As I prepare for my upcoming mastectomy revision, I can't help but reflect on my recovery journey. One aspect that stood out to me was the lack of a comprehensive resource detailing the most useful items post-surgery. Before undergoing my own procedure, I scoured countless blog posts in search of guidance, hoping to provide some comfort and assistance to others facing a similar situation.
We are all unique individuals with our own set of preferences and comforts. Therefore, I encourage you to carefully consider the suggestions I offer, taking only what resonates with you and leaving behind what doesn't. My intention is to share the items that were consistently recommended across multiple sources, as they likely played a vital role in recovery, while also including personal choices that aligned with my needs.
Without further ado, here is a curated list of post-mastectomy essentials to consider for your mastectomy surgery:
Wedge pillow - I found this totally necessary. You can find a lot of different options on Amazon and from other retailers and they can be pretty affordable. After surgery, you will have to sleep on your back and be elevated. I tried a ton of different positions and ways of propping myself up and found that using a wedge pillow was the easiest way of making it happen. Using just regular pillows wasn't cutting it for me. For about a week after surgery, I also used a few more pillows under my back and head, as well as along my sides to prop up my arms - which was much more comfortable. After that, using the wedge pillow with pillows lined up along my sides was perfect, and eventually I was able to start side sleeping again. Using pillows or getting another wedge pillow for under your knees is super helpful as well. I still use the wedge pillow for propping myself up in bed to read or watch tv and store it behind my side table.
Front closure compression bras and tanks - These were the easiest to put on by myself and kept things compressed and comfortable. You won't be able to put any compression garments over your head since you can't raise your arms above your head and it's just not an easy task. I also found it difficult and uncomfortable to fasten anything in the back. This is a matter of preference, I know some people will fasten in the front then turn it around to the back, but with compression garments that are a little tight, that can be difficult.
Comfy front closure PJ's and tops - Similarly to the bras, it's so much easier to have a few front closure PJ's and/or tops. I found I didn't necessarily need these for very long, maybe just the first couple of weeks, then I could put bigger, stretchier tops on over my head. But I still wear them and find them super comfy!
Bed Tray - I found having a bed tray to be a necessity in the first few days. I didn't find it comfortable to sit at the dinning table to eat, so having a way to have my meals in bed was really helpful. While this was a luxury, you can find some really affordable bed trays on Amazon! It was also great having this for propping up my arms to read or play sudoku or crossword puzzles, for my drinks and snack to be easily accessible, and to put my laptop on because I'm a workaholic.
Throat Spray - After surgery, your throat is going to be very sore from the tubes they use. This is my favorite throat spray, so I thought I would share it!
Car Pillow/Wearable Pillow - Wearing a seatbelt across your chest will be uncomfortable for awhile and you'll want to protect it from the seatbelt. I used this pillow, which has arm straps and a belt around it to secure it to yourself. I liked that it had pockets for ice packs, which brought me a lot of relief during recovery (but some doctors don't tell you to use ice, so check with your doctor first). Here are a few other options:
I hope this was helpful! I know it made me feel a lot better before my surgery knowing that I had prepared as best as I could for my recovery, and my recovery has gone really well as a result! Please reach out to me if you have any questions.
Comments