Mastectomy – A guide on How to Prepare and What to Expect

Preparing for a Mastectomy

Questions to ask your surgical team before surgery:

• What kind of drains will I have post-surgery?
• When will I be able to shower post-surgery and will I need anything to protect the bandages?
• How long do I need to wear a post-surgical bra?

Questions to ask yourself: The answers to these questions will determine if you need to purchase/borrow any items before your surgery to help you recover.

• Where will you spend your days while you recover? 
  • Plan a space where you will spend time during the day as you will be spending most of your day resting.
  • Have easy access to drinks, snacks, medications and entertainment. 
• Where do you plan to sleep at night?
• Who will be helping you?  Rest is very important for the first few weeks following a mastectomy.  You will need help at home and organizing in advance of your surgery is helpful.

Stuff You (May) Need:

• Mastectomy post-surgical bra: you may be provided a mastectomy bra post surgery, but you may need to purchase more than one.  There are many options available – look for front closure. Here are some options:
  • Fruit of The Loom Women’s Front Closure Cotton Bra, Blushing Rose/Charcoal/White 3-Pack, 34 at Amazon Women’s Clothing store
  • Amazon.com: Anita Lynn Mastectomy Bra Lotus SM : Anita: Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry
  • Prairie Wear: Prairie Wear
  • AnaOna: Post-Surgery Bras for Your Unique Body Type at AnaOno
• A mastectomy chest pillow: This pillow provides protection and support to your chest area and underarms.  Some have pockets for ice or heating pads, but do not use ice or heat post-surgery due to loss of sensation. Others have shoulder straps to keep the pillow in place while sitting up.  Here are some options:
  • Without shoulder straps: Chest Pillow – Sleep Again Pillows
  • With shoulder straps: Amazon.com: Intimate Rose Mastectomy Pillow – Post Surgery Pillow, Mastectomy Recovery Must Haves, Breast for After Heart Surgery, Reduction & Augmentation Patients Sleeping Protection – Surgery Gift : Health & Household
• Seatbelt cover.  Sometimes these come with the mastectomy pillow
• Loose fitting button-up shirts and PJs – you cannot lift your arms over your head for a time after surgery so button up is important. Loose fitting too.
• Pants that are easy to pull on – not leggings
• Pillows for sleeping and resting: After a mastectomy, you will need to sleep on your back. If you are not a back sleeper, this is a challenging adjustment.  Here are some options to help with sleep and during the day:
  • Recliner:  Medical rental companies rent recliners to use post-surgery.  They can be used for sleeping at night or resting during the day. I did not use a recliner, but others found it helpful.
  • Sleep pillow set: There are pillows designed specifically for post-mastectomy sleeping to help you stay on your back.   Sleep Again Pillow System for Comfortable Back Sleeping – Sleep Again Pillows – this was a lifesaver for me.
  • A wedge pillow set that provides knee and back support in a variety of positions.  These do not provide side support, but could be useful for sleeping.  It is also very useful for a couch if that is where you will spend your days. Amazon.com: Lunix 4pcs Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow Set, Post Surgery Memory Foam for Back, Knee, Leg Pain Relief, Sitting Pillow for Sleeping, Acid Reflux, GERD, with Hot Cold Pack, FSA HSA Eligible, 100% Navy : Health & Household 
• Items to hold drains if you have JP drains:  Shirts with drain pockets or a belt can be helpful. A bra with pockets for drains also works. You may want something waterproof to hold the drains while showering.
• Helpful hygiene items – for hospital and at home:
  • Deodorant wipes
  • Dry shampoo
  • Throat lozenges
• Grip socks
• Hand-held shower head / shower chair