Supporting sister having a mastectomy

Hi sorry to hear your sister is going through this, yes loose clothes button down, a nice warm blanket for when she is resting on the sofa. Basically when you get there you will know what to do. Keep the house warm and tidy. Make nutritious meals small portions. Just being there is good, let her rest sleep I found classical music or healing music on Spotify helps. Sending you hugs x

Hi,

Sorry to hear your sister needs a mastectomy. I found a good pillow helped support my arm and helped with discomfort (I had nodes removed too). Well fitting post surgical bras are a must, if she hasn't already got them. I found I couldn't fasten the front opening ones, but others recommend them. I was also desperate to get fresh air after a few days, so think about routes for a short walk with resting places, as the mind was willing, but the body wasn't quite on board. A nice wide wrap helped cover the uneven chest when out and when visitors came and a long loose cardi helped cover my drain. 

Also, do make some time for yourself. 

I found pjs and tops with buttons were a must. I couldnt lift me arm for a good while after mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. I coud not wash my hair reach up with both hands to cupboards or carry anything that needed two hands. 

A material bag to hold drainage bottle that your sister can tie round her neck. The hospital gave me one that someone had kindly made. 

Soft material sports bras that you can pull up over hips, Pull up trousers and big knickers that she can get up and down easily with one arm. 

And finally a snuggly blanket, good food and a bottle of fizz! 

Oh thank you for your advice. Will take a spare blanket & hot water bottle. Already thinking now about nutritional food & some lovely smoothies I can make. Will motivate me to eat healthier 2 xx

• Hi thanks for your kind words, lovely warm cardigan is a good idea as I know myself I feel colder when sat around & not moving much. She is going to look into fitted bra as she is in hospital on next day they do physical fittings, so hopefully she can get it done online x

• Hi a bottle of fizz is a fab idea & not just for my sister I will check she has some Bridgette Jones pants ready & some loose trousers. Oh bag for drainage bottle, had not thought about that. Thank you xx

Hi also some nice candles, magazines fluffy socks. She will need help in bath some nice bubbles or shower stuff. Her appetite might be off so just make bake stuff she wants. Look after you as well xx

Oh yes she loves candles & oils so will get some before I go. It’s amazing how aromatherapy can help you relax x

After her op if you need any advice please contact me . Macmillan have lots of support some hospitals have walk in centres, where they can give you advice. We are all here to support both of you take care xx

Hi

like everybody else I would say button through tops I also wore bralette bras . And I found my V pillow excellent for putting behind my back when sitting on the sofa and also I used it on top of my pillows in bed it helped me to stay sleeping on my back . I also had a heart shaped cushion to put under my arm.