The Hospital Stay

Here are a few things to consider taking with you to the hospital especially if you are facing a mastectomy or a bi-lateral mastectomy. 

1.  Comfortable PJ's with a button down front and some fuzzy socks.
2.  A Robe with a zipper front.
3.  Phone.
4.  Favorite music or any music to help you stay calm.
5.  Lavender oil to keep you calm.
6.  Books, magazines, and puzzles such as cross word, word search, etc. 
7. Bible or bring some favorite Bible verses to read and remind you that you are not alone.
8. Toiletries:  Eye glasses, contact solution, contact case, tooth brush, tooth paste, facial products, etc.
9.  Lotion, and lip balm.
10. Hard candy and gum (sugar free on both)
11. Clothes to go home in and unmentionables ;-)  Remember to bring a button down shirt.  You will want that after a surgery like this.

If your hospital is like mine, your family/friends, will have a nurse navigator that will stay with them the duration of the surgery.  That was really appreciated by my husband and friends that were in the waiting room.   My surgery was about six hours long but these kind of surgeries can vary depending on what your having done.

This is only a suggestion, take things that will keep you comfortable, relaxed and calm.  Keep in mind that you may have visitors coming in and out.  Nurses will be checking on you non-stop and your nurse navigator will also pay a visit to check on your progress, concerns, and questions you may have.  Take all the free help that is offered!

Side Note: This was drawn by my son Andrew...........The cross with the breast cancer ribbon.  Even at an young age he knows none of us can get through this without the Lord.  I just love his heart.

Facing Surgery

Some have asked how I prepared for surgery?  I have had five surgeries having to do with removing the cancer or reconstruction.  I do not think surgery is anything that many look forward to but in many cases, it is necessary. 

My first one was little scary for me.  It was a lumpectomy and it was to be day surgery.  The Sunday night before my surgery the following Thursday, I had a thought....."You better give Alan all the passwords to all of the accounts."  I shot straight up in bed and had a panic attack.  From that point on, I was scared to death to have this surgery.  I read some things on line to help me prepare.  One thing I found helpful was to buy a new set of pajama's and have them on your bed so when you return, you have something new and fresh to wear.  Also make sure your bedroom is not cluttered and cleaned.  Make sure you have a good support system taking you to surgery and bringing you home.  I certainly had that.  Even though I did the things suggested, I was still SCARED!

While a group of people at my church prayed over me Sunday morning and I kept praying for peace, I could not shake my fear.  I went for a walk in our neighborhood park the evening before surgery.  I wanted to make sure I got a last attempt of exercise before my surgery.  I got several texts from Anna's Kindergarten teacher during the walk.  Now there was no way that she knew what was going on in my head.  She knew I had breast cancer and was having surgery the next morning. This is what the texts said:

Abigail, as I am praying for you now, I see the grace and the peace of God surrounding you, filling you and lifting you above all fear and anxiety! I see you walking through this fire, never alone, and coming out the other side without even a trace of smoke! Be at peace knowing that the MANY prayers sent to the throne on your behalf are precious to the Lord and He hears them and will joyfully answer them! I will be praying for you without ceasing......love you and your sweet family! God bless you!

Wow!  The moment I read that, all fear left me and I had a peaceful night sleep and went into surgery the next morning pretty calm.

Unfortunately, it turned out that I had one lymph node with cancer and another spot near the other cancer was found.  So now I was facing a double mastectomy and now chemo.  I kept looking at that text that Anna's Kindergarten teacher sent me, and held on to that promise.  I had some extra money and Alan and I re-did our bedroom with some uplifting color and made sure that I had food, snacks and plenty of my favorite tea ready for when I came home.

Will all of these things help you?  I do not know.  You have to find what works and helps you get through this hurdle.  Everyone is different and you know what will put you in a better mood and what gives you something to look forward to returning home after surgery.  Find what works for you!