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Post Double Mastectomy Must Haves 💗
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items Here are the things that I used when I was recovering from my double mastectomy surgery. Comfort is key during this time. Whether these items are for yourself or a friend, this list will cover everything you need to help make recovery a little easier...
Sections
7
Pillows
Clothing
Hydration
Hygiene
Drain Care
Miscellaneous
Pillows
Lots of different pillows are needed during this time. Pillows to prop you up in bed, pillows to cover your chest, pillows for your seat belt. These will keep you comfy and make you feel protected.
I had this exact setup post surgery. Sleep elevated was better for me and made it easier to get up since I couldn't put weight on my arms to get up. This one is comfortable and can be used in so many different configurations. I share a queen bed with...
Post Surgery Memory Foam Support
This is another good option if you are just seeking slight elevation. Can definitely be used after you're recovered for all sorts of things.
Bed Wedge Pillow
I used this one during recovery too and kept it in my living room so I didn't need to lug the other one in. This one just made watching TV, etc a little easier when I was resting in the living room.
Lumbar Support Back Pillow
You need this. I had this exact pillow. Great for the car when you are coming home from surgery or going to appointments. Gives you support and protection. But it was my fave for sleeping. You have to sleep on your back so this helped prevent me from...
Post Mastectomy Pillow
I had this secondary option for my living room or around the house. I was constantly in a mastectomy pillow. It just made me feel safe.
Mastectomy Pillow - Post Surgery
This is another great option. It is a little pillow for your seatbelt. Kept this in my car and it just made bumps on the road hurt a little less while I was recovering.
Seat Belt Pillow for Mastectomy Post-Surgery
Clothing
You are going to live in button down/ up, baggy, comfy clothing while you are recovering. Button down is preferred since you won't be allowed to lift your arms above your shoulders. I bought a ton of cute pajama sets but also elevated loungewear sets...
This robe was great!! It has drain pockets. This way you could wear whatever you want and then throw this on over top for another layer and a place for your drains.
Post Surgery Mastectomy Robe w/ 4 Drain Pockets
Another good option for drain pockets. I bought a couple of these and would sleep in them because my drains felt the most secure tucked in this way.
Post Mastectomy Shirts with Drain Pockets
Another good option if you are looking for clothing with drain pockets.
Mastectomy Top Tank with Drain Pockets
One of my go to outfits for doctors appointments or slow walks. Still comfy and baggy but easy to put on and made me feel cute.
Long Sleeve, Button Down, Shorts Sets
Love this knit one. I would size up so you can disguise your drains underneath. But cozy, cute and button front so it is easy to put on.
Knit Shorts Set
I bought this in blue and green and lived in it. Cute enough to wear out and feel put together in but also comfy enough to lounge around at home in. I still use these sets to this day. They also make great beach coverups.
Cotton Long Sleeve Shirts Matching Shorts
Chic oversized set! Gauzy material. Another great option.
2 Piece Set Oversized
The PJs I wore most during recovery. Just super comfy.
Button Down Sleepwear
I also bought these ones. Loves the colors and the little lace detail
Women’s Button Up Soft Short Sleeve Pjs
Hydration
You must hydrate, hydrate, hydrate during recovery! You will want a straw water bottle so you don't have to lift it to drink.
I used this one. No leak so it just stayed in the bed next to me and the straw top made it easy to drink while I was lying down.
Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottle with Straw
Definitely consider adding an electrolyte mix to your water. Love this brand. Super clean.
ProMix Nutrition Hydration Powder Packets
Another solid straw top option that won't leak and be easy to use.
Hydro Flask Water Bottle -
Love this print!!! The handle is helpful.
HydroJug x Anthropologie 40 oz. Traveler Water Bottle
Can never go wrong with a yeti. You will definitely use this after. Leak proof and straw top.
YETI Rambler 18 oz B
Hygiene
Most people have to go at least a few days before they can shower. Even when you are cleared to shower, it can be challenging to wash your hair. So I definitely did not wash my hair as often. Here are some things to help you feel as refreshed as poss...
Dry shampoo was a must for me! Took a while for me to feel comfortable lifting my arms high enough to wash my hair. This aerosol free option is much safer for you and easy to apply.
The Non-Aerosol Dry Shampoo Powder
Body wipes will be needed during the first few days. I like these ones from Necessaire because the ingredients are very clean. Smells great too. I used these and it was like a little luxury.
The Body Wipe Eucalyptus 20ct - Nécessaire
Another great body wipe option! or great for on the go.
Biom Travel Pack Biodegradable Body Wipes
I also used this. Love the XL towels. Really easy to get my whole body.
WaterWipes Sensitive Whole Body Cleansing Wipes XL
Drain Care
For me, the drains were the toughest part of recovery. But it helped having them secured. There are multiple ways to do that. Here are a few options and things I used to strip them and keep them clean.
The nurses in the hopsital will teach you how to “strip” your drains. You will need alcohol pads to do this and to keep things clean in general. Good to have a large pack on hand.
Alcohol Prep Pads
I used these pockets when I was wearing a shirt that didn't have the drain pockets. Used a lot under my cuter outfits when I was out and about.
Adjustable Mastectomy Drain Holder
This is a good option for showering. You dont want your drain just hanging down ever. So this lanyard wraps around your neck and keeps your drains secure.
Shower Lanyard for Mastectomy Drain Holder
This is another good option. Drain pockets and a mesh bag that can be used for the shower.
Mastectomy Drainage Pouch & Shower Support
You or whoever is stripping your drains should ideally be wearing gloves. We used these.
MedPride Powder-Free Nitrile Exam Gloves
Miscellaneous
Back scratcher, leg scratcher, you name it. Your mobility is limited so this was nice to have lol.
Extendable Pink Back Scratcher
I used this constantly. I was in bed a lot. This made it easy to eat meals or put my ipad on, etc.
Bamboo Bed Tray Table
Your mobility is limited and you won't be allowed to lift your arms above your shoulders until you get your drains out. This tool will come in handy for reaching things.
Grabber Reacher Tool
You will most likely be going home with various meds. Super important to keep track since you will be tired. A bill box is great. This one is cute.
Large Weekly Pill Box
A compact one that is great for travel!
Compact & Foldable Weekly Pill Organizer
I have this one. I like it because it is AM and PM!
Pillex Weekly Pill Organizer AM PM
Post Surgical Bras
You will be living in compression or a surgical bra for a while. I had many and these are some of my favorites.
This brand is amazing. Such high quality and was created by a breast cancer survivor. I got this in nude and black and still wear it. Super comfy.
AnaOno Post-Surgical Pocketed Mastectomy Bra
Also AnaOno and is still a go to for me. The back is mesh so it is really breathable.
AnaOno Post-Surgical Front Closure Bra
This one was nice because it felt like it gave me a lot of compression and support.
Front Closure Post Surgery Compression Bra
I like this one because it has the drain pockets attached.
AnaOno Pocketed Post-Surgery Bra - Front Closure