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Comments

  • Alyson
    Alyson Member Posts: 3,737
    edited December 2012

    I have lots more as well as hugs.

  • lolalee
    lolalee Member Posts: 164
    edited December 2012

    Ariom first night I wore hospital gown, after first shower changed into PJ's.  I was in hospital for 6 nights so I made sure I had enough changes as DH does not do laundry.  I had a good supply of disinfectant wipes and was paranoid about hygiene. Made sure room was wiped down thoroughly especially door handles and bathroom surfaces, good job for DH whilst in theatre.

    One tip to watch for - make sure all nursing staff wear clean sterile gloves before touching drains etc, I remember the outside breast care nurse coming in and trying to look at my wound, she had not washed her hands in my presence and certainly made no attempt to put on gloves so I was really quick to politely suggest she put on gloves before touching my wound.

    Good luck I am sure it will all go well!

  • lolalee
    lolalee Member Posts: 164
    edited December 2012

    Ariom forgot to say the outside breast care nurse who visited presented me with a shoulder cushion (similar to airline cushions) to use for the ride home and other paraphernalia pertaining to exercise.  She also said that a bra would be posted to my home all courtesy of Breast Council, she probably thought twice about that after I ticked her off about the gloves but I tell you her nails were long and not very clean and noway I was going to risk infection of any kind....oooh don't forget good quality soap or body wash.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited December 2012

    Thanks Lolalee!

    That's really good advice about the sterile wipes. I never would have thought of that.

    I have become the hand sanitiser queen for fear of getting sick while I have been waiting for the surgery. I have bottles stashed everywhere, and when Colin's attendant carer caught a cold she wore a surgical mask and gloves when she was here.

    I have ordered more Balanced Essentials oils, which I have used after surgery on my wounds since discovering the brand years ago. They are antibacterial and anti viral and have helped make my scars virtually disappear. They are also great for helping me sleep. 

  • kyliet
    kyliet Member Posts: 587
    edited December 2012

    Great news Chrissy and Trish. Hopefully everyone will get a good nights sleep tonight.

    Ariom I thought DH was joking when he gave me earplugs for hospital but they were fantastic. x

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited December 2012

    Thanks again Lolalee, I have that cushion already. I was given it at Breastscreen when I went to the diagnosis appointment. They gave me a bag full of stuff and the cushion was one of the items. It also included a bag to put the drains in when you are on the move.

    I received the Berlei bra in a pink backpack with the softees the other day, it was too big, so my breast nurse came to visit me at home to bring another one. I must wash that before I pack it.

    Soap and bodywash are organised!

    Thanks again Lolalee, much appreciated.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited December 2012

    Wouldn't have thought of that either Kylie, used to work for an airline so have heaps of those somewhere!

  • lolalee
    lolalee Member Posts: 164
    edited December 2012

    Not heard of the Balanced Essential Oil, is that the brand name?  Is it available in health shops?

    I did quiz my PS about anti bacterial soap but he told me to use good quality plain soap. My scars do not look very good at this stage so I have been thinking of using a supplement.  My PS does not have a good bedside manner and is a man of few words so it really is like pulling teeth to get any kind of information out of him.  I now tend not to ask too many questions and just let him do his thing as he has been highly recommended. I think he is really just shy and I do like him so I will go with the flow and hope it all turns out perfect in the end.

    What type of reconstruction are you considering?

  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 1,422
    edited December 2012

    Wow - I go and cook dinner and you girls are going mad with posts.

    Great new for Trish and Chrissy!!!!

    Arion - that cushion is great. I used it for ages - great for sleeping with if you have had a lumpectomy and I can see a use for it in the car etc for you. I even named it -cushie. I also (on the advice of another bc patient) bought those lambswool thingies for the car seat belts - great if you have a port for chemo.

  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited December 2012

    Don't forget a soft Bond ladies singlet or two. They feel lovely and you wear them before even trying to wear a bra. I had a few front opening pjs too.



    I put vitamin E oil on my scar, and it certainly helped it heal well.



    Also if you are into crosswords etc, Lots of those for when you can't sleep in a hospital bed lol.



    Trish

    xox

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited December 2012

    Trish you beat me to it....lol....I was just going to suggest the Vit E.

    Lola the Vit E caps with the liquid is best not the creme as there is a heap of other stuff in that. I just break the caps and use the oil that is inside. When my skin is looking a bit under nourished (which happens a lot....lol) I still use it to feed and nourish my whole self.



    Love n hugs. Chrissy

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited December 2012

    Balanced essentials is the brand name. I buy it from their website, but also avaiable from TVSN shopping channel. The one I use most is called BE Relieved and is a great anti inflammatory. I have Rheumatoid arthritis so use this oil all the time. It is a blend of pure essential oils in a base of wheatgerm, sweet almond and macadmia nut oil. Lavender oil is great for the wound too as it can be applied neat and it helps to dry it out, then this blend can be applied to help reduce the bruising and swelling. It is just something I have always used, works for me, and is TGA approved.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited December 2012

    Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I have a list now. Lots I wouldn't have thought of.

    Lolalee, I am not considering any reconstruction at the moment. Just want to get through this bit and will think about that later. Surgeon says that the door isn't closed.

    Just wondering if someone  who has had a single mastectomy could tell me just how restricted you are. Are you fairly mobile soon after the surgery?

  • lolalee
    lolalee Member Posts: 164
    edited December 2012

    Thanks Trish and Chrissy, the Vit E sounds the way to go, I will get some first thing tomorrow. Will also check out the essential oil although I should probably use one or the other and not both? Thanks for that info Ariom. 

    Trish the Bonds singlets are great and are really the only tolerable item of clothing immediately following surgery, very comfy and no pressure on the wound. 

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited December 2012

    Trish, can you put on a singlet over your head soon after surgery?

    I have been buying everything with buttons down the front thinking I won't be able to get stuff over my head.

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited December 2012

    Sometimes it's easier to step into clothes rather than pull them over your head.

    The major thing after my surgery was of course the arm movement or lack of as well as the fatigue that comes after anaesthetic. It's also the body's way of dealing with the body shock after surgery. After a week things were a little better but still difficult to get things over your head without assistance. I tended to just wear whatever was easiest to get on and was comfortable and if that's the old favourites dressing gown?? Then so be it!! Don't push too hard.......remember this is a major trauma both physically and emotionally so just be gentle with yourself.



    Live n hugs. Chrissy

  • lolalee
    lolalee Member Posts: 164
    edited December 2012

    Ariom I had single Mx with a reduction and lift on the other.  1st day or two I was careful but movement was not too bad, mind you I took all pain relief as prescribed and rested as much as possible.  I did try to become mobile as soon as possible as it helps with the healing.

    I had 3 drains in total, 1 on the lifted side which came out on the 3rd day and another removed on the 5th day. I left the hospital with one drain and had the community nurse to the house to change the drain.  Unfortunately I got the drain caught in my recliner and it came apart to I called the hospital with instructions how to reconnect, this of course happened over the weekend.

    Unfortunately the suction was lost during the reconnection so I called a locum service late one evening.  The doctor attending decided to remove the drain....wrong action.  Saw the PS on the Monday and he said I should have just gone back to the hospital! DH said the same thing so I should have listened.  Moral to that story - watch the drains!

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited December 2012

    Thanks Chrissy, Point taken. I will be taking it easy, my Daughter is coming from Melbourne to stay for 10 days. She wasn't able to get holidays at Christmas, but when she told her boss about this they said that she could have the time off after all. She will be a great help and I am just thrilled to be seeing her.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited December 2012

    Gotcha! Lolalee, Careful with the drains and the recliner!

    Surgeon said they would organise the district nurses to come and take care of the drains for me.

    I have organised for my dog to go to the kennel till the drains are out. He is just a bit too exuberant, and used to jumping into my arms uughhh, couldn't handle that. Fortunately he spent a bit of time at the kennel when we moved here before the renos were finished and the fence went up. He really likes it there so he will have a little holiday.

  • Linda1966
    Linda1966 Member Posts: 441
    edited December 2012

    Sorry ladies, had to work late. I cant tell you how happy I am at Crissy and Trish's news. Absolutely ecstatic to put it mildly. Just the best news possible for you both. Hugs and kisses

  • Angela-R
    Angela-R Member Posts: 109
    edited December 2012

    Having a lovely week relaxing up on the Gold Coast so been offline. Found an Internet signal so quickly checked, and am so very very happy for both Chrissy and Trish. Great relief for you and your families. Now...where is my sudoku?

  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited December 2012

    Hello everyone

    I'm finally back at work today! Won't have that MRI today as the machine isn't working well enough and my appointment has been postponed.  It's a brand new machine and we knew there'd be lots of teething problems, so I'll just rock up when it's working properly. It's so we have a baseline for my "good" breast so I'm not expecting anything nasty to be found.

    Ariom I did have limited movement of my arm for around a week after the mx.  I found the singlets weren't hard to put on - but everyone's different.  If you can get it on - good, if you find it too difficult, just leave it till you can. As Chrissy said, stepping into things can make it easier too.  Or getting someone to help you with it.

    I have 2 dogs and was a bit paranoid about them pulling my drain out at home.  Mine were surprisingly quiet around me - it was as if they knew I was to be treated differently and were very protective of me lol. I ended up having my drain for about 2 weeks, a pain, but better than having to have the wound drained.

    I got my vit E from my chiropractor - it was pure vit E in a tube - you might be able to get it from a health food shop too - or as Chrissy suggests (she's pretty clever that lady!) just break open the capsules.

    Chrissy - can you remind me of the names of the stuff to take for arthritis?  I told you I'd forget and I have lol.  All I can think of is Botswanna and I know that's wrong! lol

    Have a good one everyone

    Trish

    xoxo

  • midnight1327
    midnight1327 Member Posts: 1,331
    edited December 2012

    CHEERS girls, Trish that is tremendous news, wow. another hurdle over. i am so pleased for you.

    Chrissy, amen to that news too, wow good news on the lump, ur spine,  another issue, but the best is you and Trish both have benign results. and i am thrilled for you both.

    Jenn, i had a headache too. yesterday, i think mine may of been out in hot sun too long,i must get a sun hat. it was very hot yesterday. so may have been abit of heat stroke.  i hate headaches, make you feel so yuk. have a good day and hope yrs has eased alot more.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited December 2012

    Hi Trisha, thanks for that. I have some knitted camis that I think I can step into, so they may do the trick.

    I think you are talking about Boswellia for the arthritis. It is actually Frankinscense, and there is Cat's Claw which is often taken with it. Another great supplement is Lyprinol by Blackmores. I have been taking it for years for Rheumatoid. It is the extract from the New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel and helps with inflammation, and also respiratory health too. It is actually being advertised at it's lowest price ever at the moment at Chemist Warehouse.

    I used the Vit E caps when I had my appendix out and it worked a treat, and I have been known to use it for sunburn too.

    I wish my dog could read the situation like yours, but when I got home after the core biopsy, I had to fend him off because he was so happy to see me. I was a little sore from the 8 cores taken, but he still wanted to lie across me at every opportunity. He's gorgeous, but perhaps not the sharpest tool in the shed!LOL I am taking him for long walks every day to keep him happy and to keep me fit. He'll enjoy being with the other dogs for a while.

    Thanks to everyone who has answered my questions. It is really appreciated.

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited December 2012

    Trish what Ariom said.......lol. I myself just take the Boswellia and Curcumin and find they work well for me but I have heard about Lyprinol as also being very good. Play with them and find the combination that works well for you. To make sure that the muscles relax as well I take a teaspoon of Ultra Muscle Ease as well. It's actually magnesium with a couple of other things so don't go heavy handed with it or you'll spend all day on the loo........which is a good unblocker but not if you are regular if you know what I mean. Just mix with 250ml water and down the hatch ........sort of has a lemony flavor so not unpleasant. The added benefit is it aids Vit D in putting the calcium in your system where it belongs into your bones so a double whammy thing happening with it......lol.....I like that as it means one less powder or potion I have to take.......lol.



    Off to get my nails done as they are starting to look like claws!!! This is my one regular treat, a manicure as I don't have enough hair to fuss with.....hahaha!



    Love you all and sending many hugs! Chrissy

  • midnight1327
    midnight1327 Member Posts: 1,331
    edited December 2012

    Gosh girls. last week at this time you were all excited heading off to meet each other and it already a week gone since you home, time does fly when you having fun. hope you all having  a great day. lol  hubby said, when he shifted the rabbits this morning, the neighbour was outside having a  drink and smoke on her little back porch and she said to him, who is the snorer in your house, and hubby said,  my wife snores,  she said, yea and man she was in full swing this morning and she said, all i could think of was, the  lucky sod as she is a very light sleeper. lol gosh getting bad if the neighbours comment on it lol.

    Kazzie, how you doing, have not seen you for a few days, hope you ok. you having chemo?. take care.  hugs

  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited December 2012

    Oh Midnight!!  I thought I was a bad snorer, my DH always tells me I lift the roof lol.  Kate told me I was very lady like - I'm believing her version lol

    Yes - this week has gone way too fast, this time last week Linda and I were driving to the airport to pick Kate up after a really yummy meal at Broncos.

    Thanks Ariom and Chrissy for the names, I will be getting some supplies this weekend.  

    Trish

    xoxo

  • Kazzie61
    Kazzie61 Member Posts: 418
    edited December 2012

    Thanks for asking Midnight.....it's been a tough week!

    I had my first Gemzar/Paclitaxel last Thursday & by Sunday arvo I had crashed.....spent all Monday & Tuesday in bed & just felt like a train wreck.

    Went back yesterday for my second Gemzar & my white blood cell count was too low for chemo (which would explain the major exhaustion) & a rash I have on my neck - which I thought was just a reaction to the chemo - is bloody shingles!

    So, I'm on anti viral tablets for a week & have to stay away from pregnant ladies & anyone who hasn't had chickenpox....

    Now I'm hoping inflection doesn't kick in on day 10 to 14..... Went & bought some new PJ's just in case I have to go to hospital .....LOL (lovely Peter Alexander ones.....thought I deserved to be spoilt!!)

    I've been reading, just not posting, & very happy that both Chrissy & Trisha got good results....:) And I have been thinking of you all....:)

    Hope everyone has a lovely weekend.....& I'm hoping to get a bit of energy back.....although I do feel a bit better today.



    Take care lovely ladies



    Karen xxx

  • midnight1327
    midnight1327 Member Posts: 1,331
    edited December 2012

    OH Kazzie thats not good. shingles is very painful. my mum had it and also my sister did on her scalp, she could not comb her hair, intense pain. i really hope you will get over this quick as possible. lots of love and gentle hugs.

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited December 2012

    Oh damn Karen! What an awful thing to get right when you are having to do chemo! That is so not fair! Here's hoping the antiB's kick in quickly and you get some relief.



    I'm posting from my new toy! Yup it arrived today! Yahoooooo!



    Love n hugs, Chrissy

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