what I need in the hospital - Mastectomy

Hi Lizzy1701 welcome to the community that nobody wants to join but here we are and grateful we found it . My story is on profile just cluck on my name and you can read .

Most people find Asda a good place to get a soft front fastening sport type masectomy bra  great for after surgery . Reasonable price for two pack . 

I have larger cup G so took a supporting masectomy  bra 

Other than that the usual toilietries but I added water based wipes so could freshen up ,Vaseline for dry lips ,and water bottle to sip on .

Something to read if delays ,button thru pjs just in case . Also fir coming home loose trousers/  skirt  and button thru top far easier than trying to raise arm above  head 

I had my op prior to covid so was actually in hospital 5 nights was given choice as it included weekend and they didn't need bed . 

I organised my wardrobe so button thru were at hand for first couple weeks . Prior to going in I froze meals and baking ready to defrost on days I didn't want to cook . Fridge and cupboards were filled with treats ..why not We deserve them lol  

One thing I will say is the op is not as bad as your imagination is telling you more discomfort than pain . A lot of hospitals give a nerve blocker with anaesthetic so works wonders . Still take pain killers when offered for first few days or longer to relieve discomfort . 

Do remember to do arm exercises don't push just do them gently they are needed for arm movement 

just remember you feel a lot better than you thought but you have had major surgery so listen to body rest when it says .

best wishes for op and treatment 

Thanks so much Margaret - just read your story wow thats a lot - I don't really know much yet been told grade 1 invasive but they will know more after pathology after the mastectomy - I have also been warned the grading could change once its checked. Feeling completely overwhelmed but trying to take one day at a time - Thanks again

Lizzy1701 you'll feel a lot better on every things start to happen the waiting are the worst times . Yes my pan seems like a lot but I'm still here finished three parts and on final stretch hopefully finished next year ! 

The important thing to remember is it's doable and they are now able to treat BC so much more .

Have a browse around the threads read people's profile . Also if you gave any questions just jump in and ask someone will answer . The Awake site is full info and support from people who have been there and done that . A pice to hold for a chat about anything and have a laugh . Also a place to rant ,rave or just have a cry .

please stay away from Dr Google he's usually wrong . 

  If you have the time write up a short bio on profile it helps when people answer you 

Hi Lizzy,

I took dressing gown and slippers. I would say please take them with u. You can wear it over your hospital clothes.I stayed in hospital for a day . Early Morning I had mastectomy and by 5 pm I left for home. Buy front open dresses or tops. For first few weeks you will not be able to lift your arm. Because of lymph nodes removal. Don't worry coz physiotherapy can be done at home to get your arm back in action. Keep clothes to come back home in. I didn't feel like wearing bra for few days. Then I bought post surgery bras from Asda. They do home delivery or there is an option of click n collect from their website Asda George. Keep lots of painkillers with you at home. I bought paracetamol and yes it worked. 

Hi @Lizzy1701

I had a bilateral mastectomy in January and the items the ladies have suggested is what I took in to hospital.  Front fastening post surgery bras (mine was from asda). Front fastening pj's and a dressing gown and Slippers. I walked down to theatre so the dressing gown and slippers are ideal for that. I was in hospital for 2 nights. Like the other ladies have said,  make up/ face wipes lipsyl. I also had a book, mobile phone with some a series off Netflix already downloaded onto it and my phone charger.

Take care xx

Thanks so much 

Thank for this