Preparing

As with most things in life, being prepared ahead of time is so beneficial, but with mastectomy surgery (single or double) there are lots of things to prepare for - here are a few from my list:

          At work I spent time preparing for time off by getting files in order; I worked with the person who would fill in for me; I made a "cheat sheet" of steps to perform each of my daily tasks; my boss and I spent time discussing upcoming jobs/bids and things that were scheduled in my absence.  I also have an online shop that I put on "vacation" mode prior to the surgery so I would not have orders I could not fill.

          At home there are lots of things to consider:  move items in kitchen & bathroom cupboards/shelves to counter level as you won't be reaching up for a while (especially when you have wound drains in); cook extra with meals and freeze leftovers to use in the first couple of weeks or (if you are as lucky as I was) you can schedule meals to be brought in by family & friends; stock up on OTC meds such as Tylenol (Ibuprofen if allowed to use); begin taking a stool softener the week before surgery to help with bowel movements after surgery; make a grocery run just before your surgery so the cupboards are full for a couple weeks;  make a comfortable place to spend the daylight hours with a stand, pillows, blanket, reading material, phone & tv remote, etc;  and gather extra pillows to lean on when sleeping at night (I could not lay down at all).

         Depending on the season of your surgery, you may not be able to pull shades in warm weather; it was difficult to even open the house door at the beginning - you don't realize what "moves" with the simple turning of a doorknob :)  I have a wonderful husband who would pull the shades each morning and when he returned to work he made sure I had several glasses of liquid poured in the refridgerator and we prepared my noontime meal each night for easy access.

         Some personal things to prepare:  button up shirts will be a must as you cannot lift your arms - putting on a button up will take some assistance at first, but as you gain strength you can "hitch" each sleeve up over your shoulders by pulling on each front side alternately; you will not be able to wash your own hair so you might invest in Dry Shampoo or (if you are lucky like me) have your husband fashion a trashbag into a poncho, drape a towel around your neck, sit in a chair back-to to the sink and with a papercup someone can wet your hair down and shampoo for you; purchase wireless bras; make sure you have a thermometer as your doctor may want you to take your temperature daily for the first couple of weeks.

          Riding may prove to be a challenge - not only will you be uncomfortable from the surgery, but you will have drains under your arms with collection "bubbles" pinned to your compression bra so I found a small pillow to put between my chest and the seatbelt.  This works as a patient being driven to appointments as well as when you begin driving again - I was allowed to drive on week 3, but no overhand movements AND I practiced the night before while my husband was home to rescue me if it didn't go well.

I wish I had had this list prior to my surgery and I hope it will help you prepare!