Home alone with mastectomy

Hi scribblinglady,

I'm sorry you find yourself here. It must be hard living alone and worrying about this but I'm glad to hear that you are very determined to overcome this.

What you have written here is a blog- which is more like an update every so often of your cancer story. 

You might find it more useful to join our Breast Cancer group (click the link), and speak to some of the members there, as there will be others who have had mastectomies and other treatment similar to you.

Once there, you will need to join the group, and then you can write a 'new discussion' and get some responses.

Best of luck,

Jess

Macmillan Community Team

I had a drain and they are really no trouble. I did mine all by myself. I tied a bandage round my waist and attached it so it didnt dangle. At night tucked it in big knickers and pjama bottoms. I washed my hair in the washbasin with a jug, much easier than using a shower hose.

The tiredness comes from the effort of handling the emotion. Give into it from time to time. Its your bidy telling you to get some rest. Cut yourself some slack and take some Me Time.

Hope all goes well. Try the group chats- they are full of good advice.

Thank you so much for that - bandage a great idea. So grateful

Hi there,

I also had a drain after my surgery and to be honest they are alot easier than you think. I was very lucky because I wasn't losing much fluid so I was able to have mine removed within a few days. It does all seem a bit daunting I know but really you will be fine. The volunteer ladies at my Breast Clinic in Lincoln made shoulder bags for our drains and that really helped when having to carry it around (space to put the excess tubing so no risk of catching it). Have a chat with your nurses and ask if they have something similiar.

Take care - I'm sure it will all be fine :-) xx

That is very reassuring, thank you; I feel greatly encouraged. What a wonderful site this is!