Double mastectomy, can you look at my list and tell me if I've thought of everything?

[TheFakeOffBakeOff]

I'm having a preventative double mastectomy and I'm starting to plan what I'l need for my hospital stay and for when I come home. I haven't had any other operations so I don't have any experience of what I will need.

In hospital:
Lip balm
Wet wipes
Antibac gel
Tissues
Throat lozenges
Hair brush & toiletries
Slippers, nighties, dressing gown
Towel

For home:
Extra pillows to get comfy
Frozen meals in freezer
Extra childcare
DH booked time off
Box sets to watch
Disposable bed mats (in case my drains leak on the bed)

Will I need things like wound dressings and micro-pore tape for home or will I be given things like that if I need them?

Someone said I'd be given HiBiScrub sanitising wash to use at home when showering pre-op but they haven't mentioned that to me at the hospital at all. Do I need to get some?

I've had a pre-op assessment appt already but they said I need to go back in for another appt a week before surgery.

good luck weebarra I hope they take it all away

Frances I'll google Vernacare, is it like HiBiScrub wash?

I was thinking of taking our tablet in with me but the nerse said not to take anything valuable in because things walk so then I wasn't sure.

Notquite Thanks for that, I'd heard that getting the drains out was pretty unpleasant, but its good to hear the rest was manageable.

Bunbake I always have cold feet so socks will be added to the list!

Wee I hope it all goes well

I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction less than 6 months ago for prevention.

I had a room of my own in the hospital which was a godsend. Still took an eye mask as the corridors are never in darkness.

I had my drains in for 2 weeks but that might have been down to the type of reconstruction I had. The pain honestly wasn't too bad and neither was the anaesthetic. I was in for 2 nights.

I would second everyone who said take plenty to read as lots of waiting around. Also a phone / ipad and charger will pass the time.

Take some nice toiletries and shampoo. Stuff to eat although my throat was sore after the anaesthetic.

hope it all goes well - no advice re what take sorry, but I'm also having a double mastectomy without reconstruction in mid-May so thank you for the list!

do you have a date yet? Please keep us up to date.

Hugs (no apologies for being unmumsnetty)

Wine Yes, I'm all booked in for a day in late June (deliberately vague there sorry, trying to remain anonymous). My surgeon was really understanding when I said that we were going to struggle with young children, no family nearby and childcare without having a date to work to.

I don't know anyone who has chosen no reconstruction like I have, I get the impression it is fairly uncommon. I have had some odd responses from people when they ask (why, oh why do they ask?!). The best yet from a colleague was 'oh, I;d have to have reconstruction, I wouldn't be a woman with breasts' Yeah, thanks for that!

I don't know anyone who has chosen no reconstruction like I have, I get the impression it is fairly uncommon. I have had some odd responses from people when they ask (why, oh why do they ask?!). The best yet from a colleague was 'oh, I;d have to have reconstruction, I wouldn't be a woman with breasts' Yeah, thanks for that

People can be very rude/silly/shallow - and if your colleague genuinely feels that two lumps of fatty tissue are what makes her a woman, then that's a bit sad.

I think you'll find the mastectomy is straightforward, and the fact that you aren't having reconstruction makes it far more likely that you'll recover quickly. I have close family who've been through it, and the problems (ie delay in recovery) have been caused by reconstruction, not mastectomy.

I wonder if it has become so much the norm to have implants that women think that it's routine and therefore isn't really a choice? I know several women who made the same decision as you, and have been very happy with it.

I am sure all will go well, so try not to worry.

Can't think of anything to add to the collective wisdom other than some food - sounds unlikely, but I never want anything when I come round, but then am always starving in the middle of the night. A bag of fruit and nuts, bit of chocolate to gnaw on. Treats..!

Just wanted to add my support.
I had bc at 26 which was 20 yrs ago.
I had my double mastectomy at the time but only had cancer in the right one, I had reconstruction and they look ok.
I had my ovaries out in January as another preventative measure as I have brca1.
Just wanted to say that I had a bit if a panic when it was time to go to theatre but was ok after.
It's a big decision but I've never ever regretted it for a minute.
Lots if luck x

I'm in a very similar position fakeBake I also decided reconstruction isn't for me mainly because we also don't have family near, I've got 2 youngish children and having been off work having chemo since last october, I want o be back at work for September (I work in a school).

My BCN fully supports my decision but does sayits an unusual one!

Looks like I'll be having mine first so I promise to pass on any tips.

PS I do wonder why people feel its ok to ask quite intimate questions or pass comments (my favourite being " my SIL/neighbour/dog walker had breast cancer and she died!" yeah, thats helpful to know

Ong wine if forgotten about that.
I remember a neighbour treating me to a locket description of how her mum died!
My best friend nearly headbutted her!

Bit late to this thread, so nothing extra to add.

Just wanted to say to OP I had a double mx without recon last November. (Had cancer in R breast only). My BCN did say it was unusual not to want recon "at my age" (I was 46) but the whole team were very supportive of my decision. I can honestly say I've had absolutely no regrets, it was definitely the right thing for me. What has surprised me that now I have my "proper" prostheses I actually forget myself sometimes that they aren't my boobs

And yes the twenty blood personal questions and the stories of the what happened to their aunt's-next-door-neighbour's-cousin's-cat from friends acquaintances drive you round the bend!

Hi, I have had double mastectomies and reconstruction like you. First 6 weeks are the hardest but it gets easier..... Just check for headaches and general feeling of unwell in first weeks after op as it might be blood infection. I speak from experience!

Good luck. Don't worry, these surgeons are amazing. I am so glad I had it done xxx

I thought I'd come back and let you know how I got on. I had the double mastectomy, no recon, and it all went well. I stayed in hospital for 4 days with the drains and came home after they were removed.
The worst part was the drains, they were horrible and taking them out wasn't nice, but since they've been out my recovery has been speedy.
With all your suggestions I had everything I needed so thank you all. I'm so relieved it's done and the worst part is hopefully over now.
Thanks again x