Mastectomy Essentials

Preparing for a single or double mastectomy is daunting and overwhelming. It can be very confusing what items are most helpful to use post-surgery to make recovery easier. This is a time of immense change and healing, so remember to take it day by day and to be kind to yourself as you navigate these changes to your body. Below are the items I used every day during my recovery from my double mastectomy, and what I recommend to everyone undergoing the surgery:

• Pregnancy Pillow: This pillow was the MVP post-surgery. I laid with it on the couch and I slept with it at night in bed. It prevented me from rolling onto my incisions or moving around. You will be sleeping a lot during the first two weeks, and this helped me get quality sleep.

• Chest Pillow: This was very comforting to lay on my chest while laying on the couch. It was particularly helpful when trying to stand from a sitting position to protect my chest, and when riding in the car to protect from pressure from my seatbelt.

• Drain belt: I wore this belt whenever I showered since it was not comfortable to let the drains hang as this would cause pulling on my skin.

• Button up shirts and pajamas: I lived in button up pajamas and shirts (mostly from Target) for the first few weeks. It was easy to disguise my drains and to get my arms in and out of.

• Shower chair: During the first two weeks, showering feels like a marathon. Get yourself a shower chair. You will also likely need help washing your hair, as your range of motion is extremely limited.

• Front Clasp Bra: These bras are very comfortable and inexpensive. They were also easy to put on and take off. I had expanders, so I upgraded the bra size throughout the filling process as well.

• Protein powder: Protein is extremely important in aiding in recovery post-surgery. Try to find a powder that is organic and clean. My husband often made me shakes to get essential nutrients in my system since I was not very hungry the first ten days post-op.