Lumpectomy Post-Op Update

 

Original comic can be found here: https://xkcd.com/996/

Surgery is done and now I'm just kicking back, relaxing with Tylenol. Any time I go through something that has steep learning curve, like prepping for surgery like this, I do a Plus/Delta or what others call a "postmortem" to look at what worked and what didn't (so far.) I'll have updates as I discover more, but so far, here is how things are going.

The New Over-the-Shoulder Angry-Boulder-Holders

I'm currently wearing a compression bra so strong I could tow a Buick with it. It does the job well, so I'm not complaining. I just had no idea you could get bras this strong - at Victoria's Secret no less! This worked out better than any of the other high-compression bras I tried, including the Leonisa Medical line of post-op bras that were most recommended, but fit poorly and are very scratchy. I even managed to sleep in the VS bra which was a surprise.

If you're ever in the market for a sports bra for either post-op, or for high impact sports, here are the details.

(NOTE: I don't receive any payment in any form for product recommendations. These are my own experience - YMMV):

Victoria's Secret Featherweight Max Front-close Bra

• High Support
• Ultra-lightweight & powerful design
• Injection molded pad technology
• TurboWick™ liner keeps you cool & dry
• Bounce control
• Front-zip styling for easy on and off
• Auto-Lock zipper clicks for secure coverage & styling options
• Perfect for running, boxing & cardio

• Breathable wicking fabric dries in a flash
• 4-way stretch moves with you
• Laser-cut perforations for targeted airflow
• Adjustable, cushioned straps
• Zip-front closure
• Bonded seams and raw-cut edges create a sleek look
• Machine wash
• Imported

 

Body/Wing Lining: 71% Polyamide 29% Elastane 

Cup lining: 90% Polyamide 10% Elastane)

Featherweight Max Front-Close Sports Bra by Victoria's Secret: https://www.victoriassecret.com/us/vs/bras-catalog/5000010062

While I'm likely to spend the next 3 weeks in the VS bras (which is why I bought 3 to rotate), it is NOT the one I wore home from the hospital. Since I had no idea what kind of shape I would be in, how bad the swelling would be, or how many ice packs I was going to have to stuff down my front, I wore a very adjustable, softer bra to (and from surgery.) I got it from Amazon which is a real downside since 1.) it's Amazon and I prefer not to support them, and 2.) you can't try them on and sizing is tricky. 

If you don't have a lot of time to do returns and repurchases, you might have to buy bras in multiple sizes and try to return the ones that don't fit after surgery. The good news is with this one, "FeelinGirl Post Surgery Compression Bra" the straps are adjustable without having to reach behind you, and the front closure is also adjustable. The compression isn't nearly as strong as the VS one above, but it might do the job depending on your situation. I wouldn't use it as a sports bra, but it is very comfortable and adjustable. It has no padding, no lining and no underwire.

 

FeelinGirl Post Surgery Compression Bra for Women's Front Closure Bra with Adjustable Straps Wirefree from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYQ1C76Y

 

Post-op Comfort

The Post-op Pillow: In terms of just getting comfortable, I really loved my Kokobal Mastectomy Pillow with shoulder straps. I got mine on Amazon (under the brand name HomeZone brand but still Kokobal) because the Kokobal website was out of stock. It's basically a wrap around cushion that holds ice packs. I can't tell you how much I love this little guy. I originally got this as a gift for someone else and after she said she loved hers, I got one for myself just in time for surgery.

Homezone / Kokobal Mastecomy pillow - https://kokobal.com/ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKY22DX4/

 

Ice packs: Yes, the ice packs are uncomfortable against bare skin, but omg they help so much!

Pajama Tops - I was warned that pulling tops over my head would likely be uncomfortable which probably wouldn't be a problem for most people - but it was for me. I didn't actually own any button down tops - everything is knit/pull-over-your-head kind of tops. Button down pajama tops are very soft and are easy to button even when you're still loopy from anesthesia.

Things I Learned / I Wish I'd Known

• I wish someone had told me is that any time anesthesia is used, it exacerbates certain bladder issues - specifically the "oops, I sneezed/coughed/laughed to hard" variety. Be prepared for that and pack something in your go bag or purse accordingly.
• You know they always tell you, "gown opens in the front" for all your boob-related appointments? Not so for the surgical appointment. I have no idea why. 
• Ask for the extra blanket - it is so freaking cold in every single room!
• They're going to ask you 15 times (I counted) to say, in your own words, what you're in there for. That's the new guidance to keep someone from accidentally operating on the wrong boob I guess. 
• Do your laundry before you go in because you're going to feel like doing fork-all when you get out.
• If you have bras that need adjusting at the shoulder straps - do that in advance because you're not going to want to screw that adjusting post-op.
• Until I talked to my insurance company, I did not realize that "lumpectomy" is the same as "partial mastectomy." I have to say I'm glad everyone kept calling it a lumpectomy. Hearing the M-word right off the bat would have ramped up my anxiety even though ultimately we're talking about the same thing.
  

I'll post more updates as things pop up, but so far these were the big things I recommend/learned etc. Any other recommendations to add, please drop a comment!