Breast Surgery Tips & Tricks
We aren’t sure if tips & tricks is the right heading for this article as we certainly don’t have any surgery tricks up our sleeve and we would rather be able to magic all cancers away so you wouldn’t need to be reading this right now.
We aren’t giving out advice & assistance nor are we giving you instructions & information but what we are doing is passing on some top tips as told by patients like you, women and men that have sat where you are now and have shared the same worries and concerns that you are feeling.
It’s natural to take to Google, Chrome or whatever search engine you may use and research the hell out of breast cancer and everything else in between. Whilst there is a bucket load of information out there on the internet, you can overload yourself with too much and become confused. Remember you have your breast care team to answer questions and queries, so don’t be afraid to approach them.
Imagine this blog as a conversation you may have later down the line with a friend who is standing where you are now. After the surgical part of your treatment is over, we are sure you will have at least one go-to tip you will pass on. Was there a particular product you found useful for instance?
Some have said an extra pair of undies is very handy just in case an accident happens during surgery, we all have a story to share and yes, unfortunately, that can happen so let’s start by throwing that one out there and that way the only way from here is up.
So here goes, here are some of the surgery tips and tricks as advised by Primrose patients but please remember that all surgeries are different. No two patient’s journey will be the same. Some operations last longer than others, some will be day case surgeries where you are in and out the same day. For others you may spend a night or two in hotel Derriford.
There is a huge range of surgery options now available so please pick out what relates to you. We have thrown a bit of everything together so some of this may not fit your recovery whereas one little tip could help ease your road to recovery.
Top Tips
At the Primrose centre you can receive a drain bag & heart-shaped pillow. To help with manoeuvrability and support for the drain, and the pillow as support post op. These are provided by various local support groups and are all free of charge therefore if you want one just ask.
Give the house a good old clean before you go for surgery. This may not be something you can cope with if you have had chemotherapy pre surgery. If you are not up to doing this yourself then ask a friend or partner. Your support group would love to help you with this, don’t be afraid to ask. In particular, your bedroom, who doesn’t love fresh bedding but besides which its one less thing to worry about. You may need a drain bottle beside your bed so bear this in mind – ensure bed sides are clear and easily accessible.
Be prepared to rest. Your body will naturally tell you to so listen to what your body needs. Sleep, rest & more rest. We understand you want to get better but if you don’t rest at this crucial time, it will only come around and bite you on the bum later so take this time to recover – recovery time is essential.
Exercise little but often. Now when we say exercise, we aren’t talking about a 5k, little walks and small movement is essential.
Accept help. Unless you actually hold the magic wand, we spoke about earlier preparing for and getting through your surgery & recovery will require a little help from your friends. Whether it’s a taxi service to and from the hospital, a little bit of assistance with light housework duties or some childcare for those with a young family. Don’t be stubborn if someone cares and offers their support then take it.
When the day arrives when you need to come in for your surgery, we understand that it is one of the most difficult times for most people, that and the agonising wait for your results.
So, let’s walk through some of the things we have been advised by other patients that you may wish to pack. They are:
Hospital bag essentials:
A front zip-up bra
Throat lozengers. Often your throat can be a little sore after surgery so pack a few throat sweets
Lip balm
Comfy loose clothes
Front buttoning PJs
An extra-long phone charger for your phone or iPad
Earphones – you may have to wait a while before surgery so occupy yourself with a new Netflix series. The hospital Wi-Fi isn’t great so may sure you have Wi-Fi.
Handheld fan – This will also be very useful later down the line
Packets of tissues
It’s strange how so many patients have said they received more presents when they received their breast cancer diagnosis than they do on their birthdays so if you are lucky enough to be showered with gifts it’s okay to suggest some products that will be useful.
Some at-home essentials/ gift ideas:
V-shaped pillow
Therapy colouring book & pencils (just a cheap one from the pound shop can do the job).
A puzzle book
A couple of good reads, books, or magazines. Maybe throw one in your hospital bag
Cooling face spray or mist.
For more breast cancer recovery recommendations as told by patients please visit: https://www.primrosefoundation.org/bits-and-blogs/2021/1/15/self-help
If you are reading this article as your loved one has their surgery date soon then please read over our other helpful article: