[Deb33]

Here's my two cents:

Be sure to take a picture of your breasts today - you will want it for your scrapbook and to remind yourself that you didn't look that great "before". My surgery and reconstruction was relatively easy and trauma free. I didn't get the diep flap but my PS does an internal cellular matrix support thing that gives really natural results. I was in the hospital for 48 hours - the biggest issue was they wanted me on oral pain killers and off the IV meds and I had to poop (sorry if this it too much info). Surgery is SO constipating. I left with 5 drains which were a bit of a hassle but not painful. The hospital gave me a "Marsupial" pac which was great - its a velcro belt with pockets that hold the drains. Make sure you have some firm pillows for your bed so you can prop up when you rest or a recliner. You will be on your back for awhile. I am 10 weeks from surgery and am still required to sleep on my back - my PS feels with as much chemo as I had and am still having, that I may heal a little slower. Have someone to wait on you for at least a week. You will have limited arm movement which is hard to follow because after 3 or 4 days you will feel pretty good, probably be taking tylenol only and will want to be self sufficient. I learned the hard way that doesn't work - I had 1 drain that took 21 days to remove because I wouldn't stop moving around. One other thing that comes to mind - I occasionally had pec cramps - my chest muscle would sieze up and would be pretty painful. Keep tylenol on hand ALL the time.

You will do great. After chemo, surgery is a piece of cake and is one more thing to check off the To Do List.