Shopping/packing/to-do list for surgery + recovery....
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Now that it is getting to be cooler weather, thinner hoodies work great and most have pockets already sewn inside that are perfect for holding drains and no one is the wiser. I bought a Marsupial drain belt after my BMX which I loved (the belt, not the BMX!), but it never occurred to me to see if insurance would reimburse me. I need to look into that. Thanks!
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The Camisole Comparison: Softee Two vs. Amoena ***disclaimer-I really like the idea of a soft close fitting garment that keeps drain bulbs tucked into a snug fitting pocket and my insurance paid for 2 of them***
Both brands are step in/pull up entry but I wonder how easy this would be if you are a bit bottom heavy. Both are machine or hand washable and air dry quickly but can be put in dryer. Both come with lightweight fiber filled breast forms. You can remove fiber fill to adjust size. Softee forms are placed in via an outside entry, the Amoena via an inside entry. I have not used them on either cami. Both are very comfortable for day wear and sleeping. Neither hide the bulge of the drain bulbs, since they are close fitting, so you will still have to throw on a cover up garment if you go out or have visitors (unless you don't mind),
Amoena- looks like a stretchy tank top that you might wear to the gym. Comes in black, white, nude. Drain holder pouches Velcro to a little band on the inside so can be moved to a position that works best for you and can be removed completely should you choose to wear this in the future.
Softee Two- Looks more undershirt/lingerie like. Could not pass for a tank top. Available in white only but there is an option for a lace insert or simple tiny bow in front. Drain pouch holder is fixed in the inside of the front of the garment like the kangaroo pockets many sweatshirts have. The fabric is very soft and cotton knit feeling yet contains less cotton than the Amoena.0 -
Hi everyone. I was diagnosed last week with dcis, low grade. I will have a unilateral mastectomy, no reconstruction, I think. I am trying to anticipate what to expect and your posts are all very helpful. One thing I haven't gotten any idea on is what I will be eating. I am very particular about what I eat and I pack food for myself wherever I go. I will probably do the same thing for the hospital. To do that, I need to know what I will be permitted to eat. Will it be a clear liquid diet? How soon will I be permitted solid food? Will that have to be bland? How long will it be until I can eat whatever I want? I will ask the surgeon, but I am not really sure how much detail he will provide, so any thoughts you all have will be welcome.
Also, how long was it before you went out of the house (other than the trip home from the hospital)? I have heard so many wildly different things that I am very uncertain about what the recovery is like. Of course, that has a lot to do with whether there is recon and what type...perhaps that is why I am so lost...
Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks...to all of you. I feel so much better since I started reading these threads.
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Hi CLC, I had a bmx with reconstruction 12 days ago. I was brought up to my room after 6:00 pm so dinner was not an issue since I was quite groggy. By the next day my diet was unrestricted but I didn't have much of an appetite. As a matter of fact, due to less physical activity I have been eating very lightly. I was in hospital for 3 days so got to order my meals from a wide variety of choices. Not haute cuisine but surprisingly good and fresh for hospital food. As far as bland, I think that was only suggested if you were having digestive issues. One thing to keep in mind is that if you are taking narcotic pain killers, constipation can be an issue so think fiber,fresh fruits and veggies. Recovery really varies from person to person. I took short walks in my neighborhood as soon as I got home. If you over do it, your body will let you know. On day 9 I had a doctors appointment and visitors later in the day. I was exhausted by 8:30. This evening I went to an amateur hockey game and I'm ready for bed now. I understand that recovery without reconstruction is shorter but just listen to your body. I have been cleared to start light exercise so I'm going to try the gym tomorrow and try driving later this week. Best wishes for an easy surgery. Caryn
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Thanks, Caryn. That was chock full of useful info. I hope your driving and gym outings have gone well, and that you are feeling good!
I will eat the fruits and veges, but as far as listening to my body to slow down, that is always mentally a challenge!
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One thing that a few ladies mentioned is getting in/out of bed without the use of hands to push you up. If you have a bit of time before your surgery, work on strengthening your abs/core and legs. To get in and out of bed, place a small stool by the side of your bed. Stand on it and then kneel on the bed. "Walk" on your knees and then position yourself to be able to lay back (most of us use wedge pillows or stacks of pillows so that you are elevated). Reverse to get out of bed. Strong abs will really help with this too! Caryn
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CLC - I just had my BMX w/immediate reconstruction on Monday. I had no diet restrictions at all, but like Caryn, I wasn't all that hungry and although the hospital food was fine, it was completely uninspiring. Also - not enough fresh fruits/veggies for choices for me. I was also astounded that plain live-culture yogurt wasn't an option - w/so many pts. on antibiotics, you'd think yogurt w/fruit would be the perfect breakfast option. Instead, I managed to scrounge up a Yoplait today when I was having intestinal issues - but it's sweetened and had 28 grams of sugar for a tiny container! My advice to you would be to have a friend/partner bring you something day after surgery - something light and healthy and to your liking. Or else just suck it up for a couple of days you're in the hospital and come home to your good stuff.
I would also second Caryn's advice about getting as fit as you can so you can move yourself w/o your arms. I have not needed assistance getting in and out of bed b/c my stomach and leg muscles are well-conditioned - I asked the nurse this a.m. what other women do and she said that the nurses have to hoist them in and around - a real pain if you get up in the middle of the night to pee after your catheter is removed!
From what I hear, UMX/BMX w/o reconstruction is a much quicker recovery - so here's to you getting through it quickly and "easily" and being back to your favorite foods and activites ASAP.
Sarah
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Caryn and Sarah... Thanks. I hope your recoveries are going well. It sounds like I will be allowed to eat whatever I can stomach. So... my husband and best friend have the cooler ready to fill and the menu planned. It will have all of my usual stuff (plain yogurt, oats, nuts, veges and fruit, quinoa and beans). I probably won't have the appetite for anything, so it might just come home with me. That's fine. An ab workout along with a weights workout has been a regular part of my routine for a very long time. That along with the runs and the swims should allow me to get up out of bed...
At this point, I just want to get there and get it done. My surgery date is now set for 10/7. It seems like an eternity. I am trying to use the time to be as prepared as possible, but, really, at this point, I just want to get it over with. I would love to continue to hear how your recoveries are going... It is very comforting to me to know I am not the first to pass this way...if you know what I mean. Thanks for sharing. Claire0 -
Claire - your diet and my diet are so similar! It never even occurred to me to have my husband bring food in for me - you will be so happy to be eating that stuff instead of the hospital food. I am just starting to feel a little less polluted after all the drugs and all the standard food I was given. My friends know what a nutritional stickler I am and so the meals that have arrived for us so far are loaded w/goodies like brown rice & lentils, delicious salads w/fresh figs and shaved fennel, mashed sweet potatoes w/a touch of agave and lime juice. It is heaven for my poor body. Lots of water and/or tea - those you can get at the hospital. I asked for mugs of hot water too - great for digestion and elimination.
The waiting just sucks. No other way to describe it, it's hellish. I can almost guarantee you'll feel an enormous sense of relief once you wake up in recovery. Even if you feel like junk, you'll know that part is over, and that you can concentrate on healing your body and getting on with your life.
I'm off to nap - not a napper, but I am wiped out. No pain to speak of (and no narcotics since Wed.), just some discomfort at the node dissection site and where my drains are - but nothing a little Tylenol won't help.
Feel free to ask more - we are all here to help you get through this!
Sarah
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Sarah...
I'd love to take credit for the idea of bringing food to the hospital, but it was my best friend's idea. She is an awesome support for me. I looked at your bio...and interestingly, dcis and food aren't all we have in common. I, too, am a "recovering lawyer." I love your term. I practiced law for only two years, many years ago... I have been a teacher for 15 years now. I, too, am a mother... I hope you are resting well...:)
Claire
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bump
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Claire - just seeing this now for whatever reason (caught up in a little rash drama of my own over here!). Always glad to meet another recovering lawyer - I haven't practiced since '02, but I was about to make partner - then got dx'd w/BC at 32 and re-evaluated what I wanted to do w/my life after cancer. Still miss a lot about being a litigator, but not enough to go back!
BTW, I have to tell you - every day is a gain in energy and pep for me - w/the exception of this allergic reaction I've had, I am feeling really good and VERY encouraged about the way my new breasts look. Once I can stop the itchies/scratchies, I'm psyched to wear my new breast out and about and get on w/my life.
Sarah
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Question for you all - I've had a massive allergic reaction to some of the meds I took while in the hospital - body is more than 75% covered in awful itchy rash. Saw the PS yesterday and she suggested one thing we do it ditch the surgical bra (more rubbing/irritation). She suggested getting some cami's w/built in shelf bras.
I don't own any of these - is there a nice, soft brand that someone would recommend? Skin is very sensitive, so the softer the seams, the better - I'm a small B cup, if that helps any. PS thought these would at least provide a little compression/support.
Thanks!
Sarah
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Hi to all the ladies!
I'm having a bilateral mx on October 3rd with recon started (TEs), and DIEP sometime thereafter ... to say that I'm a basket case would be an understatement ...
I've been reading through some of the posts on here, and it's been very informative ... so, thanks to everyone who shared all the valuable info ...
I do have one question though ... I read about camisoles with inside pockets for the drains (which sounds perfect) ... however, I have no idea where to purchase these ... does anyone have a website address they can post on here?
Blessings to all!
Love~Joy~Peace
Trinity
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Sarah,
I was wearing a front close, mostly cotton sports bra but even those began to feel too constricting. I ordered a Coobie bra. They are stretchy bras similar to the shelf bra in most camis. They also have light slip in pads, similar to some swimsuits which cover up "headlights on". They make several styles as well as a cami. Check out their web site or look on amazon. I'm finding it to be much more comfy than a sports bra and it looks very nice under clothing. You might be able to find it in a store to try it on. Good luck! Caryn0 -
Oooh Caryn - that is EXACTLY what I want. Can you step into these OK? Still limited in putting arms over the head for a few weeks . . . they look stretchy enough, but wondered if you were stepping in w/success. Thanks so much for the lead!
Sarah
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I have 2 cammis with pockets size large If anyone is interested PM me I bought them from TLC in December .
Nancy
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I don't have them, but two women I work with both recommended the post-surgical camisole at TLC. Just google "tlc american cancer society" and the web site will come up. I ordered from a different site because I liked how the Ameona looked...and it said no inside seams. I am waiting for them, so I can't give feedback. The website I ordered from was http://www.womanspersonalhealth.com/
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Sarah... I am so glad you are happy with the new look...
I hope the itching resolves REALLY quickly!!!
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trinity927...
My new camisoles have arrived from http://www.womanspersonalhealth.com/ and I really like them. They zip up the front, are snug, have detachable pockets for the drains and are smooth on the inside. They have removable light weight forms. I haven't yet actually used them, since my surgery is a week from tomorrow, but I thought I would let you know that as post-op camisoles go, these seem okay. They are made by ameona and the actual camisole is at
http://www.womanspersonalhealth.com/amoena-mastectomy-camisole
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Amoena also makes a tank top style that you can step in to and pull up. After my drains came out, I detached the pockets and it just looks like a tank top. My foobs fill out the bust line so no need for the puffy breast forms. Insurance covered the cost. Caryn
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Just wanted to add a quick update here - the Coobies bras that Caryn recommended are GREAT! They're soft, just supportive enough, and they're on the cuter side (as opposed to a sports bra or . . . .ewwww . . . a surgical bra). I can step into them (for now, no arms over head for me b/c of implant migration), but if you are a woman of size, it might be difficult to do this. Definitely a great option for those of us that can't wear underwire for a while due to scars/etc.
Sarah
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Thank you Caryn, CLC and Sarah for your help with the post BMX garments. I wore the surgical itchy bra post lumpectomy for a few days and it really added to the discomfort (hadn't found this site yet). This time, I'll do better.
CLC, the cami you found looks perfect. I'm wondering what size you bought b/c the site says they run a little small. I'm 5'4" and 135 lbs, D size now but will be a nothing after b/c I'm doing fat grafting recon and you start out with barely anything.
Thanks!
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PS I'm also a recovering lawyer! I wonder how many of us are here.
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I am 5'5" and 141 pounds. I swim and run and strength train, so a little leaner than that sounds. I normally wear a size 6, but that doesn't mean much since today's 6 was what I think was a 10 when I was 20 years old. At any rate, I bought a small, c/d cup. It is snug (I had to make an effort to zip it, but once on, it was comfortable). I think it should be snug for quicker healing...but I am not positive about that. I don't know what you want to do about the cup, but the forms that come with it aren't too exciting... Sort of a blob. I haven't really messed with the form yet. I like the camisole and I think I may wear it in the future, not just post-op. It is white, so I figure I will be able to bleach it after all the post-op damage to it...
Odd, that recovering lawyer thing. I am the only one I went to school with that I know that has left law... Hmmm....
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I bet there are a lot of us recovering lawyers here! Claire - I'm astounded that you're the only one you know who's left law - I've not kept up with all my law school classmates, but a few of my closer friends are still practicing for sure (definitely the men) - but of my in-coming class at my big firm, there are only a couple of women still practicing. I did love it for so many reasons - I was a litigator and I kinda got off on the stress & excitement, not to mention the intellectual challenge, but I did not love having no life. Still don't really have a new vocation - done freelance writing but have been focused more lately on raising our daughter - who's now 8 and so I have more time to explore my own stuff.
When is your surgery, Claire??
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My surgery is Friday, October 7. I had presurgical testing yesterday. Last day of work is Tuesday. Getting my first-ever full body massage Wednesday. Spending day alone with dh Thursday while kids are at school. Pretending to pack for the Mediterranean Coast of France on Thursday. It's all getting really close now. Yesterday, I drove about 45 minutes to get to PST and cried the entire 45 minutes. I am not distraught, just mourning the loss of my breast. That's the long answer to your question...:)
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Oh Claire, it'll be an emotional week. But it sounds like you've lined up some good stuff - that was my biggest question - WHAT does one do the week before a MX/BMX? I sure didn't feel like celebrating and I did a lot of crying. My experience was that it was much better than I anticipated. I still am pissed off that I had to have a BMX (but my pathology confirmed it was the right choice, at least), and it hasn't been easy the last 2 weeks, but the anticipation and planning were the hardest part. I cried tears of relief when I woke up and it was OVER. I could just get on w/the healing.
I'll keep you in my thoughts this week, and especially on Friday. Hang in there.
Sarah
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hmmm ...I'm a recovering Accountant and MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) ... I don't quite fit in your group of recovering lawyers ... but, just thought I'd chime in ... any other recovering accountants or systems engineers out there?
I've been wondering these days if there's any connection with stressful, demanding jobs and BC ... or, is it just matter of the cards we've been handed to deal with???
Louise Hay, who has authored many books, states that BC is caused by an overnurtering attitude, overprotection, etc (i.e. taking care of everyone else in your life except yourself) ... has anyone read her books?
I just realized this topic doesn't really belong on the "packing list" thread, so I apologize ...
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Thanks Claire,
I will order the same thing, one more thing checked off that surgery to do list!
I jumped ship on the law once my first son was born 13 yrs ago. Now I just help my DH out at his office if and when I have time and feel like it. He's also a lawyer in his own practice. So far, it has worked out really well but I must add the disclaimer that we don't live the typical lawyer lifestyle. Modest house, older cars, but minimal debt and less stress! I am really really happy about that now, as I can't imagine trying to hold down a job and deal with this mess.
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