Hello! I am due to have a mastectomy and a reconstruction next week, and would like to find a nurse who can give me a hand at home post hospitalisation. What's the best way to go about this please?
I am afraid that I cannot answer your question about nursing care. I just wanted to wish you well for your mastectomy and reconstruction next week.
You will find this quite a straightforward operation, but you may find it helpful to have clothes that open at the front post-surgery. This saves lifting your hands above shoulder level, when they are tender.
I have had 2 bouts of beast cancer. I had a lumpectomy the first time around, but had a double mastectomy for the second bout. If you have any questions, I am happy to help. I am now 16 years post-surgery and still lead a busy and fulfilling life. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.
I am sorry to hear about your upcoming surgery and imagine this is a worrying time for you.
Whilst people may be referred to a district nurse after surgery for any wound care such as dressings or removal of stitches. This is often done back at the hospital or by the practice nurse in the GP surgery.
Any other nursing or care provision would normally need to be paid for privately. If you were to input the term post operative nursing care on the internet and search by locality it will bring up various private providers of this type of service. You can then find out more about the provision and costs involved. As your surgery is only next week I am not sure how easy it will be to access someone with such short notice- but you may wish to try.
Wishing you all the best with the surgery and your recovery.
You know where we are so do get back in touch if needed. The nurses are also here on the helpline weekdays 9-5 on 0808 800 4040 if you prefer to call us.
