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Mastectomy Must Haves
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items No one wants to go through this, but if you do, it's nice to have a list of things that have been helpful to others going through the same.
Sections
5
Recovery Comfort
Helpful supplies
Treatment is Tough
Over the Counter
Beat the Boredom
Recovery Comfort
Clothing and personal items to keep you comfortable during this difficult time.
You will need front button up clothing for recovery. Grab a soft new pair of pajamas for those first few days at home.
Cozy Jammies with front button tops
Until your drains are removed, you will need to have easy access to them. Front button shirts are your partner in this time.
Button Front Top
Depending on the season of your surgery, you may want some warmer shirt options. Make sure to get them a little baggy so they are easier on your arms.
Flannel Shirts
A hoodie that is meant for your drainage bags is going to be very helpful. You can also cut the inside of the pockets on a hoodie you have already - and then sew them back up when your drains are done.
Mastectomy Hoodies
You won't be able to shower for a few days - some spray deodorant will help you feel a little fresher on day 3,4, and 5. Make sure to get one without aluminum in it.
Spray Deodorant
Some dry shampoo will help your shower days stretch out longer. Make sure to get a spray vs a powder. You'll need someone to put it on for you - you can't lift your arms for quite awhile.
Dry Shampoo
Stretchy clothing is your best friend for recovery. You will not want to have to wrestle on clothes while your sore!
Stretchy Pants
Slip on shoes are a must. You won't be able to bend over, so make sure they slip on and off without assistance. And take them off in the same spot so you always know where they are!
Slip on Shoes
You'll be spending a lot of time inside for the first few weeks. Some comfortable slippers or house shoes will help regulate your temperature and keep you cozy through your recovery. Try to get ones that won't fall off your feet when your getting on ...
Soft Slippers
Having a few throws in the places you'll be resting the most will make sure you are always warm no matter where you sit/lay down.
Cozy Blankets
At some point, you will be ready for a bra again. Front zip bras are easy to put on and offer the support and some compression you will need.
Yvette: Zip Front Sports Bras
Helpful supplies
Items for your home or car to help make this process a little easier.
Having small storage bins will keep your essentials organized. Keep them on waist level surfaces - Your meds in one in the kitchen, your drainage cleaning items in one in the bathroom - your tv remotes in one on the couch.
Storage Bins
My sister recommend this gray one - the sides are slimmer and don't go behind your back as much. It has a front pocket to rest your hands while you're up and about, and it is a great support and comfort.
Zomaple Mastectomy Recovery Pillow
Consider getting a bidet. Constipation is a real thing after surgery and while on recovery medication, and range of motion is limited so twisting is going to be almost impossible. A bidet may be the most helpful tool you'll have.
TUSHY
If you don't have a recliner to heal in, a wedge pillow for the bed is a must have. It keeps you elevated and supported, and allows ease of getting in and out of bed.
Wedge Pillow For Mastectomy Recovery
Once you can shower, having a lanyard or even a shoelace to clip your drainage bags to will help make showering a bit easier.
Lanyard for the Shower
A fanny pack is more function than fashion in this season. You can use this to hold your drainage bags instead of pockets. You can also keep a few small items like lotion and chapstick at hand no matter where you are in the house.
Fashion Waist Packs / Luggage & Travel Gear
A bendable straw will make staying hydrated a breeze and keep you from moving your arms as much.
Water Bottle With Long Straw
Treatment is Tough
Depending on the treatment you need post surgery - these may be helpful items to have.
If your treatment causes hair loss, a wig may help you feel more like yourself as your own hair grows in.
Wigs - a temporary help
Cozy Caps - if wigs aren't a good fit for you, make sure to keep your head warm.
Cotton Cozy Cap
Beanies are a great way to stay warm and come in so many colors, patterns, and textures. Find one that brings you a bit of joy for your journey.
Cozy Beanie | Banana Republic Factory
Over the Counter
Stool Softener is your bestie after surgery. Check with your doctor before starting, but mostly I've heard from other patients a good practice is to begin the day or two before your surgery.
Colace Clear Stool Softener
Hydration packets are a great idea during recovery. They will help you stay hydrated and restore your electrolytes which are both beneficial for healing. Buy premade packets or save some money and sugar intake by making your own mix.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier - Lemon Lime
Beat the Boredom
Coloring is calming and creative. It may be the outlet you need to process this life changing event you are going through.
Best Coloring Books for Adults, Kids & Teens | Barnes & Noble®
A nice large set of color pencils makes coloring all the more fun.
Colored Pencils
Another great option for coloring, markers have so many shades and different tips for detail.
Alcohol Markers
Try your hand at crocheting these adorable animals! Crochet is easy and these kits are a great way to learn! And you'll end up with a little stuffy to make you or a little one you love happy.
The Woobles
Embroidery is surprisingly easy and creates a beautiful piece of art. There are so many kit options - once you learn the basics you can easily create your own designs!
Embroidery Kits
Keep your mind sharp as your body recovers with different types of problem solving. Word search, sudoku, crosswords, there are so many options!
Puzzle books
Sign up for Prime Video and watch some of your favorite movies and shows! Take the time and binge a series or have a movie marathon.
Prime Video
Read!! I love to read and Kindle Unlimited is a great source for ebooks (you don't need an e-reader, your phone, computer, or any tablet can download the kindle app). They always have a free trial and you'll be sure to find a book that fits your genr...
Sign up to Kindle Unlimited for a Free Trial
The Libby App is your connection to your local libraries. All you need is a library card and you can check out ebooks from libby and read them on any device you have with the Libby App. And it's FREE!
Libby