post-op mastectomy care
Thank you for being here.
Sue is scheduled for a modified simple mastectomy with sentinel node biopsie/dissection on December 5th. Obviously we don't know what they'll find in the nodes yet, so we don't know how extensive that removal will be. She also scheduled reconstructive surgery to begin at that time involving an expander for eventual implants.
I've asked the surgeon, and I've read as much as I've found, about post op care and what to expect. Naturally, I have heard everything from "very little discomfort" to "very severe pain".
I understand that everyone has their own experience and that personal experience can't be predicted, but we don't know anyone who has gone through this surgery, and I feel unprepared.
I wonder if anyone could tell us what helped, what felt best, after their surgery? What can I do as a caretaker to make things better? Is there one part of your experience that you felt you weren't prepared for? Anything to watch for? A lot of questions, right? I feel like I'm intruding on personal space.
Anything that you found to be helpful that you would share with me would be so appreciated.
Thanks to all of you for what we've learned so far.
---Kevin and Sue---
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