Facing a breast cancer diagnosis or increased risk of developing breast cancer, is daunting enough, but preparing for a mastectomy — the surgical removal of cancerous or potentially threatening growths in the breast — can be downright terrifying. As you begin planning for your surgery, your brain may be flooded with questions like: What will I be able to wear after surgery? Will I be able to sleep? What do I bring to the hospital? How many drains will I have?
Here’s our list of must-have products before your mastectomy.
Here’s our list of must-have products before your mastectomy.
Esright Power Lifting Electric Reclining Chair. A reclining/lift chair was indispensable to me when I had my double mastectomy. This chair was fabulous and didn't break the bank... it was half the price of others I looked at. Getting up in the middle of the night was so easy when I slept in this chair and I didn't need anyone's help, which also made me feel independent and more confident. This power lift chair will help the you stand up or lie down with ease. It has an electric powered lift mechanism that lifts you up smoothly and safely. Control buttons on the arm activates transitions between reclining, sitting and lifting and can stop at any position in-between with ease. With a retractable footrest and adjustable backrest, the electric lift chair is functional for optimal comfort, perfect for reading, sleeping or napping. Conforming to ergonomic principle, the massage recliner chair supports your neck, arm, back, and legs in the correct angle so as to offer utmost comfort. Featuring 6-point massage system and 5 modes of vibrating massage, as well as a heating massage, it is ideal for anxiety and tiredness relief, especially suitable for those working for long sessions. It also has thick, padded armrests and two pockets on the sides for storage. You can quickly assemble the item and use it with an easy-to-understand manual. The durable metal frame gives this chair stability and strength, and the resilient super soft microfiber upholstery stands up to long time use in your home while bringing ultimate comfort. If you are looking for a power lift chair to go in your living room, bedroom, home theater or even your office, this is the best choice! (https://www.amazon.com/Esright-Electric-Recliner-Vibration-Motorized/dp/B07XMB6MTB)
Blissy Sleep Mask. An eye mask should be on your list for recovery from a mastectomy surgery because you’ll most likely sleep at random hours as you spend time recovering in the hospital room. This sleep mask is light, breathable, and adjustable to help shield your eyes from those annoying hospital lights. Blissy Silk Sleep Masks are beautifully designed and a must-have beauty sleep essential. Handmade, crafted from silk, and gentle on your skin. These Sleep Masks are the perfect compliment to your beauty routine. Rest like you never have before with Blissy. Includes Blissy silk carrying case for traveling. (www.blissy.com)
Bombas Slipper Socks. Often an underrated necessity, slippers offer great protection from the cold hospital floor. These cozy fleece slippers are easy to put on, and you don't need to bend over to adjust them. Machine-washable and suitable for everyday use around the house, they also come in multiple colors. Half slipper. Half sock. 100% comfortable. They made these Gripper Slippers with a new and improved fit that’s still super cozy. They also have a soft brushed lining on the inside to keep you toasty, and special grips on the outside to help prevent slipping. Plus, every pair comes with a little travel bag that makes packing a breeze. While their grippers are pretty good at helping to prevent slips, they’re not magic. So be careful, and practice good coordination out there. (www.bombas.com
Bombas Slipper Socks. Often an underrated necessity, slippers offer great protection from the cold hospital floor. These cozy fleece slippers are easy to put on, and you don't need to bend over to adjust them. Machine-washable and suitable for everyday use around the house, they also come in multiple colors. Half slipper. Half sock. 100% comfortable. They made these Gripper Slippers with a new and improved fit that’s still super cozy. They also have a soft brushed lining on the inside to keep you toasty, and special grips on the outside to help prevent slipping. Plus, every pair comes with a little travel bag that makes packing a breeze. While their grippers are pretty good at helping to prevent slips, they’re not magic. So be careful, and practice good coordination out there. (www.bombas.com
After any surgical procedure, your doctor will have specific recommendations regarding how soon you can shower or bathe. Packing baby wipes for your hospital stay and keeping them on hand during your recovery will be helpful as a way to easily refresh yourself. These Honest Company Baby Wipes are fragrance-free and contain no parabens or phthalates. They are also made of plant-based material and are gentle enough for a baby’s bottom. (www.honest.com)
If hair hygiene is a concern, dry shampoo might be important to bring to the hospital when you're preparing for a mastectomy or breast surgery: You won’t be able to wash your own hair for some time because of limited arm movement. These dry shampoos will absorb excess oil and help your hair look freshly washed even if it’s been a few days ... or weeks.
Having a journal or notebook close by during your hospital stay and recovery period can be as helpful emotionally as it is medically. A journal or notebook will allow you to track medicine times and drain-fluid amounts, and express how you’re feeling throughout the process. Since this notebook is made from cork bark, it’s stiff enough to use without table support while you’re resting.
Billow Pillows. Small pillows are a necessity. All shapes and sizes and definitely squishy are the best. I used several at a time. Under both arms, on my chest, on my neck. They were lifesavers! Billow pillows are designed to help women find comfort and relief postsurgery. The Billow Heart Pillow is designed to cushion and support the arms and breasts following a mastectomy and lymph node removal. All Billow pillows are available with two fillings, wool for a softer feel and kapok (a plant fiber) for a firmer feel. The Billow pillow is made in the USA of organic, chemical and cruelty-free materials, so you can feel good about how the Billow is made. Five percent of Billow’s profits are donated to breast cancer charities who allocate money towards research programs to help find a cure. (www.billowglobal.com)
ParkPuff Pillow. You can never have enough pillows and here's another great one. Protect your chest while you're driving with the ParkPuff, a pillow-like cushion that latches around your seatbelt to provide comfort after surgery. Rachel Park, a breast cancer survivor and fashion entrepreneur, made one for herself during treatment and continues to use it daily. The ParkPuff comes in six different design patterns, and in addition to breast surgery can be used for comfort following radiotherapy, port placement, heart surgery, shoulder surgery and abdominal surgery as a lap belt. Park makes all of the ParkPuffs by hand in Los Angeles, and three dollars from every purchase is donated to the Remember Betty Foundation. (Survivormoda.com)
AnaOno Miena Robe with Drain Management Belt. Founded by breast cancer survivor and advocate Dana Donofree, AnaOno is a lingerie line exclusively for women who’ve undergone breast-cancer-related surgeries. The Miena Robe is ideal for recovering from a mastectomy or any breast cancer surgery because it has a holder for surgical drains. The front tie allows easy access to your drains and the soft fabric and lightweight material embodies the company’s mission that comfort should not be a compromise.
AnaOno Bra. Finding the best bra to wear after surgery will depend significantly on your doctor’s recommendations and your personal comfort. AnaOno’s lingerie line consists of several bras that can be helpful following a mastectomy or breast reconstructive surgery. The compression level and front-closure of the Rora Mastectomy Front Closure Bra makes it ideal for post-op recovery. The bra is full coverage with medium support and comes in four colors: black, ivory, sand and dusty rose. The wide back bridge and armpit area are intended to offer easy release as well as back support. (Anaono.com)
Pink Pockets. Pink Pockets are flannel squares that easily peel and stick to the inside of clothing to discreetly hide up to two drains in each pocket. Created by a breast cancer survivor, Diane Ungurs LeBleu, Pink Pockets take the discomfort out of drain maintenance. Pink Pockets can be temporarily added to any garment to hold a drain so you don't have to use pins in your clothing. Once surgical drains are removed by your doctor following your mastectomy or breast surgery, the pockets can be easily removed. (Pink-pockets.com)
KellyBeeDesigns Post Mastectomy Hooded Sweater. After having a bilateral mastectomy and finding drain management to be the most difficult part, Kelly Hobbs, the woman behind KellyBeeDesigns, created a hooded sweater with two large drain pockets hidden inside. Each pocket can hold multiple drains. The sweater is lightweight and zips at the front to allow for minimal arm movement following surgery. Pocket fabric options range from pretty florals to animals. (www.etsy.com)
Bravely Gown. A DIEP flap is a type of breast reconstruction in which blood vessels, skin, and fat are removed from the lower abdomen and transferred to the chest. Recovering from a DIEP flap surgery can pose challenges because there are two surgery sites — your chest and abdomen. Recovery from a natural-tissue flap reconstruction can take four to eight weeks. A hospital gown like the Bravely Labor and Delivery Gown will be helpful for this type of surgery because it may be uncomfortable to wear pants. (Amazon.com)
Waitress Apron. These are perfect for putting your drains into so you can get around without hassles. Purchase on Amazon.
Books Books Books. Find as many great books to read as you can. This is your time to relax and do things that are peaceful and quiet.
Books Books Books. Find as many great books to read as you can. This is your time to relax and do things that are peaceful and quiet.
Other miscellaneous items:
- Safety Pins
- Lanyards for holding drains in shower
- Bell for ringing for getting help if necessary
- Basket to hold remotes, phone, tissues, etc., so they are easily reachable
- Folding table to have near you at all times