How to best prepare practically for breast cancer surgery?

[Espanila]

I will soon be having surgery for breast cancer which will put me out of action for 6 weeks. Then I’ll be having some chemo and/or radio therapy depending on how surgery goes. For this who have done this before, is there anything I need to do before my operation that I won’t be able to do during my recovery period? I’m going to book a haircut before my surgery as I need one but figured it may be awkward to lean back afterwards. Will get a pedicure too as a bit of self-care. Anything else?? I’ve bought special bras. Any advise on clothes to take to hospital? I’ve had my head in the sand about it as that seems to be the best way of coping but operation date is rapidly approaching. Thanks in advance.

@dancingwhilstfacingthemusic sorry to be dense but what exactly seeps / drains out?! Is it a sort of puss? Why is it in your boobs? (I am no medical expert!)

Hi just to add that with my hospital they put the drains into little bags (think canvas little shoulder bags) to help you carry them round. If you go home with drains in they say you can keep the bags (as they get new ones with every patient). I believe it’s gifted from a charity for mastectomy patients.

i would hope they offer this in most hospitals but appreciate it might be dependent on area. Just letting you know as I wouldn’t rush out and buy something you might not need.

i think depending on which reconstruction you have, if it’s deip, you won’t be doing ordinary things within the first week, most patients are in hospital for at least 4-5 days. Implants are a lot easier recovery and healing.

You'll need tops that don't go over your head as you'll probably struggle to lift your arm for a bit. The hospital gave me a heart shaped pillow to have under my arm, which helped massively. For me, the drain was only in a few days so it didn't cause too much of an issue. You might just need a pocket or small bag to put it in. You'll be fine 😊

id have a nice thin wrap around dressing gown for hospital and new soft towels. You may feel better wearing normal clothes rather than PJs - go for easy fitting tops in soft fabric. Slip on shoes for the ward will be easier.
You may want to listen to podcasts or read books - it can be boring on a ward or waiting for appointments; treat yourself to comfortable headphones and some earplugs!

@Espanila its just watery body fluids and blood. Shouldn’t be pus - if it is you’ll need to contact the team. They gave me antibiotics as a precaution whilst mine was in. They’ll explain everything you need to do (hopefully not whilst you’re high on fentanyl like I was!).

It’s very strange, you go to sleep and what seems like moments later you’re awake and hopefully, the unwanted lodger is gone. They gave me some gorgeous relaxy stuff whilst I was going under. I didn’t get to bring a party bag of that home though!

If you’re going to be in hospital overnight, take an eye mask and ear plugs / headphones. I got sent home most times but was kept in for observation on on occasion and was glad to block out the extra light and noise.

when you’re ready to, take a look at this supportive group of women.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/cancer/5525416-likely-breast-cancer-after-ultrasound-thread-4?page=13&reply=153837146

You already sound a lot more prepared than I was before I had my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. I found the lumpectomy much easier to recover from than the sentinel node biopsy. The physio will give you exercised to do. Do not skip these. It is amazing the difference they make and you will need to be able to raise your arms above your head for radiotherapy. The anaesthetic tube gave me a sore throat. If I ever need another op I will have a throat numbing spray at the ready for the days after. They warned me my first pee would be blue from the dye used for the sentinel node biopsy but failed to tell me that it would cause bright green poo - so don't be alarmed about that! I struggled to wash my hair initially so DH had to help me. A few months after I was in the hairdresser and a lady came in and just had a wash and dry because she had had shoulder surgery. I hadn't thought of that as an option. Good luck with it all and wishing you a speedy recovery.

You might not have a drain I didn't.

A lady came in and just had a wash and dry because she had had shoulder surgery.
My DD who is a hairdresser has a lady that comes in every week just to have her hair washed. She has also had people that have had operations that are unable to do it themselves.

True! I didn’t with my lumpectomies but did with the mastectomy/reconstruction using implant.