I didn't really want to spend money on a wedge pillow because they're expensive for something I'll only use for a brief time but I'm so, so happy I did. I added another pillow to the top of the wedge for even more elevation. I could not sleep without it, highly recommended a wedge if you don't have a recliner. The week prior to my surgery I made vegetable soup, split pea soup, chicken and spinach soup, beef stew, chili, and a few other things. I put everything in freezer bags so I can just heat it up.
Thank you so much for sharing! I never knew before surgery that a wedge pillow would be helpful so I didn't have one :s. I appreciate the personal experience recommendation. Well done on getting so much food prepped and ready for you too. I also didn't do that, but I was very thankful to have many care packages from my mom
Thank you for the tips. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and my double mastectomy surgery will be within the next few weeks. It’s been a whirlwind of tests and appointments. Planning ahead gives me a feeling of some control over my life again.
So sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis🙏. I'm happy you found his helpful💕. I can definitely relate to wanting to do things that give you a feeling of control. Sending positive vibes for you for your upcoming surgery💌 and wishing you a quick recovery. You can SO do this💪!
Yes I found out that at the beginning of my Diagnosed with Breast Cancer I had been to the hospital everyday for a week. Running a lot of tests MRI, consultation with breast surgeon, oncologist plastics surgeon, therapy team meeting with so many teams I know how you feel. Hopefully we are all kicking it in the butt. Good luck to all of us
@@lbpalexcool1 the reason people get cancer is because they have a broken immune system. God gave you that immune system so use it repair it and how you repair it is by the food that you eat you absolutely have to cut out and I mean not one grain of sugar the second thing you absolutely have to do is research because the oncologist and the cancer industry is lying to people they are using chemotherapy that was invented in the 1940s. It came out of World War I and World War II. It’s called mustard gas and it kills. You eventually could go on and on that are nontoxic and painful and that work is icy carcinoma on April 11, 2024 and I chose not to do a double mastectomy chemo radiation thyroid biopsy instead I use the alternative treatments such as ivermectin. Japan has done 3000 studies alone on the effectiveness of ivermectin. In fact it one a Nobel prize hello that’s cancer and if you go to, there’s all kinds of doctors talking about it I just watched a video from a pharmacist on it. The epic times newspaper did a huge article saying that Uniquely affective, according to a famous oncologist on UA-cam are talking about how ivermectin works on cancer so there’s millions of things you can do such as a keto eating program where you eat about 50 carbs a day or less and cut out all sugar. They also say that fasting absolutely cures cancer also hyperbaric oxygen chambers because cancer cells grow without oxygen so you oxygenate them and the walls collapse, high dose, vitamin C, taken in the vein like I said there are so many things, but you have to research, I’m so glad I did not jump on the operating room table 2 weeks after diagnosis thank God they want you to have surgery quickly and get on chemo before you have time to do any of this research. That’s what the rush is all about it took years and years for your cancer to show up on imaging so waiting three or four months while you do your homework is nothing, they get you wrapped up in fear to motivate you to their regimen which eventually leads to harm and death
@@kimberlyevans1801 Today is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Praying for you today. May the Lord and His angels be with you during and after your surgery. May you have fast recovery and healing. May today be a day like no other. Although we are going through this surgery we are coming out stronger. Strength during your recovery and journey. May you still see the beauty in you the same.
It's been a week and 2 days since I had a double mastectomy. I found sleeping on my sofa that reclined was the best thing for comfort. Once the drains and pumps came out yesterday you feel a new person. Having a long zipper top with inside pockets is wonderful for showering called yesito mastectomy drainage. If you can try to have your reconstruction done at the same time of your breast cancer surgery. It cuts down on surgeries. I feel great, I'll be back to my high-intensity class within 8 weeks. Go in with a positive attitude , and your faith whatever that might be for you. You got this.... Good video.....
I had preventative surgery in 2016, a bilateral mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction and this advice was EXCELLENT!! I wish I would have had this info before I had my surgery. I will be passing on this great info. Thank you and Bless you! 🥰🙏
Thank you so much for posting this Chelsey! I hope you are well and cancer free. I was just diagnosed and will need surgery. I found your video so helpful. Thank you so very much! All the best! xoxo
Great video! Ive been researching since my diagnosis. Bilateral w/recon scheduled for May 2nd. Nervous but excited to be cancer free! Its nice to find videos of women willing to tell about their experience to help us. Im extremely grateful! Thank you ❤
I'm so glad the video has been helpful🙏🌷. You are getting so close. I hope at this time you are feeling as prepare as one can and ready to be cancer free. Thinking of you and sending healing vibes🌱💕
I had a bilateral mastectomy and I definitely suggest getting pillows. I had to sleep propped up for months. I still don’t sleep the way I use too. It’s been over a year. Those shirts with drain pockets a definite investment.
Thank you so much. You helped to relieve some of the anxiety I feel. My dr said thier will not be any pain meds after surgery (single or double mastectomy depending on Genetic testing results), just Tylenol. I hope that means there won't be much pain.😮
I'm so happy this video helped to relieve some of your anxiety. I find the unknown to be so stressful. Hmmmm, I remember there being other pain management options available, but I'm sure every doctor is different. Sending much love, strength and continued resilience as you head into this fight. You've got this!!!
Sleep on a recliner! That helped my sister when she had her surgery. I already had an adjustable bed I had purchased before due to back surgery and that was so useful for my own surgery 🙏
I got myself a mastectomy cushion it’s like a love heart cushion to put under my arm after my surgery omg it took a lot of the pain away I could not do without it the hospital might even do them you could buy a love heart cushion I could not wait to get my bust of because I knew I old stop being sick and another thing when they take the pipes out breath in very slowly it helps again with the pain hope this helps someone
Thank you so much for sharing Michelle🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤❤!!! I found the pillow to be such a comfort thing too, felt like it added a layer of safety as well. Oh man, good tip for the drains coming out! That was a feeling I didn't expect! All the best to you, thank you do much for adding in your experience💌💕!
@@Michelle-qd9gm oh my goodness Michelle what a journey!!! I am in tears! I'm happy to hear with all you have been through you are happy and with a wonderful man that treats you and your family right❤. You are an inspiration my friend! All the best to you and your family🌟💕 xo
Thank you so much for this video ❤ I’m waiting for my surgery date and really needed a positive and gentle prep video. Looking forward to watching your other videos!
Good question! The drains came out of 2 different spots around my surgery site, but not exactly where the main incisions were. They were long clear straw like tubes that had circular discs at the end that the extra fluid ran into. I really had no idea what to anticipate. I think I was more protective of them being pulled than I would have assumed. I found them very interesting for sure! I hope this helped to provide you some insight♡
I’ll be praying for you that all goes smoothly Friday, and you heal quickly. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and my double mastectomy will be soon.
That is such a hard question to answer as I believe everyone feels pain differently... It was painful for sure, the medication helped a lot. More than the pain, I remember feeling very uncomfortable in typically comfortable places like my bed, nervous I was going to split my stitches and unable to do simple self care tasks for the first 7-10 days. You will get through it! Wishing you a speedy recovery after your surgery💫.
Thank you so much for doing this video, these are all things that the nurses should tell you but don't (in the UK) I wish I had found this video before my lumptectomy, I was told Only 2 weeks off work, however ended up with wound bursting (I have no support network! ) bleeding and infection, so 5 weeks later and I had to return to work (I was running out of cash) I should have had an extra couple of weeks off ... So be prepared in case you encounter problems, also have extra dressings to hand & steristrips, surgical tape wound cleaning stuff etc, and painkillers. I was given 2 and when I needed more I couldn't get them due to shop closures due to bank holidays and supply problems ... I was surprised how many I needed, & how long I needed them for. I ended up having to patch dressings together to get them big enough to cover the wound and the only place I could get any supplies was Poundland (like dollar store) & Wilko. Luckily I had a mirror that I could stand in front of to show me where to place the dressings to. At one point I ran out of gauze and cotton wool to clean the wound and ended up having to make cotton swabs & triangular bandages and sterilze them, from a pure cotton sheet. Now 8 months later, reoccurance it's looking like a mastecomy, so I'm very grateful of the extra tips. :) x My lumpectomy was in early spring and it was unusually warm here, I found shorts with pockets and a ties very good, and a baggy bat wing (no seams around the shoulder or armpit) short sleeve t-shirt - where you can put your elbow through the arm hole, worked, you could even modifying 2 t-shirts into one, with a french seam at the front that would work :) The mastectomy pillow / heart pillow is a definate, (I never had one, but oh my I struggled!) I struggled with sleeping position, sitting up, & driving. It took me about 2 months before I could change the sheets properly, so eleasticated fitted sheets are helpful :) and a sheet under the duvet, easier to drag a sheet across, than trying to change a duvet cover, on your own. If you have animals (cats), train then to go into their carrier, just in case you require a vet visit ... Have a baggy cardigan, and jacket to hand, and flipflops. Tips from video ... Before surgery, have some self care, like a hair cut, facial, massage, nails - no polish / varnish have ready.. loose comfy clothing - where you don't need to raise your arms, like baggy button shirts, stretchy trousers with pockets that can be tied :) cosy socks with grippy bits on the bottom / slip on footwear. hygiene dry shampoo, wet wipes, face wipes, a thick wide cotton headband. shower seat, detachable shower head. Contact list for friends and family, & delegate a spokes person to send a circular. meds & supplies pain killers, scar reducing supplies, extra dressings, supplements travelling organise someone to drive you (mid range height vehicle) a mastecomy pillow, to go under seat belt, & a pillow for under the waist strap. a small blanket & neck pillow, if its a long journey food & drink pre make your meals and have them ready protein bars & healthy snacks (organise home delivery, if you can) green teas Sleep! sleep on an incline, takes the pressure off the chest. the first 10 days were the worse, esp with drains in. wedge pillow & extra pillows clean sheets ready daily tasks 1-6 weeks cleaning, maybe get a cleaner ? order groceries online & have a friend at home to help put stuff away, if necessary petcare driving, or organise a chuaffeur. Thank you for sharing xx
Oh my gosh... Thank YOU so much for all the extra helpful information you have added in your comment! So much! I'm so happy to hear you found this video helpful and I wish you all the best as you prepare for your next surgery. Sending lots of positive vibes and hoping for a quick recovery with access to all the supplies that you need to look after your healing body🙏💓💫. Thank you again. Xo
I desperately need an alternative hospital or clinic to get treated as I have been totally let down at the hospital where I was booked for a surgery. I have been diagnosed end of June with breast cancer in my left breast. I could not get good medical where I live in Africa so I decided to come to the USA. I was advised to go to MD Anderson in Houston but I had a horrific experience there. I qualify for direct-to-implant but I was told on first appointment they wouldn't do it as they don't usually do here (even though their website advertises the technique!) One of their plastic surgeons told me that they could actually do it ( it took me so many efforts through social worker and advocacy appointments to get that appointment!). It felt weird to be told such different things from the two surgeons supposed to operate on me, but I was so relieved that I could get direct to implant I told myself it would be ok. Long story short I've been waiting for a month and a half. In the meantime I decided I should get double mastectomy + reconstruction as I can't get the same standard of medical where I live and it makes sense to get a peace of mind especially I won't benefit from the same medical coverage in 2 years time. I sent all my concerns and questions to the surgeons before pre-op appointment. She came in so mad! She accused me of 'manipulating surgeons' ( I saw them once! the breast surgeon 20 min and the plastic one 60 min). "I offered you direct to implant even though no one does it here' I understood she resented for convincing her colleague and now me asking to discuss the double mastectomy issue, was the straw. in fact I tried to reach out to their nurse n anyone I could. i never got any response. I felt so isolated. They limit the communication to null for over a month and I can't even express how I have evolved about how I consider my treatment care. She scared me so much; You will not get any surgery if you don't sign the consent NOW" i signed it. The minute I was out I knew I could possibly have my surgery done by these vindicative surgeons. I have simply zero trust in them I need help. can you tell me who was your surgeon. I need a team that can listen to me and understand my situation.
Oh my goodness, I am so so sorry for how you've been treated in the pursuit of the best care possible for your body! I could not imagine the stress you have been caused ON TOP of the stress you already have from your diagnosis and the big decisions you are forced to make. My reconstruction surgeons name was Dr Van Laeken, her office is in Vancouver, Canada. My heart truly goes out to you, deciding on what surgery was best for me and connecting with a surgeon was an extremely challenging part of my journey so I totally empathize with you. I hope you can connect with someone you feel comfortable, heard and confident with🫂💕🌷
Sending positive vibes your way. I found the mental battle leading up to the surgery was so hard... once it was over I felt a sense of relief and needed to focus on healing physically. I hope you feel that sense of relief as well🌷🌷
Nobody should have a mastectomy, radiation, hormone therapy or chemo. There are so many treatments out there that work with no pain and no toxic side effects that ruin your life several years out. Do research is the most important thing women can do. The cancer industry want you in surgery hopefully before you have time to do any research that’s why they get you in so quickly have you ever heard of having something wrong and being able to get surgery within a week or two? It doesn’t happen in the real world again. They only do this so you have no time to do research and know that all of this is unnecessary.
@@ChelseyTarnow yes I have many. If you would like to talk on the phone personally there are so many treatments that are successful seriously I couldn’t even list them all.
I was diagnosed on April 11 of 2024 with ductal and lobular invasive carcinoma of both breasts and because I changed doctors. It gave me time to do research which was God‘s escape. Thank heavens allowed me the time to do much needed research to find out what cancer was how I got it, etc., I spent months watching UA-cam videos of doctors listening to podcasts and and believe me I’ve spent probably 1000 hours if not more and it is amazing how much fear is hyped up by the cancer establishment and they scare women out of their minds so that they’re willing to do anything and everything . Cancer nothing more than a broken immune system Easily repaired because God gave you this ability to heal yourself. In fact, God even speaks to chemotherapy in first Corinthians 11 through 15 where he says your hair is your glory. What does chemo do to your hair? Is that glorifying to God anyway you cannot be fearful because that’s where they want you to be if you are fearful, they can talk you into massive amount of treatment, like 50 or 60 rounds of radiation chemotherapy for years if you are compliant, I cannot urge you to go to UA-cam and once you get on an algorithm of doctors talking about cancer and the use ivermectin and fasting and keto diet to cure cancer you will get hundreds of videos a day about itfrom doctors and pharmacist and medical experts that I would urge all women not to do surgery chemo, radiation and therapy if you go on UA-cam and watch women who are on estrogen blockers almost every woman gets off of them unless they’re just foolish because it is so harmful they get osteoporosis and the joint pain they say they just wanna die so you have to do research because only functional doctors who don’t accept insurance or Medicare can tell you all of this, but you’re oncologist and your cancer. Doctors are not by law allowed to say a word of any of this they will lose their licenses if they tell you about alternative treatments, the cancer industry is a hugefor profit racket. And it’s really sad that you’re oncologist is paid to prescribe your chemotherapy. If you don’t believe me look it up it’s been a source of discussion and medical journals and Forbes magazine, newspapers, magazine, article, etc., with headlines like is it a fair shake to patience to take chemo drugs when they’re oncologist is being paid for it, it’s quite unbelievable
I drank lots of NONI JUICE before the surgery and after the surgery and it help a lot. I had no pain at all and the drain was removed in 5 days. NONI juice is a natural pain killer and helps you recuperate a lot faster. 🥰
I don’t know why watching informative videos like yours as I wait for my diagnostic recall appointment to get here (two more days!). I don’t have breast cancer (hopefully) but knowing what my options are and tips helps me feel more in control of my anxiety. I also secretly want to believe that if I do all the research I will jinx it and they will decide the suspicious spots are nothing of concern!
I truly hope that your "jinxing" plan worked! I totally understand your drive to do your research to feel in control. I hope that at this point you have some extra insights that don't pertain to you🙏🌷. Xo
What I did is I put my head down when I washed my hair. I didn't lift my arms up for about three weeks. I was glad when I went though physical therapy because I couldn't lift my arms up. I am glad it's been over eight months. I didn't like the way I felt I don't normally like being dependent on other people. I look disfigured after I had the mastectomies. What I mean is when I wear the clothes before I had my breasts removed. I didn't like not being able to use my arms. So I worked to get more of use of my arms back enough to function more normally.
Thank you so much for sharing! I found it to be such an uncomfortable feeling to be nervous to use my arms. When I went in for surgery they had a physio at the hospital so the few of us that had surgery the day before all got a lesson on range of motion exercises to do right away which I believe so was helpful to get back to regular activities as soon as possible. Without that lesson I wouldn't have know what was and wasn't safe post surgery. Way to work hard to get yourself back to a place where you feel more able again🙏!
I had preventative surgery in 2016, a bilateral mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction and this advice was EXCELLENT!! I wish I would have had this info before I had my surgery. I will be passing on this great info. Thank you and Bless you! 🥰🙏
I am currently waiting for results as most women on my mothers side has had breast cancer. If I have the harmful gene I plan to get the prevention surgery, do you have any recommendations? I will have my parents with me as I'm only recently graduated and I have made a decent list from this comment section but I feel like I would need more knowledge just in case I am positive in the results.
@@SomeoneInvisible Hiya! I was first sent to a Genetic counselor by my GYN, the Genetic counselor went through my family genetic history and drew it out like a mind map. At that same appointment and after going through my family history with cancer a tech did the blood test. I believe it took two weeks for results. The report is several pages long and is VERY thorough. Once the results were in I met with the Genetic counselor again and she walked through it ALL with me. What the recommendations are, what each recommendation would mean in the long term. I was in my early 40's and I had also determined that if I were positive I would have preventative surgery. I was given books, and several resources of information to learn more about breast cancer, ovarian cancer, etc. My recommendation is take it slow, step by step and please give yourself time to process it all before making any decisions. It is A LOT! Keep researching surgery, RECOVERY (I did not do this and regretted it) Not sure how old you are but my daughter learned she had the gene at twenty something and decided to just do the baseline testing to have something to compare to down the line. I live in Dallas, TX and they were spectacular here with being on top of my health. I have family in California who unfortunately are getting big resistance to even having their genetic bloodwork done, resistance from their own doctors. They were sent for a saliva test that did not give them the results of the actually gene they carry. We are our OWN advocates. I wish you the best and pray for good health upon you 🙏Please feel free to email me and we can definitely communicate more if you have other questions livpurposely@gmail.com or lunamar24@hotmail.com those are both mine.
Thank you. As many others have said, great information. I have also been told to add a bidet to my needed supplies. (Bilat with expander surgery in 1 week) Hoping that is an extra and not needed, but... just in case!
I found the lead up to surgery was very stressful. But I will say once it was done a big weight was lifted. I hope you found some of these tips helpful. Wishing you all the best moving forward. You've got this♡. Xo
I hope it was helpful. I can remember how terrifying it was😔. I can't speak to your experience, but I found once it was done the mental strain of agonizing about it was gone. Sending much love and healing vibes your way🌱💫. You can do this💪!
Mine was full of fluids and was hurting my stitches that’s wen I knew it’s fluid buildup and need to go hospital for drainage which thn I did after 3 days again fluids and I’m in so much pain on my stitches and really don’t want to go hospital but will have to 🥲😭
Thanks for sharing your tips, hope you are well healing ❤️🩹 I’m just diagnosed with HER2 positive two weeks ago and getting my double mastectomy and reconstruction in three days and I’m planning to wear’s pajamas all day all night during my recovery times. 😂😂 hopefully I am recovering fast 💨
Hi:). Thank you for saying hello, and sharing where you are at in your fight. That is amazing that you are able to get in for your surgery so fast! Living in Pj's for healing is the best idea. Wishing you all the best in your surgery and recovery🌱💫.
@@ChelseyTarnow I am stage 1 with invasive ductal carcinoma Her2 positive on 12/22/2022 right before Christmas have been super busy with appointments and meeting with my physician team and lots of tests
@@mythaichannel9082 I found the beginning appointments to be very overwhelming. I hope that you are managing ok and you get all the information that you need. Thinking of you today.
I didn't really want to spend money on a wedge pillow because they're expensive for something I'll only use for a brief time but I'm so, so happy I did. I added another pillow to the top of the wedge for even more elevation. I could not sleep without it, highly recommended a wedge if you don't have a recliner. The week prior to my surgery I made vegetable soup, split pea soup, chicken and spinach soup, beef stew, chili, and a few other things. I put everything in freezer bags so I can just heat it up.
Thank you so much for sharing! I never knew before surgery that a wedge pillow would be helpful so I didn't have one :s. I appreciate the personal experience recommendation.
Well done on getting so much food prepped and ready for you too. I also didn't do that, but I was very thankful to have many care packages from my mom
I'm going to buy one of those wedges. My surgery is January 20th.
I just ordered a 12 inch wedge pillow for $30. On Amazon.
Thank you for the tips. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and my double mastectomy surgery will be within the next few weeks. It’s been a whirlwind of tests and appointments. Planning ahead gives me a feeling of some control over my life again.
So sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis🙏. I'm happy you found his helpful💕. I can definitely relate to wanting to do things that give you a feeling of control. Sending positive vibes for you for your upcoming surgery💌 and wishing you a quick recovery. You can SO do this💪!
Yes I found out that at the beginning of my Diagnosed with Breast Cancer I had been to the hospital everyday for a week. Running a lot of tests MRI, consultation with breast surgeon, oncologist plastics surgeon, therapy team meeting with so many teams I know how you feel. Hopefully we are all kicking it in the butt. Good luck to all of us
June 4th double mastectomy, very scared but God has me🙏❤️
Good luck to you 🙏
You can do it💕💕. I found there was so much relief once it was over, the waiting/anticipation was the hard part for me.
@@lbpalexcool1 the reason people get cancer is because they have a broken immune system. God gave you that immune system so use it repair it and how you repair it is by the food that you eat you absolutely have to cut out and I mean not one grain of sugar the second thing you absolutely have to do is research because the oncologist and the cancer industry is lying to people they are using chemotherapy that was invented in the 1940s. It came out of World War I and World War II. It’s called mustard gas and it kills. You eventually could go on and on that are nontoxic and painful and that work is icy carcinoma on April 11, 2024 and I chose not to do a double mastectomy chemo radiation thyroid biopsy instead I use the alternative treatments such as ivermectin. Japan has done 3000 studies alone on the effectiveness of ivermectin. In fact it one a Nobel prize hello that’s cancer and if you go to, there’s all kinds of doctors talking about it I just watched a video from a pharmacist on it. The epic times newspaper did a huge article saying that Uniquely affective, according to a famous oncologist on UA-cam are talking about how ivermectin works on cancer so there’s millions of things you can do such as a keto eating program where you eat about 50 carbs a day or less and cut out all sugar. They also say that fasting absolutely cures cancer also hyperbaric oxygen chambers because cancer cells grow without oxygen so you oxygenate them and the walls collapse, high dose, vitamin C, taken in the vein like I said there are so many things, but you have to research, I’m so glad I did not jump on the operating room table 2 weeks after diagnosis thank God they want you to have surgery quickly and get on chemo before you have time to do any of this research. That’s what the rush is all about it took years and years for your cancer to show up on imaging so waiting three or four months while you do your homework is nothing, they get you wrapped up in fear to motivate you to their regimen which eventually leads to harm and death
I purchased a smart bidet from Walmart a week prior to surgery. It was extremely helpful in feeling fresh during times of limited arm reach.
That's such a great idea! Thank you for sharing!
That was my best cancer- related purchase as well. Helped a lot with all the GI side effects of chemo.
My surgery will be 8/14/24. Thank you sharing your experience and giving helpful tips.
That's my surgery date as well.
@@kimberlyevans1801 we got this. We are covered by the blood of Jesus going in and coming out.
@@kimberlyevans1801 we got this
@@kimberlyevans1801 Today is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Praying for you today. May the Lord and His angels be with you during and after your surgery. May you have fast recovery and healing. May today be a day like no other. Although we are going through this surgery we are coming out stronger. Strength during your recovery and journey. May you still see the beauty in you the same.
It's been a week and 2 days since I had a double mastectomy. I found sleeping on my sofa that reclined was the best thing for comfort. Once the drains and pumps came out yesterday you feel a new person. Having a long zipper top with inside pockets is wonderful for showering called yesito mastectomy drainage. If you can try to have your reconstruction done at the same time of your breast cancer surgery. It cuts down on surgeries. I feel great, I'll be back to my high-intensity class within 8 weeks. Go in with a positive attitude , and your faith whatever that might be for you. You got this....
Good video.....
Thank you so much for this very informative video! Your voice is so calming.
I'm having a bilateral mastectomy on April 9th.
I hope it was helpful for you🙏🌷! Wishing you a quick recovery and healing post surgery🌱💫!
I had preventative surgery in 2016, a bilateral mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction and this advice was EXCELLENT!! I wish I would have had this info before I had my surgery. I will be passing on this great info. Thank you and Bless you! 🥰🙏
Thank you for this! I've heard of a few of these tips, but also a number I haven't! Greatly appreciate it! Very helpful
Wonderful! Happy there were a few new ones! All the best to you♡!
Thank you so much for posting this Chelsey! I hope you are well and cancer free. I was just diagnosed and will need surgery. I found your video so helpful. Thank you so very much! All the best! xoxo
Great video! Ive been researching since my diagnosis. Bilateral w/recon scheduled for May 2nd. Nervous but excited to be cancer free! Its nice to find videos of women willing to tell about their experience to help us. Im extremely grateful! Thank you ❤
My bilateral is scheduled for May 3! These videos really do help us prepare mentally and practically. Lori
I'm so glad the video has been helpful🙏🌷. You are getting so close. I hope at this time you are feeling as prepare as one can and ready to be cancer free. Thinking of you and sending healing vibes🌱💕
Mine is scheduled for June 7th. We’re all strong women.
@@nanabananainavana7534 yes they are
@@ChelseyTarnow greatly appreciated
Thanks for the tips. My surgery is tomorrow morning and I have so much anxiety.
Sending you positive vibes. You've got this💫. I hope the video was helpful🌷
Thank you❤ so much. My young sister is going through the same surgery in a couple of days. You have given me so many hints on her care post surgery.🙏
You are so thoughtful to research how to help her post surgery🌷! Sending much love to you ans your family💕
🙏🙏🙏🙏🫢🤗🤗 thank you for sharing. i’m going for double soon. this tips is very helpful.
I'm so happy the video was helpful for you🌷🌷
I had a bilateral mastectomy and I definitely suggest getting pillows. I had to sleep propped up for months. I still don’t sleep the way I use too. It’s been over a year. Those shirts with drain pockets a definite investment.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! So helpful to know what has been helpful for others🙏👍💓
Thank you so much. You helped to relieve some of the anxiety I feel. My dr said thier will not be any pain meds after surgery (single or double mastectomy depending on Genetic testing results), just Tylenol. I hope that means there won't be much pain.😮
I'm so happy this video helped to relieve some of your anxiety. I find the unknown to be so stressful. Hmmmm, I remember there being other pain management options available, but I'm sure every doctor is different. Sending much love, strength and continued resilience as you head into this fight. You've got this!!!
Sleep on a recliner! That helped my sister when she had her surgery. I already had an adjustable bed I had purchased before due to back surgery and that was so useful for my own surgery 🙏
I got myself a mastectomy cushion it’s like a love heart cushion to put under my arm after my surgery omg it took a lot of the pain away I could not do without it the hospital might even do them you could buy a love heart cushion I could not wait to get my bust of because I knew I old stop being sick and another thing when they take the pipes out breath in very slowly it helps again with the pain hope this helps someone
Thank you so much for sharing Michelle🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤❤!!! I found the pillow to be such a comfort thing too, felt like it added a layer of safety as well. Oh man, good tip for the drains coming out! That was a feeling I didn't expect! All the best to you, thank you do much for adding in your experience💌💕!
@@Michelle-qd9gm oh my goodness Michelle what a journey!!! I am in tears! I'm happy to hear with all you have been through you are happy and with a wonderful man that treats you and your family right❤. You are an inspiration my friend! All the best to you and your family🌟💕 xo
@@ChelseyTarnow thankyou it means a lot from you 💗💕
@@Michelle-qd9gm ❤❤❤🌷💌🕊 I mean it! Xo
So helpful! Thank you!
The pleasure is all mine♡. Sending lots of healing vibes your way!
Thank you so much for this video ❤ I’m waiting for my surgery date and really needed a positive and gentle prep video. Looking forward to watching your other videos!
I'm so happy this video was a good fit for what you needed at this time🙏💗. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
I was wondering what the drains looked like? And were they what you anticipated?
Good question! The drains came out of 2 different spots around my surgery site, but not exactly where the main incisions were. They were long clear straw like tubes that had circular discs at the end that the extra fluid ran into. I really had no idea what to anticipate. I think I was more protective of them being pulled than I would have assumed. I found them very interesting for sure! I hope this helped to provide you some insight♡
If you breath slowly when they take them out it will help with the pain x
Thanks for tips! I'm planning to get a mastectomy so this was helpful!
Wonderful! So happy to hear you found the video helpful💕. All the best to you moving forward🌷!
How you getting along ?
Thanks for the tips. Bilateral mastectomy coming up this Friday🫤
The pleasure is mine🙏. Sending you all the love, strength and healing vibes for your surgery on Friday💕💪💫!
I’ll be praying for you that all goes smoothly Friday, and you heal quickly. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and my double mastectomy will be soon.
Thank you for sharing these tips. I will be having my radical mastectomy sometime in July 2023. Your video helped me a lot in preparing for it.
My pleasure, happy to hear they helped you! Wishing you all the best in your surgery and recovery🙏💫
HOW BAD WAS THE PAIN IM GETTING A UNILATERAL MASTECTOMY WITH IMIDIATE RECONSTRUCTION IM VERY SCARED OF GHE PAIN!
That is such a hard question to answer as I believe everyone feels pain differently... It was painful for sure, the medication helped a lot. More than the pain, I remember feeling very uncomfortable in typically comfortable places like my bed, nervous I was going to split my stitches and unable to do simple self care tasks for the first 7-10 days. You will get through it! Wishing you a speedy recovery after your surgery💫.
Thank you so much for doing this video, these are all things that the nurses should tell you but don't (in the UK)
I wish I had found this video before my lumptectomy, I was told Only 2 weeks off work, however ended up with wound bursting (I have no support network! ) bleeding and infection, so 5 weeks later and I had to return to work (I was running out of cash) I should have had an extra couple of weeks off ...
So be prepared in case you encounter problems, also have extra dressings to hand & steristrips, surgical tape wound cleaning stuff etc, and painkillers. I was given 2 and when I needed more I couldn't get them due to shop closures due to bank holidays and supply problems ... I was surprised how many I needed, & how long I needed them for. I ended up having to patch dressings together to get them big enough to cover the wound and the only place I could get any supplies was Poundland (like dollar store) & Wilko. Luckily I had a mirror that I could stand in front of to show me where to place the dressings to. At one point I ran out of gauze and cotton wool to clean the wound and ended up having to make cotton swabs & triangular bandages and sterilze them, from a pure cotton sheet.
Now 8 months later, reoccurance it's looking like a mastecomy, so I'm very grateful of the extra tips. :) x
My lumpectomy was in early spring and it was unusually warm here, I found shorts with pockets and a ties very good, and a baggy bat wing (no seams around the shoulder or armpit) short sleeve t-shirt - where you can put your elbow through the arm hole, worked, you could even modifying 2 t-shirts into one, with a french seam at the front that would work :)
The mastectomy pillow / heart pillow is a definate, (I never had one, but oh my I struggled!) I struggled with sleeping position, sitting up, & driving.
It took me about 2 months before I could change the sheets properly, so eleasticated fitted sheets are helpful :) and a sheet under the duvet, easier to drag a sheet across, than trying to change a duvet cover, on your own.
If you have animals (cats), train then to go into their carrier, just in case you require a vet visit ...
Have a baggy cardigan, and jacket to hand, and flipflops.
Tips from video ...
Before surgery,
have some self care, like a hair cut, facial, massage, nails - no polish / varnish
have ready..
loose comfy clothing - where you don't need to raise your arms,
like baggy button shirts, stretchy trousers with pockets that can be tied :) cosy socks with grippy bits on the bottom / slip on footwear.
hygiene
dry shampoo, wet wipes, face wipes, a thick wide cotton headband.
shower seat, detachable shower head.
Contact list for friends and family, & delegate a spokes person to send a circular.
meds & supplies
pain killers, scar reducing supplies, extra dressings, supplements
travelling
organise someone to drive you (mid range height vehicle)
a mastecomy pillow, to go under seat belt, & a pillow for under the waist strap.
a small blanket & neck pillow, if its a long journey
food & drink
pre make your meals and have them ready
protein bars & healthy snacks (organise home delivery, if you can)
green teas
Sleep!
sleep on an incline, takes the pressure off the chest.
the first 10 days were the worse, esp with drains in.
wedge pillow & extra pillows
clean sheets ready
daily tasks 1-6 weeks
cleaning, maybe get a cleaner ?
order groceries online & have a friend at home to help put stuff away, if necessary
petcare
driving, or organise a chuaffeur.
Thank you for sharing xx
Oh my gosh... Thank YOU so much for all the extra helpful information you have added in your comment! So much! I'm so happy to hear you found this video helpful and I wish you all the best as you prepare for your next surgery. Sending lots of positive vibes and hoping for a quick recovery with access to all the supplies that you need to look after your healing body🙏💓💫. Thank you again. Xo
I desperately need an alternative hospital or clinic to get treated as I have been totally let down at the hospital where I was booked for a surgery. I have been diagnosed end of June with breast cancer in my left breast. I could not get good medical where I live in Africa so I decided to come to the USA. I was advised to go to MD Anderson in Houston but I had a horrific experience there. I qualify for direct-to-implant but I was told on first appointment they wouldn't do it as they don't usually do here (even though their website advertises the technique!) One of their plastic surgeons told me that they could actually do it ( it took me so many efforts through social worker and advocacy appointments to get that appointment!). It felt weird to be told such different things from the two surgeons supposed to operate on me, but I was so relieved that I could get direct to implant I told myself it would be ok. Long story short I've been waiting for a month and a half. In the meantime I decided I should get double mastectomy + reconstruction as I can't get the same standard of medical where I live and it makes sense to get a peace of mind especially I won't benefit from the same medical coverage in 2 years time. I sent all my concerns and questions to the surgeons before pre-op appointment. She came in so mad! She accused me of 'manipulating surgeons' ( I saw them once! the breast surgeon 20 min and the plastic one 60 min). "I offered you direct to implant even though no one does it here' I understood she resented for convincing her colleague and now me asking to discuss the double mastectomy issue, was the straw. in fact I tried to reach out to their nurse n anyone I could. i never got any response. I felt so isolated. They limit the communication to null for over a month and I can't even express how I have evolved about how I consider my treatment care. She scared me so much; You will not get any surgery if you don't sign the consent NOW" i signed it. The minute I was out I knew I could possibly have my surgery done by these vindicative surgeons. I have simply zero trust in them I need help. can you tell me who was your surgeon. I need a team that can listen to me and understand my situation.
Oh my goodness, I am so so sorry for how you've been treated in the pursuit of the best care possible for your body! I could not imagine the stress you have been caused ON TOP of the stress you already have from your diagnosis and the big decisions you are forced to make. My reconstruction surgeons name was Dr Van Laeken, her office is in Vancouver, Canada. My heart truly goes out to you, deciding on what surgery was best for me and connecting with a surgeon was an extremely challenging part of my journey so I totally empathize with you. I hope you can connect with someone you feel comfortable, heard and confident with🫂💕🌷
Thank you so much for shaiting ur experience and HOW A PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE MAM😇😇😇
My turn 'll b on 30.03.2023🎉🎉🎉
You are so welcome! I hope it helped you prepare🙏🌷. Wishing you all the best for your surgery and recovery💌💫!
Glad i found your video. ❤
Wonderful🌷. Happy it was helpful for you🙏. Sending positive thoughts and healing vibes your way💫
Wanted to hear what you had to say, but the audio is so low I can not hear it well enough to listen.
Sorry about that and thank you for thr feedback. I have since increased the audio on my more recent videos.
Great suggestions. Thank you
Happy to hear you found them helpful🙏! All the best to you💕
Please help me im going for surgery now the 18 of July
Sending positive vibes your way. I found the mental battle leading up to the surgery was so hard... once it was over I felt a sense of relief and needed to focus on healing physically. I hope you feel that sense of relief as well🌷🌷
Amazing hun xxx thank you 🙏
You are so welcome! I know it's a bit late for you, but hopefully something was still helpful for you at this time
God bless you for sharing your information.
Thank you so much for your support🙏. Thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way💌
This is lovely. So thoughtful. May I add to be sure to talk to your surgeon about post op pain medication. My surgeon forgot this detail.
Awe thank you
Nobody should have a mastectomy, radiation, hormone therapy or chemo. There are so many treatments out there that work with no pain and no toxic side effects that ruin your life several years out. Do research is the most important thing women can do. The cancer industry want you in surgery hopefully before you have time to do any research that’s why they get you in so quickly have you ever heard of having something wrong and being able to get surgery within a week or two? It doesn’t happen in the real world again. They only do this so you have no time to do research and know that all of this is unnecessary.
Hi, thank you for sharing. Do you have any links to the resources you are referencing? I'm interested:)
@@ChelseyTarnow yes I have many. If you would like to talk on the phone personally there are so many treatments that are successful seriously I couldn’t even list them all.
I was diagnosed on April 11 of 2024 with ductal and lobular invasive carcinoma of both breasts and because I changed doctors. It gave me time to do research which was God‘s escape. Thank heavens allowed me the time to do much needed research to find out what cancer was how I got it, etc., I spent months watching UA-cam videos of doctors listening to podcasts and and believe me I’ve spent probably 1000 hours if not more and it is amazing how much fear is hyped up by the cancer establishment and they scare women out of their minds so that they’re willing to do anything and everything . Cancer nothing more than a broken immune system
Easily repaired because God gave you this ability to heal yourself. In fact, God even speaks to chemotherapy in first Corinthians 11 through 15 where he says your hair is your glory. What does chemo do to your hair? Is that glorifying to God anyway you cannot be fearful because that’s where they want you to be if you are fearful, they can talk you into massive amount of treatment, like 50 or 60 rounds of radiation chemotherapy for years if you are compliant, I cannot urge you to go to UA-cam and once you get on an algorithm of doctors talking about cancer and the use ivermectin and fasting and keto diet to cure cancer you will get hundreds of videos a day about itfrom doctors and pharmacist and medical experts that I would urge all women not to do surgery chemo, radiation and therapy if you go on UA-cam and watch women who are on estrogen blockers almost every woman gets off of them unless they’re just foolish because it is so harmful they get osteoporosis and the joint pain they say they just wanna die so you have to do research because only functional doctors who don’t accept insurance or Medicare can tell you all of this, but you’re oncologist and your cancer. Doctors are not by law allowed to say a word of any of this they will lose their licenses if they tell you about alternative treatments, the cancer industry is a hugefor profit racket. And it’s really sad that you’re oncologist is paid to prescribe your chemotherapy. If you don’t believe me look it up it’s been a source of discussion and medical journals and Forbes magazine, newspapers, magazine, article, etc., with headlines like is it a fair shake to patience to take chemo drugs when they’re oncologist is being paid for it, it’s quite unbelievable
@@kelleywatt4167 it would be nice if would create UA-cam videos to share your experience
I drank lots of NONI JUICE before the surgery and after the surgery and it help a lot. I had no pain at all and the drain was removed in 5 days. NONI juice is a natural pain killer and helps you recuperate a lot faster. 🥰
That's amazing! Thank you for sharing!
CAN'T HEAR :( . . .
Shoot, I'm so sorry to hear that! I appreciate the feedback and will make a big effort moving forward to be louder.
Wonderful tips! Thanks! And you look great!!!
So happy the video was helpful for you🙏🌷! And thank you so much❤
I don’t know why watching informative videos like yours as I wait for my diagnostic recall appointment to get here (two more days!). I don’t have breast cancer (hopefully) but knowing what my options are and tips helps me feel more in control of my anxiety. I also secretly want to believe that if I do all the research I will jinx it and they will decide the suspicious spots are nothing of concern!
I truly hope that your "jinxing" plan worked! I totally understand your drive to do your research to feel in control. I hope that at this point you have some extra insights that don't pertain to you🙏🌷. Xo
What I did is I put my head down when I washed my hair. I didn't lift my arms up for about three weeks. I was glad when I went though physical therapy because I couldn't lift my arms up. I am glad it's been over eight months. I didn't like the way I felt I don't normally like being dependent on other people. I look disfigured after I had the mastectomies. What I mean is when I wear the clothes before I had my breasts removed. I didn't like not being able to use my arms. So I worked to get more of use of my arms back enough to function more normally.
Thank you so much for sharing! I found it to be such an uncomfortable feeling to be nervous to use my arms. When I went in for surgery they had a physio at the hospital so the few of us that had surgery the day before all got a lesson on range of motion exercises to do right away which I believe so was helpful to get back to regular activities as soon as possible. Without that lesson I wouldn't have know what was and wasn't safe post surgery. Way to work hard to get yourself back to a place where you feel more able again🙏!
What a wonderful video! Great practical info, and most of all, your beautiful smile is so reassuring!!
I'm so happy I was helpful for you🙏💕💕
Thank you so much for the very informative information. This helps a lot for people who need to prepare for this major surgery.🙏🙏🎀🎀
Oh good! So happy to hear you found it helpful🙏💕
Thank you so much. I’ve been going through extreme anxiety since my diagnosis
That's totally and completely fair! It's so much to process! I hope the video was helpful for you🙏💕
I will have my mastectomy on April 25'2024
Sending so many positive surgery and healing vibes your way💫💫
Hi Sarah, I too am having my double mastectomy on April 25 2024
Praying for All
Check with your insurance, most cover all post mastectomy supplies as long as you get your surgeon to write you a script.
Thank you so much! I didn't know that🙏🙏
Thank you! I have my double mastectomy next month and I know it's going to zoom by.
I hope it was helpful! Wishing you all the best as you prepare, and go into your surgery. Sending so many positive vibes your way🌷💫!
I had preventative surgery in 2016, a bilateral mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction and this advice was EXCELLENT!! I wish I would have had this info before I had my surgery. I will be passing on this great info. Thank you and Bless you! 🥰🙏
I am currently waiting for results as most women on my mothers side has had breast cancer. If I have the harmful gene I plan to get the prevention surgery, do you have any recommendations? I will have my parents with me as I'm only recently graduated and I have made a decent list from this comment section but I feel like I would need more knowledge just in case I am positive in the results.
@@SomeoneInvisible Hiya! I was first sent to a Genetic counselor by my GYN, the Genetic counselor went through my family genetic history and drew it out like a mind map. At that same appointment and after going through my family history with cancer a tech did the blood test. I believe it took two weeks for results. The report is several pages long and is VERY thorough. Once the results were in I met with the Genetic counselor again and she walked through it ALL with me. What the recommendations are, what each recommendation would mean in the long term. I was in my early 40's and I had also determined that if I were positive I would have preventative surgery. I was given books, and several resources of information to learn more about breast cancer, ovarian cancer, etc. My recommendation is take it slow, step by step and please give yourself time to process it all before making any decisions. It is A LOT! Keep researching surgery, RECOVERY (I did not do this and regretted it) Not sure how old you are but my daughter learned she had the gene at twenty something and decided to just do the baseline testing to have something to compare to down the line. I live in Dallas, TX and they were spectacular here with being on top of my health. I have family in California who unfortunately are getting big resistance to even having their genetic bloodwork done, resistance from their own doctors. They were sent for a saliva test that did not give them the results of the actually gene they carry. We are our OWN advocates. I wish you the best and pray for good health upon you 🙏Please feel free to email me and we can definitely communicate more if you have other questions livpurposely@gmail.com or lunamar24@hotmail.com those are both mine.
Thank you. As many others have said, great information. I have also been told to add a bidet to my needed supplies. (Bilat with expander surgery in 1 week) Hoping that is an extra and not needed, but... just in case!
I'm so happy you found the video helpful🙏! I agree, better to be more prepared than less! Wishing you a smooth surgery and quick recovery💫!
Wish in uk 🇬🇧 they give the drain put on instead go to hospital to inject and get it drain it’s too tiring and painful 🥲
Oh that's interesting😬... I didn't know there was another option other than drains. Thank you for sharing!
Great video thank u so so so much😘♥️♥️♥️🥰🥰🥰🥀🥀🥀
You are so welcome! I'm so happy you found it to be helpful🙏❤
Thank you for all the information, really important .🙏🧡
I'm so happy you found it helpful🙏🌷
Thank you so much. This has been so helpful 🎗️💞
Wonderful🙏. Happy to hear it was helpful for you🌷
You can have a face towel and water in a small bowl of water to wash your face and body
Yes that's a great idea🙏
Thank you so much for the advice
I’m going to have my surgery next month
You are so welcome! I hope it will be helpful for you as you prepare for your surgery. Wishing you a speedy recovery in the weeks ahead💫💪💕🌱!
Thank you, i have surgery next month...
Wishing you a quick recovery🙏🌱!!! You've got this🫂
Thank you, my surgery is soon:(
I found the lead up to surgery was very stressful. But I will say once it was done a big weight was lifted. I hope you found some of these tips helpful. Wishing you all the best moving forward. You've got this♡. Xo
How you getting along ?
Thank you so much for this video. 🙏🏼💕
You are so welcome! Happy to hear it was helpful for you🙏💕!
Thank you so much, my surgery is in July. 💗
You are so welcome💕. I hope it was helpful for you. Wishing you a smooth and speedy recovery💫🌱!
Thank you for all of this. I am getting ready for my prophylactic mastectomy with reconstructive surgery and I am so scared
Praying 🙏I’m a breast survivor I had a lumpy no chemo 16 radation treatment Doing great
I hope it was helpful. I can remember how terrifying it was😔. I can't speak to your experience, but I found once it was done the mental strain of agonizing about it was gone. Sending much love and healing vibes your way🌱💫. You can do this💪!
@@ChelseyTarnowthank you ❤❤
@@meritabuff741praying for your healing ❤
Thanks so much
I hope it was helpful for you🌷💫🙏
Thank you.
You are so welcome🌷. I hope it was helpful💕
Thanks so much. ❤
You are so welcome💕, I hope it was helpful for you🙏.
Mine was full of fluids and was hurting my stitches that’s wen I knew it’s fluid buildup and need to go hospital for drainage which thn I did after 3 days again fluids and I’m in so much pain on my stitches and really don’t want to go hospital but will have to 🥲😭
😬😬 I'm sorry you had a drainage build up! I hope by now you are well on your way to healing🙏💫🌱!
Thanks for sharing your tips, hope you are well healing ❤️🩹 I’m just diagnosed with HER2 positive two weeks ago and getting my double mastectomy and reconstruction in three days and I’m planning to wear’s pajamas all day all night during my recovery times. 😂😂 hopefully I am recovering fast 💨
Hi:). Thank you for saying hello, and sharing where you are at in your fight. That is amazing that you are able to get in for your surgery so fast! Living in Pj's for healing is the best idea. Wishing you all the best in your surgery and recovery🌱💫.
@@ChelseyTarnow I am stage 1 with invasive ductal carcinoma Her2 positive on 12/22/2022 right before Christmas have been super busy with appointments and meeting with my physician team and lots of tests
@@mythaichannel9082 I found the beginning appointments to be very overwhelming. I hope that you are managing ok and you get all the information that you need. Thinking of you today.
@@ChelseyTarnow thanks 🙏 😇😇
How are you doing now? I have HER2 POSITIVE ALSO. Are you getting Chemo as well? Diagnosed 1 week ago.