Stacked pap flap preparing for the surgery and first few days

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I am scheduled to have a risk reducing surgery on my unaffected breast. I gave already had my right breast mastectomy and diep reconstruction in 2020. As I have high risk due to genetic reasons, I am now having the left breast mastectomy and reconstruction using stacked pap flap using both inner thighs.

I can't seem to get the detailed information or advice I need on what kind of compression garments I should use for post surgery bra and girdle and shorts...

I am trying to prepare for having challenges in going to the loo when sitting down is going to be challenging and how many drains I can expect.

Along with the pap flap, they will finish the right side with fat filling and hopefully remove the dog ears I was left with from the diep.

As this is risk reducing, i don't seem to fit help and and Support as this is 2 years post original diagnosis (2 surgeries, chemo ans radiotherapy).

I am relieved that this surgery is happening after a 2 year wait, as well as scared at how tough the recovery will be.

Anyone else had this surgery? What helped you in the immediate days after surgery? How many nights did you stay in hospital?

Any advice, kind words and peptalks are very appreciated

latchbrook over 1 year ago

Hi VBphone home

I haven't had this surgery, so can't share any experience with you, but I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list as it's slid off the front page.

I have searched the group for other posts which mention this and found that Fungir05 was talking about this 6 months ago. I've 'tagged' her into my reply to you and hopefully she'll pop on and share her experience with you.

"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

NatureLover over 1 year ago

Hello VBphone home, I find it really suprising you haven't been given a point of contact like a breast care nurse. I also have a high risk for genetic reasons and am planning to have surgery next year. When I met with my plastic surgeon he answered some of the questions you have. I will stay in hospital for one night, I will have drains in for approx 10 days. I will have implants. How was it for you when going through surgery on your right side?

You have already been through alot and have come this far, it sounds like you're hopefully nearer the end of surgeries. I try to remember why I'm doing this for some people being around for their loved one's brings meaning and for me I want to have a long happy life with my husband and not be worried every year I get an MRI and Mammogram that I'm going to need cancer treatment.

There are other's who hopefully will post with more detail that can help. I found having my favourite foods at home ready to be heated up in the few days post surgery helpful. Watching anything that made me laugh or cry depending what mood I was in. Audiobooks and music while waiting for surgery and when i needed to be readmitted with infection helped. Also an eye mask when trying to sleep in hospital.

https://direct.asda.com/george/lingerie/bras/post-surgery-bras/D27M3G1C1S13,default,sc.html

In terms of post surgery bras I plan on buying some from Asda which have decent reviews.

Take care of yourself, hugs

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Stacked pap flap preparing for the surgery and first few days