Mastectomy preparation advice

Hi Harvestmoon, I had a mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction in October, so thought I'd share some of the items I purchased. I bought a v shaped pillow, as I slept propped up, which worked really well. I bought armpit pillows, as I also had lymph nodes removed, so made things a bit more comfortable. I bought nightdresses which buttoned up the front as well as blouses, as they were easier to take on and off. I got post op bras from m&s, which I was very happy with. I also picked up a dressing gown from Asda for £16, which has  pockets inside for drains. I only had 1 drain, which was removed before I left the hospital. A mastectomy pillow has been really useful, for in the car. Also a good buy for me was a long handled body puff, for washing in the shower, saved too much bending. You may not wish to purchase all these items, but you might find some useful. Good luck with your surgery, hope all goes well. Xx

Thank you Daisy24 

I'm not having any reconstruction,  so does that change the advice re sleeping position or will I still be more comfortable propped up.

Hope you are having a good recovery x

My mastectomy also without reconstruction is a few days before you so I can’t speak yet from experience of using things but I’ve got a v shaped pillow from Ikea - £9 I think - and post surgery bras from m&s and primark. The v shaped pillow seems good for reading in bed so I think I will get use from it longer term, but I can’t imagine wearing the M&S bra if it wasn’t a medical necessity. Hoping you have a speedy and full recovery.

I would think it may be more comfortable propped up for a little while. You might get by with just a few pillow though. 

If you're not having reconstruction, m&s also do foam inserts which are really comfortable. I bought one as I still have to have a reduction of the healthy breast, so a bit lopsided at the moment. Xx

Sorry me again, did you go up a size with your post op bra, I saw that suggested somewhere,  to cope with swelling?

Hi, I did buy a variety sizes, as was told to do this. Ended up using the one that was my usual size due to my healthy breast not being reduced at the same time. Just returned the bras I didn't need.  The plastic surgery team weren't worried about me wearing a bra in hospital, as they had to do regular checks, to make sure blood vessels were taking. For now I wear a foam insert on new boob to match the other side, until I get my next surgery. I hope this helps. Xx

Hi I am 1 day post single mastectomy no reconstruction. And lymph node removal.  I brought two post surgery bras from Asda. They have a lovely range for cheaper price. They have been great so far offering good support for the pain around under my arm. I did go a size bigger to allow for the swelling. 

Thank you, I have ordered a pack to try, not  many in stock at the moment so hopefully they will fit.  

Hope you are recovering well and thank you for the information x

Ahh I hope you are happy with them when they arrive. They do a nice post surgery pj top too that opens at the front to access drains/dressings has been comfortable too.