Leonie is a member of our committee. Diagosed in 2019, Leonie writes of her own personal experiences, and of the tips and ideas that worked well for her. These are only suggestions, and we recommend always ask your medical team for advice on treatment and recovery.

I was living alone at the time of my diagnosis and, even though friends and family would be on hand to help, I knew I'd have to manage largely on my own.

Prior to surgery, I thought about preparation: what could I do to make sure I could get around safely, at home, by myself? 

I had an excellent medical team and received ample opportunity and time to ask questions about my cancer,  but there were so many 'big' issues to deal with that I seldom asked about the 'little things', like managing day to day after surgery and during treatment.

I received plenty of medical information about post-operative care and didn't think too much about the day to day. The emphasis was, quite rightly, placed on my processing of this information, and making decisions about my treatment and care. The rest of it would be up to me - fixing food for myself, making up the bed, getting myself bathed and dressed, making sure I'd be comfortable in my favourite chair watching TV - just to name a few things!

After receiving the news I had breast cancer, I began preparing my home and myself, in a practical sense, for the treatment I knew was coming. What could I do to lessen stress, and make my recovery at home as easy on myself as possible?

Despite my careful thinking, there were still many aspects of recovery I could not have planned for as I was navigating territory that was so foreign to me. Some days, it was a 'trial and error' process that I often got through with a good laugh that overcame the frustration! 

The first thing I did was attend to paperwork. I paid bills, made sure my will was up to date (and this is a good practice anyway), and told my family and a close friend where all of my important documents were kept. I knew I'd probably be fogged with fatigue after surgery, unable to focus on bill paying, so taking care of that took a real load off.

I then looked around the house, searching for ways to minimise stretching, reaching, bending and lifting. I focussed on placing items I knew I'd use alot (dishes, bath towels, books to read, TV remote etc), at waist level.

I checked my place for ease of access to the rooms I'd be using most often (bedroom, bathroom, lounge) and removed any potential tripping hazards (rugs/mats, coffee tables, plants in large pots on the floor).  

My home looked quite different after I'd done that, a bit haphazard and messy, but it was far better than falling over something. 

I put a tray on the kitchen bench with plates, mugs, glasses, cutlery, salt and pepper, and stocked another with teabags, coffee and milo. I made sure the washing up liquid and dishmops were handy and that my First Aid kit was there too.

In the bathroom, I placed a supply of toilet rolls on a shelf where I could reach them (they were in a low cupboard), and several towels of different sizes there too. I made sure I could access all of my lotions and potions, toothbrush and medications, and hung my dressing gown behind the door. 

I sorted out my bedroom in a similar way, ensuring everything I'd need was easily accessible. I placed an extra mobile charger and a flashlight beside the bed, a book to read, and, made sure I could listen to music or podcasts if I wanted to.  I purchased a tray with a 'bean bag' cushion that settled easily onto the bed or my lap, and some extra soft pillows in case I needed that comfort post-surgery. I had a tri-pillow already that I thought might help relieve 'pressure points' (and it turned out to be very useful indeed). 

Clothing-wise, I had good, non-slip slippers, and visited our local op shop to buy some soft, button-down-front tops that would be easy to get into, and elasticated-waist pants that I could pull up and down with one hand. I didn't usually wear garments like these but the small investment proved to be well worth it.

In my next Blog, I'll be writing about getting home after surgery and caring for myself