A few, simple recommendations for your cancer surgery

There is an endless list of tasks and doctors appointments when you hear the words, “It’s cancer.” It’s exhausting to wrap your mind around the word itself. It’s exhausting to figure out your new schedule with the appointments. It’s exhausting to not sleep because your mind is constantly racing, searching for information, figuring out your day-to-day life.?

My particular brand was breast cancer. We chose a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. (If you’d like to read about the details, you can find them in my blog named The Beginning.) There were 5 surgeries in 7 months. Thankfully, the cancer was caught early and therefore didn’t require chemo or radiation. I’m sharing this with you so you’re aware of my starting point.?

Cancer involves surgery - usually multiple. It’s important to remember to take care of yourself before and after surgery. The more you take care of yourself and listen to your doctor, the more easily you’ll heal. I cannot stress this enough. When your doctor recommends resting, please rest. If you don’t trust your care team emphatically, please find a new team. This journey is like no other. It will challenge you more than you ever thought possible. Your care team is vital in your recovery.?

Another thing that is vital to a successful recovery is water. Water keeps your medications and food working through your body as they should. Water keeps your entire system as healthy as possible. If you’re not a big water drinker, try adding a flavor. There are various options at your local grocery store. I realize this might sound simple, but it’s important to remember the little things when you’re preparing for surgery.

Many people may overlook the importance of skincare. Finding the right lotion to keep your skin soft, believe it or not, will also help your recovery. I looked at various skin care regimens - from oils to shea butter body lotion. What worked best for me was (and is still) Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Body Lotion.

Cancer will flip your world upside down. Your consistent routine from before the diagnosis will be a thing of the past. You’ll need to find a new routine - which may not be the easiest thing to do. But here’s the truth of it all, you can find a new routine and consistency with the simplest of things - like your skincare routine. Give yourself grace and show yourself kindness when all you can handle is applying lotion. What helped me get my body moving was telling myself to apply lotion at least once a day. It became my routine. It gave me a purpose. Again, it sounds simple - but simple for everyone else can be a pretty big accomplishment for you after surgery.?

Okay, enough about the lotion. There are a number of other things to take care of before your surgery. For example, I’d highly recommend setting up a Meal Train. This is the time to ask for help. You are completely capable of doing it on your own, but why? Why not let others help you? Meal Train is not just for meals being brought to your house. It allows people who live a distance from you to shower you with gift cards or donations to use towards medical bills and treatment. You’re not being selfish. You’re taking care of yourself and your family by accepting help from others. You’re allowing others to bless your life by helping you.

Another thing I would highly recommend is a shower chair. There’s plenty out there for you. Here’s an example of one I found on Amazon. Begin your search with the link, and look for the one that best suits your needs. I did not get a shower chair. Hindsight being 20/20, I should have. I think the showers would have been more relaxing if I had a chair. But, I’m also quite strong- willed and wanted to know I could take a shower on my own. During the first few weeks after the bilateral mastectomy, I would shower and then nap for an hour or longer. On one particular day, the shower wore me out so much, I took a 3 hour nap. It was what my body needed.?

Before I forget one of the most important tools to purchase before surgery - a grabber. I kid you not, this will save you from endless frustration. Unless you have someone with you every minute of the day, you’ll drop things. And sure, your toes might have dexterity, but this grabber is an absolute game changer. It’s multi-functional. My grabber helped me press the garage door opener on the wall that was too high for me to reach, and it helped me pick up dog toys.?

Here are a few more things to purchase or set up before surgery:

• Dial soap to shower with beforehand
• Setting up a group text letting your loved ones know about your progress
• Set up a CaringBridge account to keep people in the loop
• Comfy pajamas that are easy use
• House slippers that are slip resistant (I’d recommend the ones from Costco.)
• If you’re having any kind of breast surgery, bring your most used items to a level where you won’t need to reach for them.
• Sweatpants or joggers - you’ll want something that’s easily manipulated for bathroom purposes
• Button down shirts - again, this is for ease. You can find decent shirts and joggers at your local second-hand store.?
• Find TV shows you’ve been wanting to binge watch for years but haven’t had the opportunity - you’ll have the opportunity.
• Look for something you can do with your hands that doesn’t require much brain function. You will more than likely have brain fog for a few weeks after surgery. After 4 of my surgeries, it was a challenge to think coherent thoughts for a few weeks. But my brain was running all the time. I had to find creative outlets to appease my brain and give my body the opportunity to rest. Crochet - become familiar with JoAnn Fabrics. Have you heard of Diamond Art? Check it out! You might love it!
• Towels - lightweight towels will serve you best after surgery. You won’t have the strength to lift things like you did before. I would recommend purchasing three - one to put on top of the toilet when you get out of the shower, one for your head, and one for your body.

These are all recommendations to help you post-surgery. If it’s all too overwhelming, then pick out the things that’ll serve you best. This is the best time to learn to ask for help from your friends and family. Reach out to them. I’m sure they’ll gladly buy you towels, or recommend shows to binge watch, or even buy you joggers.?

One of the most beautiful parts of this journey for me has been the growth I’ve experienced. I’ve learned to ask for help. I’ve learned to lean on my inner circle. I’ve learned to be more dependent on those who are willing to help. I’ve also learned there are a lot more people willing to help than I realized.?

Until next time,

Orsika Julia

P.S. Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links.?