Mother is having a bilateral mastectomy in three weeks....

JDFS29
JDFS29 Member Posts: 8
edited August 2015 in Caring for Someone with Breast cancer

Hello,

Could anyone please tell me what items/products you'd recommend buying that she/I can use to help with the care and recovery post-surgery? I'm overwhelmed by the products available, and I want to get what helps the most. I've read about various pillows, drainage pockets/pouches for showering and every day clothing, hair and body cleansers, etc. It's hard to decipher what is needed and would be the most useful/helpful.

Thank you very much in advance for any suggestions!
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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2015

    Hi JDFS29,

    We recommend that you look at this list here on the Surgery Forum: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topic/...

    There is a similar list in both the chemotherapy and the radiation forums for those treatments. We really hope this is helpful!

    We are wishing your mom and you much luck. Keep us posted!

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  • JDFS29
    JDFS29 Member Posts: 8
    edited August 2015

    Hello. Thanks so much for the great info. She is 68, and she was scheduled to have the BMX on 8/25. Friday, we learned that she has to have all of her lymph nodes removed on her right, and of course, they'll check the ones on the left during surgery. Without getting into a VERY long story, she has other medical conditions and has refused up-front chemo thus far. She was proceeding with the surgery and was then going to consider the post-surgery recommendations. Now she is more scared after hearing about the lymph node removal and and can't decide if she should have chemo first. She cannot make a decision. I don't now how anyone does choose between what appears to be all bad choices, as far as the unknown, long-term side effects/potential outcomes/prognoses. I hope she can come to a decision soon. She was diagnosed almost a year ago and couldn't have surgery without cardiac clearance, which she just received.

    I pray you are healthy and doing well! It was very kind of you to respond to me, and I greatly appreciate your suggestions.

    Take care and God bless.

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited August 2015

    i used a bed wedge from Bed Bath & Beyond, as laying flat was not comfortable at first. Some like sleeping in recliners, but I don't have one.    A pillow in the car for the ride home, to put between her chest and the seat belt.  Button front shirts.  You can get a nail pouch at Home Depot for like $2 to hold the drains. It ties around your waist. Lanyard around your neck is another option. I did buy a camisole that velcroed up the front to hold mine and I liked it,, but it was $50!

    And since she doesn't know when she will be able to shower again, I recommend Walgreens pre-moistened Wash gloves. They are big enough that your whole hand goes in it, no rinsing is needed. Very nice to use, you feel very refreshed afterwards,, not as good as a shower,, but darn good for a "dry" bath.

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  • JDFS29
    JDFS29 Member Posts: 8
    edited August 2015

    Thanks, Glennie! It's so nice to get all of this helpful info.

    I hope you're healthy and doing well. Cancer sucks, and you ladies are so strong. I genuinely admire all of you.

    Just bought the gloves online from Wag's. I also got one of the shampoo gloves, to try, too. Thanks again!

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  • JDFS29
    JDFS29 Member Posts: 8
    edited August 2015

    Thanks so much!

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited August 2015


    You're a good daughter!  Hang in there. Glad you saw the surgery thread!

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  • JDFS29
    JDFS29 Member Posts: 8
    edited August 2015

    Me, too!!! Thanks!

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  • quiltlibrarian
    quiltlibrarian Member Posts: 174
    edited August 2015

    jdf one of the things that I am using for my drains Is a large tensor bandage wrapped loosely around my waist and the drains are pinned to it. I don't have to repin them all the time and is comfortable for me. I also bought very large shirts a 3x and a xl muscle shirt with very large arm holes. She will find that she will be very uncomfortable to have anything touching her underarms.

    I hope this will help with your list.

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  • JDFS29
    JDFS29 Member Posts: 8
    edited August 2015

    Thanks so very much! I'm getting so much helpful information.

    God bless!!

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  • quiltlibrarian
    quiltlibrarian Member Posts: 174
    edited August 2015

    JDF how is your mom doing?

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