Mastectomy Must Haves For Recovery
I’m often asked, “What do I need to have at home after my mastectomy?” Good question! The best way to have a smooth recovery is to have everything you need in advance. Below are my recommendations to have on hand at home and the “whys” behind them.
Post-mastectomy pillow
Oversized, satin or silk comfy button-down shirts and PJs with inside pockets
waist drain pouch or apron
ice packs
Mastectomy bras
wedge pillow
extra pillows
big body wipes and dry shampoo
large side table or dresser
bed tray
SPILL-PROOF CUP or water bottle with a bendy straw
Tylenol, (acetaminophen)
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
Colace (docusate sodium)
A Post-mastectomy pillow. This is a pillow that you wear that protects your chest. It’s especially helpful when leaving the hospital. When in a car, this will keep the seat belt directly off your chest. Think of it as an “airbag” for your breasts. Many of my patients like to wear it at home as well. It’s an extra layer of protection between them, their kids, their dog, and those pesky walls that seem to jump out at you. They also have pockets for ice packs, cell phones, etc.
Oversized, comfy button-down shirts and PJs with inside pockets to hold your drains. Why? You won’t be able to raise your arms after surgery so being able to slip in and out of a top easily is key. Also, choosing a satin or silk material is best as it helps you reposition yourself in bed easier and helps you to get in and out of bed more easily. The inside pockets for the drains keep them tucked away so they’re not dangling freely. Alternatively, a waist drain pouch or apron is also a good choice. You wear this on the outside of your clothes like a 1950s housewife. Think function not fashion.
After a mastectomy, you’ll have bruising and swelling around your breast and under your arms. Many doctors recommend using ice packs for swelling. However, many advise against it particularly if you’ve had a tissue expander placed for a future breast implant. Do not use ice unless your surgeon advises you to do so.
Mastectomy bras. They’re made of a stretch fabric with a front Velcro closure. They provide compression and help with healing. Most surgeons will give you one or two mastectomy bras to go home with after your surgery. If you need to buy more they will go over which ones are best for you.
If you’re not going to be sleeping in an adjustable recliner, get a wedge pillow for your bed. As you will be sore, this is a game changer for positioning yourself and getting up from your bed easier. Also, have extra pillows on hand for making a “pillow Throne” and to support your arms.
As your surgeon will not want you to get your incisions and drains wet, buy big body wipes and dry shampoo to keep yourself feeling fresh and clean.
Having a large side table or dresser next to your bed is important as you’ll want to have the items you need and want close by. Think cell phone, medications, drinks, snacks, tissues, pen and paper, etc. Also, if you plan on eating in bed I recommend a bed tray table and a spill-proof cup or water bottle with a bendy straw. Bendy straws are the unsung HEROES of spill prevention when you’re lying down and don’t get enough credit. The last thing you need is to have to change all of your sheets in the middle of the night because of a spill.
Also, have Tylenol (Acetaminophen), a pain reliever and fever reducer, and Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication on hand for pain. However, do not take them without first checking with your doctor if they are right for you and your particular surgery. As you might be sent home with narcotics for pain, some may have a Tylenol or anti-inflammatory component built into them already.
Speaking of narcotics, a common side effect of them is constipation. Often after not “going’ for a few days, it can become a big worry for patients. Make sure you have Colace (docusate Sodium) at home. It’s an over-the-counter stool softener. Again, do not take it without first checking with your doctor. Also, here’s a not-so-obvious tip - have at home any drinks or food that you know typically makes you “go”. For a lot of people, it’s coffee and fruit. And think about having good old-fashioned prunes on hand. It’s old school but it works.
Other good tips I tell my patients especially if they’re home alone after surgery is to place all the items that you’ll need at home at arm’s reach before you have your surgery - plates, cups, food, toiletries, clothes, etc., as you won’t be able to lift your arms to reach for these things. And speaking of alone, my best piece of advice is don’t be alone. Many patients underestimate how they’ll feel after a mastectomy - tired, groggy, uncomfortable, even depressed. Always plan to have someone with you.
