Helping You Feel Prepared & Supported
Mental Preparation
Understand and recognise the emotional and mental fatigue of recovery. We recommend you seek help where possible, to manage the mental, emotion and physical energy it takes to recover from this significant surgery.
Be prepared for the possible aesthetic changes to your body. For example; belly button removal, no nipples initially.
Be realistic about recovery timelines. For example; You may not be able to lay flat for anywhere between 2 to 15 weeks, and understand that things may not go to plan.
Psychosocial & Emotional Needs
The emotional impact and loneliness from this surgery is often underestimated.
It is important for you to have peer connection with others who have gone through this operation and recovery.
You are welcome to join our Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/171pRw1BZP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Our support group meet face-to-face three times per year in Camberwell, Victoria, to share stories, support and to further improve our program. Joining online is also an option for those who cannot attend in person.
We recommend psychology sessions early. We have an excellent psychologist, who specialises in oncology, that works with us at Moving Beyond Cancer. She is available in person and for online appointments.
Things to ask your surgeon that our clients wish they did
Recommendations or requirements for a post operative binder
Recommendations on compression garments, SRC shorts, Tubigrip, etc
Will you be using a vacuum pump in your wound initially?
Recommendations for scar management and scar protection from clothing?
When to commence scar tissue massage?
Who to contact and the number to call if you have any concerns about your wound healing/management?
Clothing
Soft, oversized knickers, large enough to comfortably cover the scar and bandaging - Kmart.
PJs that button up
Light dressing gown
Front Zip crop top/bra - Kmart.
Slide on slippers
Button up dress for leaving hospital.
Compression garments and/or SRC compression shorts – what your surgeon recommends.
Toiletries & Personal Items
Lip Balm
Flushable wet wipes to freshen up.
A head band if you don't like your hair falling in your face.
Dry shampoo
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Other useful items
Long charging cord
Back scratcher
Pick-up stick - https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-820mm-pick-up-tool_p0328158?srsltid=AfmBOorci5aVlMw9qKyLLK1EOa-GmQvcvYxSIQMpfCRL1NKpX7eBRCr2
Small carry bag to carry your drains, good especially if you have 3. This will give you freedom!
Water bottle with straw.
Throat lozenges for dry, sore throats after the anaesthetic tube.
Neck pillow to make sleeping upright more comfortable.
Things to prepare at home before you go to hospital
Ready-made meals for the freezer.
Have food, cups, plates, etc on a bench top, not in high cupboards.
Ask close friends or family to set up a meal support roster such as 'Meal Train', or one that also includes other tasks like dog walking or hanging out washing like 'Lotsa Helping Hands' so you have regular meals organised during the early stages of recovery. https://lotsahelpinghands.com
Source a note book for documenting medications.
Place the toilet paper in front of the toilet so you don't have to reach around behind you.
Optional items to source
Seat belt pillow for car ride – E.g. https://www.bellybands.com.au/products/post-surgery-seat-belt-travel-pillow
Shower chair – you may be able to hire through the hospital.
Tri Pillow. Kmart sells these.
A mobile bedside table (like hospital), particularly useful in the first few months.
A large wedge cushion for your bed at home , for example: https://www.clarkrubber.com.au/shop/category/wedge-pillows?srsltid=AfmBOoqnH4_9sFIaVTKDnEXuK51sLoY_zC5M6sI7VO61UNvNZLhtGTRX.
