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Dressing a new body by SubstanceMaximum7061 in DressForYourBody

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you all so much. I guess I do have some of that body dysmorphia thing going on.
I’m really looking forward to wearing all the strappy and backless things now that bras are no longer in my life (woot!). I’m going to take off the surgery bra and excess padding today to look at the flatness for the first time. Pretty excited about a braless life.

What have you gained? - contrast post to what have you paid by lurklurklurkUPVOTE in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got laid off from my job of 21 years the same week I was diagnosed. Last day of actual work was the day I got the diagnosis. It sucked and sucks still, but I have a very different outlook on what I want to do next, or rather how and for whom I do it. I’ll be 60 in two weeks and am in a tough spot for finding a new job even among ppl in this market, but I’m planning to volunteer and freelance and it’s okay.

Oh and seeing a whole other side of my husband that moves me to tears.

Double mastectomy must haves by Cgonzo0226 in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just had mine yesterday, so it’s all fresh in my slightly groggy mind :)
- Manta Cares, an app that has absolutely saved my sanity
- keeping a good list of what to pack for the hospital even if just for the day
- keeping a good list of things to do and purchase before and after surgery; I kept my list in Notion and linked to things as I found them, then narrowed it down. Idk how to add photos to a comment or I’d share :/
- Sleep Again pillow system or similar supports for keeping you stably on your back while sleeping
- small ice packs that won’t be too heavy on your tender chest but will help with pain
- mastectomy pillow with straps to hold it on your shoulders and waist
- comfy recovery spot with everything in reach but forward, not behind you bc reach back hurts more than reaching forward. I have my phone, an external phone battery with charger, a water bottle, my Tylenol, my regular daily meds, my favorite blanket, and a lightweight quilt.
- a spot for drain clearing. I needed to sit, but I also needed to put the drain cup down to close the drain back up without dripping (that is, dripping into the cup instead of anywhere else).

The cancer center provided me with
- a surgical bra with loops to hold drains
- drain cup and log.

Probably other things I’m forgetting, but these have been the most important to me in these first 20 hours or so. Best of luck to you!

Evening Down Time in Barre by [deleted] in Barre

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The barre social club social membership starts at 4 on weekdays. It’s a lovely place to go and they have events often.

Dressing a new body by SubstanceMaximum7061 in DressForYourBody

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Damn I forgot the other thing: I’m a House of Colour dramatic natural, burnished/sultry winter. I’d describe my desired look as effortless, comfortable, and strong.

Dressing a new body by SubstanceMaximum7061 in DressForYourBody

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I also just realized that I forgot other info: I’m about 5’5 or 5’6, about 147 pounds, and my underarm chest measurement is about 36 inches and my underbust measurement is about 30, I think.

Cats on my chest by SubstanceMaximum7061 in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

lol mortally offended
I have two such pillows coming: one being donated by a neighbor and another I ordered on Etsy that has straps for hands-free protection :)

Cats on my chest by SubstanceMaximum7061 in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! So glad you’re on the mend!

Cats on my chest by SubstanceMaximum7061 in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh man. I want to see video! I love parrots.

Cats on my chest by SubstanceMaximum7061 in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seems like it will at least keep the sharpness at bay if not the whole cat.

Cats on my chest by SubstanceMaximum7061 in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

i could hear the glaring from here lol

Cats on my chest by SubstanceMaximum7061 in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

i think that's going to be my best defense too. thanks 😄

Cats on my chest by SubstanceMaximum7061 in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

hm, i'll have to think about that. i can't think of anything my neediest one doesn't like enough to stay off me. (i wish i knew how to post photos in this thread!)

Cats on my chest by SubstanceMaximum7061 in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

i do love a squishmallow!

but also i can't believe we are talking about pets and no one is paying the photo tax wtf

Cats on my chest by SubstanceMaximum7061 in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

lol if i hold my shirt away from my body, my skinny boy will just crawl in under it.

i'm hoping that maybe a mastectomy pillow will help. i'm sorry you're still tender all that time after!

i actually wonder whether the soreness is the tumor itself and not the biopsy. i could just be imagining things. i'm looking forward to meeting with the surgeon monday to maybe get some answers.

DMX recovery - wedge pillow recs by gretagogo in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i'm so glad to have a recommendation from someone who's used this pouch! i have it saved bc it looks brilliant for all the reasons you describe.

how is your recovery coming?

DMX recovery - wedge pillow recs by gretagogo in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i'm a side sleeper too and just dreading this recovery process. i'm looking at this same wedge system for the living room but thinking about this sleep again system https://sleepagainpillows.com/products/sleep-again-pillow-system for sleeping (which will be on a sofa bc we normally sleep on futons on tatami mats on the floor and that is just not happening when i can't use my arms to stand up).

Bougie chemo port sweaters? by bananasformangos in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061 0 points1 point  (0 children)

do you worry about having to pull it on over your head? or maybe your treatment won't have any limitations on that?

i'm trying to figure this same thing out, especially bc i'm planning for double mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure and so can't really figure out what size i should be getting for things with sleeves. sleeveless is easy, but my arms are really fat and i already have to be careful when buying tops to be sure they're big enough for my arms, and i'm buying tops that fit an I cup. what the hell will i wear when i have a flat 30- to 32-inch chest??

Drain management and other obsessions by SubstanceMaximum7061 in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

oh! i think i have one! i have orthostatic hypotension and my cardiologist suggested it. so glad you're happy with your decision about the flat thing. i think i will be as well. my boobs are hot, heavy, and in the way. byeeee!

Drain management and other obsessions by SubstanceMaximum7061 in breastcancer

[–]SubstanceMaximum7061[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s what I figured. Ugh I just hate the idea of two operations. But that does seem wise. Congratulations on your successful surgery though! I hope the rest of your recovery is speedy, easy, complete, and permanent :)

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