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Mastectomy and DIEP FLAP Reconstruction list of must have items.
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items Long Story short, I found out in that I had the BRCA2 gene in May of 2020 so I opted to have a prophylactic double mastectomy Nov of 2020. I ended up with an infection in Jan of 21 and had one of my expanders removed so I had a flat side of my chest until April of 21 when I had my DIEP FLAP reconstruction. DIEP flap reconstruction (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) is an advanced microsurgery for breast reconstruction using your own skin, fat, and blood vessels from the lower abdomen to create and fill new breast. It's pretty darn cool but does not come with risks. Below is a list of items that helped me along the way. Making this choice was not easy and I still have days where I second guess myself but then I think back to my post op visit when my doctor told me they found pre cancerous cells in both breast. It wasn't a matter of if I was going to get breast cancer, but when!
Sections
4
Before the surgery. How to prepare and what to pack.
At Home Recovery
Your New Foobs (Fake Boobs)
Boob-Voyage party
Before the surgery. How to prepare and what to pack.
Preparing for this day is a challenge both mentally and physically. This list will help you get ready and feel more prepared.
These surgeries are mentally challenging but this cure Vera Bradley bag will make you feel special and it's the perfect size to fit everything you need.
Vera Bradley Women's Outlet Cotton Weekender Travel Bag Abuzz
The T-Rex arms are a struggle after surgery. This grabber tool came in handy some many times when I would drop stuff.
Grabber Reacher Tool 32” Foldable Gripper
This lightweight jacket was so nice to have when I needed to go to the doctor. The drain pockets inside where the perfect fit and it was lightweight enough that I didn't feel hot all of the time.
Post Mastectomy Shirts with Drain Pockets
This robe was perfect to throw on when I needed to walk around at the hospital and then once I got home I could throw it on when people came to visit.
Meuponc Mastectomy Robe with 4 Drain Pockets
You don’t need to bring much with you for the hospital stay but a good weekender is perfect way to bring it all with you.
Weekender Bag for Women, Duffle with Shoe Compartment, Wet Toiletry Pocket, Hospital Travel Bag Grey one size
I did not know this at the time of my surgery but Ford gives out FREE support belts for woman when they have mastectomies!
SupportBelt | Ford®
This light weight jacket was perfect for those cool mornings. The drain pocket held my drains perfect and made me feel secure when going out in public.
Women's Fleece Mastectomy Jacket / Hoodie
Make sure you have a way to record your drain output.
JP Drainage Record Form, Drain Record Sheet, Post Masectomy Drain Care, JP Drain Record, Med Spa Forms, Esthetician Forms, Record Forms
A comfortable power lift recliner is an ABSOLUTE MUST for recovery. If there was 1 thing I could not live with out during this time it would be this chair! I sat in it all day and slept in it all night for 6 weeks.
Latitude Run® 37.8" Wide Soft and Oversize Faux Leather Power Lift Assist Massage Heat Recliner with USB & Dual Cupholders & Reviews | Wayfair
At Home Recovery
A wireless front closure bar is must. Bonus, this one has pockets to hold your drains!
Front Closure Post-op Bra
This Post Mastectomy Protection Pillow is an absolute MUST HAVE. I have two dogs and my youngest was 8 when I had my surgery. I keep this on all day long and it really did help keep me protected. I had two, the other one was kept in our car to pro...
Cheer Collection Post Mastectomy Protection Pillow with Washable Cover
Another option for a protection pillow is this MOYOAMA Pillow. It straps two different ways and has pockets and it has plenty on padding.
MOYOAMA Post Mastectomy Pillow 5-Pcs Set
A drainage pouch for the shower really helped me feel more independent in the shower.
Mastectomy Drainage Pouch & Shower Support
If you've ever been on post surgical pain meds you know the struggle with constipation. These soft chews really helped and they didn't taste horrible either.
MiraFAST Soft Chews, Gentle Constipation Relief, 60ct
I am always hot so having a tank top that would hold my drains was very necessary for my recovery.
Gentle Touch Post Mastectomy Camisole w/Pockets & Forms
I still giggle when I drink out of this mug.
Out with the Old in with the New, Funny Coffee Mug, Breast Cancer Support, Breast Reconstruction Surgery, Funny Mastectomy, Breast Reduction
How cute is this candle my friend gave me? It smalls so good.
Mastectomy Gifts, Breast Cancer Survivor Candle, Top Surgery, Breast Reduction Surgery, Transgender Surgery, Mastectomy Recovery
These compression bras were my “go tos” after my first post op appointment. They are easy on and easy off. And the material was so soft. I’m still wearing them.
Post Surgical Comfortable Compression Front Closure Bra for Breast Augmentation | Implants | Mastectomy | Reconstruction | Soft Grey
I lived in these PJs for weeks.
Cozy Post-Mastectomy Pajamas | 4 Drain Holder Pockets for any Surgical Drain Management
Don’t ask me why but I was so comfortable wearing men’s PJs during my recovery. They were never tight a just long enough.
Men's Pajama Sets Short Sleeve Nightwear Top And Pants Loungewear
A set like this would be perfect for recovery.
Mastectomy Pajamas with Drain Pockets, Breast Cancer Care Package Item, Hysterectomy Gifts for Women, (Surgery Hospital Gown alternative)
Make sure you have BIG can of your favorite dry shampoo. Washing your hair is going to be difficult even with help. Keep yourself looking fresh with a good dry shampoo
5.5 oz Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo - Living Proof | Ulta Beauty
Being able to keep myself fresh was important to me because I had a lot of visitors thoughput my recovery. I didn’t want to smell inbetween showers.
Cooling + Cleaning Wipes - Oars + Alps | Ulta Beauty
An extra long phone cord was to total nessesity while I recovered in a recliner for several weeks.
Phone 17 45W Dual USB C Fast Charger
Since my recovery was spent on the main level of our house in a recliner I needed my power strip tower to charge my phone, computer, fan, and heating pad.
Power Strip Tower 12 AC Outlets, 4 USB, Wireless Charger
A cup that will keep your drinks cold for a long time is super important for recovery.
The Messi x Stanley Collab Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler | 40 OZ
Instead of a meal train, my girlfriends gave me gift cards to Blue Apron so my family could choose our meals. Everything ready to cook so it was easy and fast.
Weekly Menu: Meal Kits, Oven-Ready & Ready-to-Eat Meals | Blue Apron
This is an absolute holy grail for compromised or severely irritated skin. It is incredibly soothing and zinc-rich.
3.3 oz Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream - Avène | Ulta Beauty
A deeply hydrating, fragrance-free moisturizer that is safe for sensitive, post-op skin.
Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration - First Aid Beauty
Perfect for combating the intense lip dryness caused by anesthesia.
Heavy Duty Lip Balm - Amazon.com
Keeping one in the freezer is amazing for rolling over your face and neck when you feel flushed, nauseous, or swollen from medication.
The 9 Best Ice Rollers That Instantly Soothed and Depuffed Our Skin
Your New Foobs (Fake Boobs)
I you are like me and have to spend some time with flat chest, these inserts do a wonderful job of making you feel a little more like yourself.
Teardrop Breast Form Insert – Post-Mastectomy
Any wireless bra can be worn after you have healed from your surgeries. This Auden bra is so comfortable and I love the plunging neckline and the ability to crisscross the back straps.
Women's Luxury Collection Removeable Pad Longline Plunge Bralette - Auden™ Pearl Tan XL
I am a big fan of front closure bras. Even a year after my surgery moving my arms over my head can feel odd, so a sport bra that doesn't have to be pulled over my head and is on and easy off is necessary.
Women's High Support Front Zip Bra - All In Motion™ Cream 40DD
Once you have healed and your doctor approves, you can use something like this scar sheets to help lessen the look of your scars.
Silicone Scar Sheets Tape for Surgery 1.6"x59"
I’ve had these bras since my mastectomy in 2020 and it’s 2026 and they are still holding up nicely.
Women's Zip Front Wireless Post-Surgery Sports Bra
Boob-Voyage party
My amazing co-workers threw me a small little luncheon before I went out for surgery. It was so amazing to know I was supported. Here are a few of the things they had for decorations.
Tata to My Tatas Banner, Masectomy Party Decorations, Breast Cancer Survivor Party Decor, Pink, Bra
My cousin sent me this beautiful gift all the way from Philadelphia. It was so sweet and such a nice little pick me up.
Sending Healing Vibes Gift Box For Women, Succulent, Socks, Candle, Get Well Gift For Her, Thinking Of You Gift, Gift Basket With Blanket