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Favorites: Mastectomy/DIEP Flap Recovery
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items After spending the last 7 years of my life dealing with the aftermath of breast cancer surgery, here are some products that I found helpful during recovery.
Sections
4
DIEP Flap
Comfort
Stay clean, feel human
Random but helpful
DIEP Flap
For anyone who has had DIEP flap surgery (or a tummy tuck), these are essential. And you will be wearing them for months.
Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day High-Waisted Shaper Panty
For those who had diep flap surgery you know how uncomfortable it can be to get up and down from the toilet. This riser is something that can help.
HealthSmart Portable Elevated Toilet Seat Riser 5"
Comfort
This cooling blanket is great, it's not too thick or thin.
CloudCool™ Cooling Comforter
Any shoe that you can slip on and not have to worry about bending over is a life saver.
Women's Scuffette II
You can't be too careful during recovery. These definitely helped as I walked slowly down my wooden stairs.
Women's 3-Pack Anti-Slip Fuzzy Grip Socks for Cozy Indoor Comfort
I used this pillow for all the car rides after surgery.
MOYOAMA 2 Pcs Hysterectomy Pillow Set Grey
It is very uncomfortable to lie flat after surgery. This pillow can be so helpful and you can use HSA funds to purchase.
AMiNA Foldable Foam Wedge Pillow
Button down pjs are a must during recovery.
Women's Cloud Knit Short Sleeve Notch Collar Shirt and Shorts Pajama Set - Auden™ Blue Seahorse M
Having a soft, cozy blanket during recovery can make a world of difference. I used one for every hospital stay and time afterwards.
Dreamer Blanket | Super Soft, Cozy Oversized Blanket | Comfrt
I preferred the zipper front closure bras to the hooks.
SAYFUT Women's Shirred Front Zipper Closure Sports Bra High Impact Support Mesh Racerback Workout Bras with Removable Pads - Walmart.com
Believe it or not, it can be uncomfortable sitting in the same chair or bed for hours on end. This can make watching movies all day a little more comfortable.
Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow - Open Story™ Muddy Aqua: U-Shape, Velvet
If you have a recliner, or have the means to get one, I can't recommend it enough. I lived in mine for weeks. Make sure you have a power recliner, you won't be able to reach over for a manual one. If you don't have a recliner, look into your insuranc...
Mercer41 Nicollas 36.61'' Wide Modern Soft Fabric Upholstery Power Reclining Chair with Remote Control & 4 Legs & Reviews | Wayfair
Drain holders are a necessity. I came home with 4 drains after my first surgery. It took a month before all of them were out. These holders are incredibly helpful.
2 Pack Mastectomy Drain Pocket Pouch
These are drain holders that can go in the shower. I preferred the pocket ones as opposed to the apron.
Mastectomy Drain Holder
One can never have too many hair ties.
Black Medium Hair Bands - GIMME beauty | Ulta Beauty
I have so many of these. You can wear them a million different ways, throw them in the wash with your clothes. I used these all the time while I was sick (and still do!)
Full Boho Bandeau® Headband - Rainbow Borders
You will not want to deal with tying laces or bending down to put on shoes after surgery. Skechers has a huge variety for slip on shoes that don't look like old people shoes.
Skechers Slip-ins: Arch Fit Glide-Step Pro
Stay clean, feel human
Lifting your arms can be very challenging after surgery. This dry shampoo can help you feeling clean even when you can't wash your hair.
AirWash™ Dry Shampoo - K18 Biomimetic Hairscience | Sephora
Sometimes when you are sick the feeling of a clean mouth can feel heavenly. I kept these in all of my hospital bags and next to my bed at home.
Colgate Max Fresh Wisp Disposable Travel Toothbrushes - Mini - Peppermint - Trial Size -24ct
You can’t shower for a while after surgery. These come in very handy to feel a little more human.
CVS Cleansing Cloths, Fragrance Free, 32 CT
Random but helpful
Here are some items that I found extremely helpful as I went through each recovery.
Your mobility is very limited after surgery. This tool is so helpful, I still use it all the time!
Ettore 36-in Aluminum/Plastic/Rubber Reacher
Ice packs are so soothing after surgery. I would put them in my bra for some relief.
Reusable Cold/Hot Pack with Cover
This is a great company supporting women with breast cancer.
Pockets of Hope
I always had a giant water bottle nearby (still do!). This brand is great because it still has the straw ability without the actual straw. The less I have to clean the better!
Owala 40 oz. FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle
The last thing I wanted to do during recovery was eat. But protein is essential in healing. Protein shakes became my meals for quite a while. I didn’t have to think about making anything. I didn’t even have to chew. It was the perfect go to.
BlendJet 2, Portable Blender