357,

That's great that one of your drains is coming out.....3 days after surgery right?  Both my drains were in for a week.  I was so pleased when they took them out.  I could see one of them in my chest and I thought it was the edge of the expander, yikes!  Weird sensation yes, but what a relief to have them removed. 

I know hairy armpits aren't acceptable here but shaving isn't a priority for me anymore. 

Your spirits sound UP for someone so soon out of major surgery.  I wish you continued healing and rest.

Amy B.

Laura,

Congratulations on your adorable 20month old son, what a blessing he is.  I'm so sorry you're going through this surgery.

I'm a 43 year old mom of 4 & 2 y.o. girls.  Had bilat mast 2/expanders last Wed (th 8th).  I had surgery out of town and stayed with friends.  It worked great for me.  My sister came to our home in NC, filled in for me and helped my husband tremendously.  I never thought I could leave the girls for that long (10 days).  I rested better than I could have at home.  No one thought my drains were funny little toys to pull.  And some days I was very pensive which is hard to carry off in front of a cheerful little person.  Is there any way a sibling or good friend can fill in for you while you recuperate?  Your surgery will be much more involved than mine so I can only relate a little bit. 

Our youngest is a little older than yours so you have a more challenging situation.  You're smart to train him to get in and out of his seat himself.  Instead of picking up Emily I get down on her level and give her a real loose hug.  That is working.  Tomorrow we're putting her in a toddler bed.  I know she's older than your son but with our FIRST child, we put her in a twin mattress on the floor in anticipation of the arrival of Emily.  Our oldest was 20 months when we did that and she transitioned very well.  We put a body pillow next to the mattress.  Some mornings she woke up on the floor but she had slept the whole night, as did we.  Safety proof his room so he can't pull over furniture.  We're going to put our daughter's bookcase on it's side so she won't climb it.  I'm leaving her one drawer to open and freely play in with "safe" toys. 

The idea of  a baby leash sounds good but remember he's going to pull on that.  I let our little girl push one of her outdoor cars around our neighborhood.  It's cumbersome enough to use all her energy and she can't run away with it.  

If he drinks juice, stock up on juice boxes.  Stock up on food for yourself too.  I ate a lot of fruit.  I read that pineapple contains bromelaine, supposed to be great for healing/brusing/pain.  I also bought  alot of new videos.  I don't like setting my child in front of the tv either but you need to have him occupied while you take it easy.  I've got a "booty" closet full of new stuff to interest them when I need to zone out.  Tuesday morning has great prices as do marshalls and places like that. 

Most importantly, LET YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY HELP YOU.  It will be good for your son, your husband and you.  Also, children are perceptive.  When I came home I had a pillow under my right arm and used it when they sat on my lap.  One time I got up without my pillow, Emmy followed, brought it over to me and said " here Mommy."  They know when we don't feel good and can adjust accordingly.  Your son needs a healthy Mommy for the many years ahead.  This will be a blip on his radar.  Sometimes that's hard to remember. 

I wish you the best,

Amy B. 

My hygienist was talking about this today.  Her fellow hygienist friend and b/c veteran works with b/c pts at Chapel Hill and said they're starting this new testing.  Don't know if it's in progress or on the table for the future.  It's worth a phone call to the breast center at Chapel Hill if you're interested and near NC. 

Amy B. 

from seated............steady

Found a great cream called biafine from my dermatologist.  She burned a few things off my forehead (I grew up in FL) and recommended this stuff.  I hesitated due to cost but insurance covered a lot of it.  Out of pocket was 16$.  Pharmacist told me it was created for radiation patients.   Don't know if you can use it on breasts.  Had to call a few pharmacies to order, then purchase.  It's not like neosporin, contains no antibiotic, it worked very well and those 3 sores on my head went away lickety split. 

I'm having trouble deciding on course of treatment for some really minimal DCIS and found her comments regarding radiation patients comforting should I choose that therapy.

Amy