Hi,
I was diagnosed with stage 1 or 2 ER+ PR+ HER- BC and I am having a left breast mastectomy on the 23rd June.
My emotions are very up and down which I’m sure is normal. I am trying to get myself prepared but am feeling very overwhelmed.
I was give a basic list from my nurse if what I’ll need for my time in hospital after surgery but it really is basic and I’ve been told little else.
I was wondering what advice people would give for things I will need in hospital?
Also how should I prepare for when I’m home? is there anything I shouldn’t be without? What is the recovery like and how long were people off work before they were well enough to return?
So many questions swimming around my head that I feel like I’m drowning in them, there is just so much to consider.
I’d really just appreciate any advice people can give.
Thanks so much x
Hi Pisces25
I had a lumpectomy, so can't give advice on a mastectomy - but your post has slipped to the 2nd page, so hopefully by replying someone who's had a mastectomy can give some more information now.
Kindest Wishes, Lesley
Hi Pisces25
sorry missed your post .
Welcome to the place you don’t want to be but it’s the best place to come for help and support if you click on my name you will be able to read my Bio within profile .
First bit of advice is take a breath diagnosis is like waking up on a rollercoaster with no idea how you got there . It does settle down honest once you know your treatment plan it starts to feel better .It’s the waiting in between appointments and surgery and any further treatment that is absolutely dreadful for most people . We all react differently but hopefully you’ll start to feel more in control then .
I spent some of the time before chemo freezing meals and cleaning cupboards had no time before op it was 8 days after diagnosis and dEC is ion made on Tuesday that op was Thursday
With regards what to take to hospital I took normal toiletries items and sleepwear with the benefit of button thru top for ease of on and off . I made sure that bathing products were % parebens ( dove bath crème is reasonable ) I also took water based wet wipes to freshen up .
At my hospital Mac. Volunteers provide underarm heart shape cushions to aid support especially useful when in car coming home and shoulder bag to hold drain if you have one .
I took magazines and a book also hubby brought my iPad in
Clothing for coming home was a post surgery bra (had been supplied with a softie prosthetic) and loose trousers with a button thru shirt . Although told that usually overnight stay there were three of us in same room and we all stayed in for 4/5 nights so we’re drain free when we left . Personally I preferred this and was lucky it was possible ..op on Thursday beds free over weekend on elective ward .
Do remember to do the given exercises to regain movement it’s surprising how you can do them when you think no way 
As I said we all react differently but agree with my BC who said more discomfort than pain this is mainly because nerve blocker is administered prior to op . Whether it is or not hurting take all painkillers offered prevention is so much easier than cure.
My last piece of advice is as soon as you are able take a peek at your op area or it can build up in your mind plus it is another way of taking control.The first look my op area was still covered so when bandage came off it was scar I needed to see rather than what was missing . Really all of the above is just I did but there is no right or wrong it is all down to how comfortable you feel
Do post again with any other questions and I’m sure others will come on as well .
Use some of your time browsing the threads lots of chat and info available
ps Edit a V shaped support pillow was a godsend when at home ,helped a lot when trying to sleep on back
