Tag: breast cancer and surgery

Breast cancer lesson 140: Ten things that will make breast reconstruction surgery that little bit easier

On By Jackie ScullyIn Breast reconstruction surgery2 Comments

I have a confession. In lesson number 72 (click here for a quick refresher), I talked about setting my boobs free and tucking my post-surgery bra away in a drawer rather than wearing it to bed. Truth is, the boobs were free for all of about a night, before I found myself reaching for the unattractive-yet-feels-like-you’ve-got-nothing-on bra once more. I don’t need to wear it. But, I don’t feel quite right sleeping without it.

The reason I am telling you this is that I have just finished typing up my breast reconstruction surgery tips for the cancer kit list (click here to view both chemo and surgery suggestions) and I have come to realise that I am really quite attached to this beige front-fastening number. In hospital, it meant easy access (nurses could check whether my breast was still alive without moving me). At home, it remains one of the most comfortable things I own. And comfort – rather than style – is all that matters now! Life is way too short to wear wired bras that dig into your side or high heels that make your feet swell (and you look like you’re drunk when you haven’t even been drinking). The other reason I am telling you this is that I was asked not to wear it last night and this morning (as part of a secret charity mission) and I actually really missed it. Who would have thought a bra would bring me so much happiness!

As you can imagine, the front-fastening Royce bra (click here to see it in all its glory) sits at the top of my ‘ten-things-that-will-make-breast-reconstruction-surgery-that-little-bit-easier’ list. Excluding painkillers (an essential part of any surgery that involves a tummy tuck), here are a few of my favourite things:

  • A front-fastening bra: One more mention for good measure! It’s so important to get the right bra for you. I took my bra with me into surgery so it could be put on while I was asleep. Due to the swelling, it’s good to go up by one back size so the bra doesn’t feel tight (you might want to bring a few sizes just in case and the return the one you don’t use).
  • Button down nightshirts or nighties: I think surgeons and nurses alike would queue up to see you wrestle with a top that doesn’t button up in the days after surgery. When there are wounds, drains and a new boobie to inspect, it pays to make things simple. Regardless of the time of year, aim for lightweight layers rather than thermals (it can get pretty hot in hospital). I would aim to bring two nightshirts/nighties so you can change (and encouraging a friend or relative to rinse them through would be great)!
  • Big knickers: Bridget Jones would be proud! If you’re planning on laughing, coughing or moving around, big knickers or ‘magic pants’ are a huge help. They can be quite tight to get on and off, but they can make getting in and out of bed a lot easier. They’re handy in the weeks after surgery too. It’s worth bringing more pairs than you think you’ll need for your hospital stay, so you don’t run out (plus a few normal cotton pairs too in case you get too hot). I can’t say I am wearing them now, but I think fondly of our time together.
  • Drain bags: If you’ve been advised that you will have drains after surgery (they look a little bit like sports bottles attached to a tube), it is really handy to bring a bag (for example, a natural shopping bag) that you can slip over your shoulder. This frees up your hands if you need to steady yourself while walking. People do make and gift fabric drain bags too, so it’s worth asking your breast reconstruction nurse if there are any available. Same goes for an easy-to-carry wash bag! If you’re feeling crafty, click here for a drain bag pattern (you will need to scroll down a bit).
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  • Anti-bacterial gel and wet wipes: The bathroom can seem like a long way away if you’ve had DIEP surgery. These will help you cut a few corners in the early days!
  • External power pack: Keeping in contact with friends and family is a great way to make those hospital days go faster. If you’re worried about keeping things charged up (or taking lots of chargers), you could consider buying an external power pack. These can be charged up before you’re admitted and will power your phone many times over without needing to be recharged. They also come with lots of different connectors so you can power many devices. Fewer wires mean a lot less hassle.
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  • Adbo binder/corset: Not one you can bring with you, but worth requesting if you are finding the tummy tuck tight after surgery. I wore mine for six weeks and it was such a support when it came to moving around and laughing. The binder/big pants combo is amazing!
  • Breast pillow: Sleeping on your operated side may not be possible for a while after surgery. That’s when breast pillows can provide real support – not to mention much-needed protection should you share a bed. Some people use breastfeeding cushions, but there are specific breast surgery products, such as TenderCush pillows, that are great for easing discomfort. You might also want to change sides of the bed temporarily to protect your operated side even further. Setting this up before surgery means you can just sink into bed on your return home rather than rearranging your belongings.
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  • Post-surgery caddy: There is nothing worse than getting comfy to find your book is out of reach and your lip balm is in the other room! Setting up a tray or bag of essentials next to your chair is a great way to make sure you have all the essentials close to hand.
  • Cream: Once your wounds have sealed, you will be encouraged to massage them with cream to help things recover even further. I love Moo Goo’s Udder Cream. It smells wonderful and is highly recommended as a repair cream. You are also surrounded by cow puns, which makes this both creamy and amusing!
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You can read the full list in the cancer kit list section. And, if you’re interested in reading more about the breast reconstruction days, why not head to the ‘breast reconstruction’ category (I am excited I have now categorised all my blog posts for easy reference).

If you’re preparing for surgery, then I wish you all the best and hope that these tips will help the days in hospital fly by.

And, if you’re not, then please do one thing for me and make sure you have a comfy bra (not just a sexy, lacy one that makes your bits spill out). There is no strong evidence to suggest wearing an ill-fitting bra will give you breast cancer. But I am a great believer that happy people are comfortable people. And, I want you all to be happy.

And, if you’re a man, you might just want to pass this advice on. I am not sure you need a bra (or big knickers for that matter).

Breast cancer lesson number 55: Celebrate your independence day!

On By Jackie ScullyIn Breast reconstruction surgeryLeave a comment

Naughty right boob wasn’t the first thing on cancer’s hit list after diagnosis day. Cancer started with my keys. Three sets to be precise (on one giant keyring).

The first, my work keys, were handed over when I realised I probably wouldn’t be opening up across town at 8am any time soon. The second, my car keys, were wrestled off me when it became clear tummy tucks and emergency stops were not particularly compatible. And the third, my house keys, were surrendered when, on 21 February, I travelled to hospital knowing I wouldn’t be coming home that night.

I have always felt comforted by a heavy set of keys (even though Duncan thinks they make me sound like a prison warden). With keys, comes independence. And, with independence, comes happiness. Of course, it didn’t take long to regain control of my own front door. But, my keys have been pretty light of late as cancer has tried its best to ground me.

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Yesterday, at my six-week post-surgery check-up, I took one giant leap away from cancer and towards independence. Impressed with the way in which my body had risen to the healing challenge, the surgeon declared that – providing I could do an emergency stop – I was fit to drive. I also got permission to have a bath, have a massage (to help the scarring) and explore non-wired (but not post-surgical) bras. As appointments go, this was pretty exciting.

Expecting to see one of his team, rather than the surgeon himself, I was delighted to find him in the consulting room waiting for me. After quizzing me on just how ‘tight’ the tuck was (the answer being ‘very’), he smiled and explained that, had he not worked for a while in Taiwan and seen lots of really slim women recover well from the surgery, he probably wouldn’t have attempted it. All I can say is, thank you Taiwan!

I had to laugh when he congratulated me on my healing abilities (he said he just had to do the mechanical bit). I am not sure I will ever believe him that watching box sets, reading books, writing blogs, taking walks and doing stretches is as amazing as microsurgery, but when you’re topless on yet another hospital couch covered in angry-looking scars, any compliment is nice to hear.

It was a great feeling being able to thank my surgeon for helping save me that day back in February. It was also a great feeling knowing that with every appointment and every day that passes, cancer is continuing to lose its grip. It took my house keys. I took them back. It took my car keys. As soon as I get home to my car at Easter, they’ll be coming back too. And, one day this year, I will be back in the office opening up at 8am… or maybe 8.30am :-).