Mastectomy 101: Mastectomy Planning and Recovery Necessities
Now that I’m on recovery cruise control, I thought I would share some helpful information I have learned along the way, and although I pray you never have to go through this, I hope I can provide some insight that is helpful. I really don’t have the right words to to describe how incredibly strong and brave you are as you navigate through this next chapter, but I pray that your recovery is quick.
My goal is offer up tips and suggestions to make this journey a bit easier for you. There are a few things you can do pre-surgery to help your post surgery recovery go a bit easier.
Meals
You won’t be able to cook for a while, so let a friend create a meal sign up in your honor. Also, try stocking your freezer ahead of time. Take Them a Meal is a great website to coordinate meals for friends and family members who wish to offer up their help.
Family Scheduling
I think one of the hardest things to coordinate before and after surgery is the routine of the family. You won’t be able to lift anything over 10 lbs for weeks and driving is not recommended. Having someone available for kid drop off and pick up is important, so sitting down and figuring out the family scheduling before surgery will be beneficial. Having a game plan before surgery will put you at more ease following knowing that things are figured out.
Necessities
I was fortunate enough to have an understanding on the necessities that I should have before surgery. My sister went through this weeks before me, so I was prepared in that sense from her personal experience.
- Button Up Clothing: You will not be able to lift your arms for weeks, so snag some button up shirts and sweatshirts for comfort and ease.
- Pillows: Getting comfortable is unheard of when going through recovery. I’m normally a stomach sleeper, so having to sleep on my back has been an adjustment. I literally have 3-4 pillows by me at all times in order to position myself in such a way that I can get some rest. I had to sleep partially propped up while the drains were in.
- Hair ties & head bands: Keeping the hair out of your face will make everything easier, so make sure you have something for your hair nearby.
- Dry Shampoo and Body wipes: These will be your best friends. Some doctors won’t allow you to shower until the drains are out. Others will let you shower within 48 hours, so make sure you have dry shampoo and wipes to allow you to feel some-what refreshed.
- Pill Organizer: You will have a ton of pills to take following your surgery. Get a pill organizer to help you stay on top of your medications.
- Drain camisole and sweatshirt: These have literally been game-changers. Being able to wear something comfortable that allows me to place the drains in something for ease has been amazing. My sister loaned me her sweatshirt, and I purchased two camisoles that have an area for the drains that are lose enough to provide comfort and coverage.
- Lanyard or beads: These are particularly helpful when showering. Simple clip the drains to these to allow easier showering.
- Magazines, books and coloring books: Some of my friends snagged me a beautiful Bible verse coloring book that has helped me pass the time. I also have a few books and magazines I plan on reading as I recover.
- Scar Cream: Having this on hand once your scars heal will help minimize the scaring. Snag some vitamin E and mederma from Amazon and start applying as soon as your are able.
Those are some of the items I’m glad I have had on hand.
As far as what you should have in your hospital bag, the list is pretty short, but here are my recommendations.
- breast surgery pillow
- chapstick
- snacks
- dry shampoo
- body and face wipes
- body lotion
- socks/slippers
- button up shirt
- drain camisole
- toothbrush and toothbrush
- throat lozengers
- iphone and ipad charger
- hair ties, bobby pins and head bands
As I continue to navigate through my recovery, I will add to this when I realize something was missed or as readers make additional suggestions.
Good luck, my friends.
