What a whirlwind year… it started with my
husband of 16 years leaving me and our 3 children (he is still seeing them a bit) and then a few weeks later I was diagnosed with a grade 2 lobular breast cancer. 3 weeks later I had a lumpectomy as part of a breast reduction and they reduced the other breast to match.
Recovery has gone well and I am now 7 weeks post surgery but they didn’t get the margins on the tumour so I am now heading for a DIEP reconstruction on 14th June. Meanwhile I’ve now found out the ex is dating an employee half his age… yes, that old chestnut!
Anyway, my children are 14,13 & 10 and my mother passed away some years ago. I don’t have any relatives close by but have some amazing friends who helped through the first op. I am worried about how much support I am going to need after this op. I have been told it will be 3-5 days in hospital then 6 weeks no driving and 3 months recovery.
I have connected with other parents at the kids clubs so am not so concerned about getting them to and from them after school but I am concerned about how to get things done around the house.
Is there any help I can access? Is there a way of finding support for cleaning and domestic chores? How do I find help? Am worried about the cost as also having to pay for divorce.
any other single parents been through this? What was your recovery time like and how did you manage with everyday tasks?
how long before you are able to be up out of bed when you get home from hospital? Can you shower? Wash hair?
What underwear do you recommend wearing after the op on tummy? Any hints and tips.
Am sorry for long post, it is suddenly feeling very real and I don’t really know what questions I am trying to get answers to but any sharing of experiences would be great.
Hoping you all have as positive a journey through this as you can.
Many thanks
liz
