5 Strategies to PREP for surgery (Cancer SURVIVOR tips)

Prepping for Surgery
1. Set your attitude/have your feelings
1.1. believe in your surgeon(s)
1.2. consider your feelings
1.2.1. mini-pity party if needed (Power of the Pity Party--kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3zPeWZ8Zt9pjtE)
1.2.2. grieve / celebrate
1.3. Take some time to accept your post-surgery self
1.3.1. temporary / permanent physical limitations
1.3.2. missing parts / extra parts
1.3.3. LIVING after surgery (your new reality)
2. Pre-Op Action items
2.1. Pre-Op Dr apptments
2.2. Pick up OTC and scripted meds
2.3. Consider day before/ day of prep - have supplies
2.3.1. ex: hibiclens / lever2000
2.3.2. ex: super absorbant pads, sterile gauze, etc...
2.4. Special equipment
2.4.1. hospital bed, crutches, walker, commode
2.5. app or notebook to record symptoms and meds / dr questions (I'm using cancer.net app)
3. Prepare your nest
3.1. Catch up or exceed all your "household chores"
3.1.1. ex: laundry, dishes, cleaning....
3.2. Pre-plan for post-surgery restrictions
3.2.1. ex: lifting/weight - move heavy items or split into smaller weight
3.3. Sleep rest in certain position
3.3.1 Obtain materials needed (pillows, wedges, recliner...)
3.4. Stock fridge (meals, nosh)
4. Work Transition
4.1. surgery usually associated w/ extended time off
5. Support Staff (family / friends / hired)
5.1. Ride to and from surgery
5.2. Someone with you for @ least first 24 hours
5.2.1. need help for basic functions
5.2.2. no decision making on own
5.3. Help eating
5.3.1. Grocery shopping
5.3.2. making or bringing in meals/snacks
5.4. Pharmacy run for last minute meds or supplies
5.5. Help settling into your nest
5.6. Post-Op follow-ups with Dr.
5.6.1. Maybe no driving for your still
5.6.2. Extra ears are always helpful
5.6.3. Might get pathology news - support person is helpful!
CAVEAT: Ideas presented here represent one Cancer Survivor's experience and do no replace advice given by your medical team. I hope they help you...
Tomorrow will be a better day. Be well. Jen

[@davidbaum7235]

Thank you for sharing!! ❤❤❤

[@MoreThanAPatient]

Hope it helps. ❤️🤟🤗

[@shawnscancerjourney]

Did you get reconstruction?

[@MoreThanAPatient]

Not this time. I did 9+ years ago (obviously). This time it's just me... When I talk to plastics this week or in the future. We might move some fat. My right breast had a latimus dorsi flap 9 years ago; so it is a bit different w/o the implants than my left which was simply placed in the pec... While I didn't get reconstruction this time; plastics was involved. They removed the implants and the encapsulation AND put me back together in a "pretty" way. I think I might do a TeaTime talking about what I asked for for this surgery and what I got.

[@KathInNJ]

In case you have to do this again??? No!! Do NOT put that out into the universe!!

[@MoreThanAPatient]

🤗 Find I forget what has worked for me in the past and I "re-discover" so I'm doing these videos for future me in case I need it. And, if it helps anyone now, great!