Any advice how to prepare for surgery?

Hi CoffeeFiend welcome to the forum.  Its perfectly natural for you to feel uncertain about things.

You will go in to the hospital and go to the theatre and I'm sure that they will have asked you to bring a soft bra with you and they will put this on you after the lump has been removed.

They may or may not put  a guide wire in before you go to theatre and you wont feel this as the breast will be numbed for you. When you come round you will be sore and tender and thats ok it will get better but may take a few weeks to fully feel better. You will most likely have or develop some bruises and again this is normal. 

Its best to have front opening  nightdresses or jackets whichever best suits you but front openings help as your arm can be a bit stiff.

When you get home please do the exercises that they will give you as this will enable you to get a full return of your range of movement and whilst it may feel sore it is vital that you do these.

Happy to help with any further questions but try to take one bit at a time as it can feel very overwhelming and focus on the surgery for now. 

Sending some hugs your way for now.xxxx

Thank you Granny 59. I would not have thought of front fastening clothes etc. They told me I will have two wires in. Top and bottom. It’s a 5 cm strip. I will stock up on paracetamol in preparation. Best wishes gillian

Hello there. It’s great that you have a date for surgery as the I found the waiting for results and next steps really hard. It can feel like a rollercoaster, but this group are wonderful.

I too had an overnight stay and the nurses really looked after me. I found some lovely soft front zip bras from amazon, others like Asda or marks and Spencer’s. I bought a size up from normal bra to allow for swelling. Other things I took into hospital were slippers, magazines, ginger biscuits to help with sickness although they do give you meds and happy to make you tea and toast. They will also send you away with some pain killers but yes you will need more. I found baby wipes really good as couldn’t have a shower and it was just nice to feel a little fresher. Headphones and music also kept me distracted. A soft pillow for the car journey home to go under seatbelt and a sick bag just in case. Finally Vaseline and bio oil for the scar once the dressing is removed. 

Take it easy for a few days after surgery, (so maybe have some meals pre prepared) but do get your arm exercises done every day, they really do make a difference. I started practicing mine a week before surgery too. 

Use the number for the breast care nurses if you have any questions..they are brilliant and happy to answer any questions you have. 

Wishing you well for the 7th. Let us know how you get on. 

Thank you cyprusfav. I feel like I’m a bit more on top of it now. Seen other posts mention a soft pillow but only now realise what it’s for!  xx