What Do I Need Post-Surgery?

A small pillow to put under your arm/armpit.  This was suggested to me and it was very helpful.  Helps cushion and take the tension off of the incisional area.

I also got a couple of "front-loader" sports bras.  I was able to tuck the drain/tubing in this.  Also, front opening blouse to wear home from hospital.  A friend bought me two pair of "lounge pjs" with a pocket in the front, which was nice to hold the drain when I walked around.

Hope this helps.  I had an uneventful recovery.  I started the arm exercises as soon as possible.  I have absolutely no problems with the mastectomy side now.

 Dx:  7/15/09, DCIS 4.5 cm Stage 0, Grade 3.  Left mastectomy 7/27/09.  ER+/PR+.  

 

I had a lumpectomy so I defer to others about specific mastectomy needs though I did notice that my surgeon's office had a catalogue of all sorts of mastectomy supplies.  I would suggest calling the surgeon's office and asking the nurse.  They probably have a complete list of things you need to have and need to bring with you. 

However, as my lumpectomies weren't my first surgery --I had a hysterectomy 5 years ago---I feel qualified to address certain regular post surgery needs.

Comfy new jammies for when you get home.  Buy yourself some new special ones and don't plan to get out of them for a few days.  I find cotton to be best because it does breathe.

Complete sets of DVDs for your favorite TV series.  Nothing intellectual--this is NOT the time to try to watch Pride and Prejudice [though its a great series], this is the time to watch Grey's Anatomy or whathave you.  Libraries have lots of these so you can check them out now.

Light reading.  Serious reading on percocet is pointless though you can save money when you find you have read the same page 8 times and STILL can't remember what its about.

Stool softeners.  And maybe even a laxative.  Those stupid drugs can block you up like a bowlful of cement.  Start them NOW.  And ditch the coffee--that just makes it worse.  Pick some nice flavors of herbal tea. 

Fresh batteries in the remote. 

A basket with a handle for next to the bed or on the bed or next to the sofa where you can store all your goodies like the water bottle, the magazines, books, pain meds so they don't get lost in the covers.  It is so annoying to be unable to find something after you do the inadvertant percocet nap.

Treats.  Chocolate, ice cream, baked goods, name your poison.  Get lots.  Everyone knows that for the first 4 days after surgery, calories go right through you. . . .

Mostly don't push yourself too hard.  Let yourself rest.  Don't have high expectations. Yes, some women may leap out of bed the day after and go shopping.  But don't expect that to be you.  It may be but don't try to make it.  If you listen to your body, you will know if its right for you.  I have to say, that was the VERY hardest thing for me.  I have never been a sitaround sort of person.  When I am sick, I think I am home slacking if I don't do all the laundry.  In other words, I am a CRAPPY patient.  Women on the Hystersisters list warned me that recovery could take a lot longer than I expected but I was sure they meant someone else, not me because I am SUPER woman so I set myself for coming back to work 4 weeks post surgery.  HAH!  My surgery made me pay attention to what my body was telling me in ways I had never done before. I was completely wiped and ended up having to be part time.  Now that I am dealing with breast cancer, I am so glad I learned that lesson.  I am so much better at giving myself time and not feeling guilty about just sitting or walking out of the office early. 

Anyrate, stupid lecture over, point being listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

Good luck!

My brothers brought me movies (my personal netflix) and it took me 3 days to watch Chronicles of Narnia where I understood all that was going on. It was nice for background noise though.

I third the stool softener or anything to help things along. My 2nd surgery (exchange of implants) I forgot about using the stool softener until 3 days later and I was in extreme discomfort.

I also wore the cotton granny house dresses inside out to put the drain bulbs in the pockets.

Someone gave me a care bag with the little pillows for under your arms, a long ribbon to tie up the drainage tubes (you will get something from the hospital, but this way it won't get wet) and ear plugs for in the hospital.  Of course, hospitals are always super dry so hand cream, lip balm, and eye drops.  I will second the stool softener idea:  narcotics have a way of slowing up your system.  And finally a positive attitude:  no worries, you are on your way to being cured!  Good Luck!

This is the camisole my dr recommended:

http://www.amoena.com/us/Products/Postoperative/Medical/Camisole.htm

I ditto 3monstmomma's comment about calories and the first few days after surgery... in fact I think if your body has undergone a trauma, a higher caloric intake really is OK. That magic substance in chocolate probably also really helps healing (just sayin).

Sweatyspice and all

thats a good point.  Some people get that reaction from opiates like the morphine and I guess percocet though I thought percocet is oxycodene but then I guess thats an opiate, never mind!   I always thought it was standard to put the anti-nausea stuff in the drip with the pain meds.  You can also get nauseated from the anesthesia so its good to ask them to add something to that drip as well.  The last thing you need is to wake up and start throwing up!