S U R V I V E A M A S T E C T O M Y
Only the most beautiful women get breast cancer. Here are their tips:
1. After a mastectomy, you won't be able to take a shower for days so invest in DRY Shampoo and WET wipes to stay refreshed.
2. You will probably have post-op drain tubes. Nurses will teach you how to empty them, but experience taught me how to make it easier. Buy small square alcohol prep pads that are traditionally sold for diabetics at CVS, Walgreens, & other pharmacies. Use one square alcohol pad to squeeze out fluid from each tube into drain. Trust me, once you see the drain/tubes this will make sense. This is usually a perfect job for the person standing by your side.
3. If your doctor allows you to take a shower, she will want you to keep the drains and incisions dry. So how do you that? Two things can help. One is the Shower Shirt. Two is a shampoo cup rinser.
4. Back Pillow Pillows! When you leave the hospital, you will probably be instructed to sleep upright and on your back. Many survivors report sleeping on a recliner. If you don't have a recliner, try a back pillow with arm rests or a wedge pillow. You can find these pillows at your local Walmart or Bed, Bath & Beyond.
5. Underarm Pillow Pillows! Get small shaped pillows to place under your underarms. It takes pressure off the breast incisions. Another trust me tip!
6. Chances are you will wake up at the hospital wearing a velcro post-op bra with tubes and drains safety-pinned to it. But check with your health insurance, it should pay for a zipper-friendlypost-op camisole with pockets to hold drains. But you will have to get it before surgery. You can get it online or at a mastectomy boutique. This one is my favorite, post-op camisole with pockets to hold drains. If insurance won't pay for it, a lanyard with a clip will hold up drains. HomeDepot has cute lanyards.
7. My sister created a Facebook Group and invited special friends to follow my medical progress. She took pictures when I walked in and out of the hospital and almost everything in between. It was a great way to have family and friends updated without the pressure of repeating myself during my recovery. Receiving loving and prayerful wishes helped my recovery too. A cancer survivor created a foundation that provides a free website service for cancer patients to keep their families informed, see MyLifeLine.org
8. Doctors appointments and medical terms can be overwhelming....besides you are still in shock with the diagnosis. Purchase a digital recorder and take it to every appointment. Every great doctor welcomes the recorder. You can then replay your doctors' advice and understand every word. You can find digital recorders at office supply stores. Prices range from $30+. Get the easiest one to use.
9. No heels, yet! Pick one pair of shoes that are flat, comfortable and can be worn anywhere with anything. Make sure you can put them on with no effort. You want to look comfortably cute with no thinking involved.
10. Select a hand-held inspirational piece to hold in doctors' waiting rooms. For me, it's a hand-held wooden cross that comfortably sits in the palm of my hand. It reminds me of God's Will and Strength. See picture on left.
11. At home, place all important products at counter-top level. You will not be able to raise your arms and/or reach for a few weeks.
12. Do you have other tips? Please communicate with us. See link at top of page.
Always consult your doctor for your treatment, but this SURE helps!
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