Double mastectomy without reconstruction. What items have you used for post surgery recovery

Hi im having a mastectomy in 3 weeks ive been told a mastectomy pillow is a must and also need lots of pillows to sleep upright. 

Hi tcatz,

I had a bilateral mastectomy one week ago. I had bought a large M shaped mastectomy pillow but found I didn't need to use it. I propped myself up in bed using four pillows and this was enough to keep me comfortable. I did buy a seatbelt cushion which has proved invaluable in keeping me feeling protected in the car.

I had drains on both sides which proved to be the most awkward part of it all, it's hard to make sure they are both resting on the floor and to not get caught in them. The drains were removed on day 6 although they could have been removed a few days earlier had it not been the weekend.

I bought a few different front fastening bras which was a good move as one of them is slightly higher on the side and rubs slightly on my wound. 

I know the whole process is very different for everyone but I want to reassure you that for me it has been so, so much easier than I could have dreamed. Yes, it is a bit uncomfortable and I feel a little as though I have been kicked by a horse (with the bruises to match) but it really isn't bad. 

My last piece of advise would be rest, rest, rest. Where I have felt so well I have overdone it on occasions and then suffer a bit afterwards.

Good luck to you next week - I hope your experience is as positive as mine x

Thank you for responding, you have made me feel so much better and more positive about next week , after having a wobble this morning. Fingers crossed I have a similar experience to you. Thanks for the the advice I was about to buy one of those m shaped pillows think I will give it a miss, I can always get one if needed. I will have to practice resting, like you I have a tendency to overdo things!  
Thanks again for the advice and I hope you’re recovery continues to be a positive one.

Best wishes and Happy New Year xxx 

I'm also having a bilateral mastectomy next week. I found this groups advice so helpful as also been having many wobbles and worrying about everything!

All the best for your surgery xx

Hello Nanny

I hope you are well and recovered safely from your surgery last year.

 I will probably have a bilateral mastectomy March/April time. Doing the chemo at the moment. 

You sound very sensible and practical. What did you wear over the surgical dressings under your clothes after the operation? I realise I need button up outer items pyjamas etc. I've had two lumpectomies and managed fine with ordinary if rather matronly bras. I do feel people are talked into many unnecessary items. If rather spend my money on my granddaughters.

I hope this gets though and doesn't bring back and memories.

Best regards

Hello Silverberg, 

I am sorry you are going to have to go through a double mastectomy after everything else. 

I am doing very well at the moment thank you and am just having maintenance therapy at the moment.

After the operation I initially just wore a front fastening bra over the dressings and then button up blouses. It was a little difficult to raise my arms at first so button up items are perfect.

I too didn't want to spend too much on things I would never use (also would rather spoil my granddaughter)

There really isn't much else you need, as I said the seatbelt cushion for me was a must. 

I don't know if you are planning on having reconstruction - I didn't and have stayed flat and that, for me, was the best decision I could have made. The recovery was so quick and I was back at work just over two weeks later.

I have some great prosthetics which were provided by the hospital but also have some from a company called Knitted Knockers UK which are handmade by some amazing people and have hardly any weight to them which really helps while you are recovering.

I do wish you all the best and hope that the whole process is as smooth for you as it was for me. Of all the things I have had since my diagnosis the double mastectomy was by far the easiest.

Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

Sending hugs 

Wow. My consultant keeps using phrases like " tough as old boots" and " strong as an ox" but I think she would be speechless if I wanted to go back to work just two weeks after surgery. 

You have no idea how much better you have made me feel. I will have a look at the front fastening bras and get a couple and a set of softies. 

I have already made myself a cushion for under the seat belt. I recycled the cot bedding from the granddaughters. The fabric is very soft after four.

All the best. Thank you again.