Absolute basic needs after surgery:lumpectomy or mastectomy

For lumpectomy, recovery should be easy. Just follow your care instructions. You may be advised to wear firmly supportive bras for a time, at all times except when you are cleaning that area. The Hospital can provide you with alcohol wipes and wound dressing goods if you would need them.

For bilateral mastectomy, you would need some loose, front-opening tops with front pockets (even typical cardigans with front pockets should work well), and you would need some pull-on (elasticized waistband) pants. You would need a pen and a sheet of paper. You would need fairly small, lightweight drinking vessels. You can pick up some drinking straws at most any fast food place. You might need a short stool for the first days. You would need to have your medicines in easy-open containers placed at counter level. You would need some lightweight covers. You should have a walker (typical lightweight walker with wheels at its front/leading feet). The Hospital can provide you with a walker, alcohol wipes, and wound dressing goods if you would need them.

Have you a refrigerator-freezer?

Honestly, I have read the list of things that has been compiled and, while maybe nice to have, many are not necessary. I bought nothing, but my husband did get a $10 lamp dimmer switch so I didn’t have to reach over to turn the light off. I had bi-lateral mastectomies with immediate placement of tissue expanders and a chemo port placed. I knew I would need chemo since I was Her2+, but it is unusual to have a port placed because the need for chemo is usually determined after surgery. I stayed in the hospital for two nights, but only stayed the second night because my paravertebral anesthetic block was removed late the next day so I stayed the second night because we were not sure what kind of pain level I might experience. I ended up with no issues and could have gone home, but it was better to have stayed since there was an unknown. The only thing I needed help with was showering and that was because I was a little unsteady. I did not require a lot of help - I cooked ahead of surgery and froze portions, I could get my own food and heat it in the microwave, I had stocked my house with easy to prepare and eat snacks and food - yogurt, cheese and crackers, fruit, etc. I wore track pants and zip up lightweight hoodies and pajamas with button fronts and pinned drains to the inner seams. I tracked my own meds and emptied my own drains and was by myself most of the time, my husband was at work. I napped, watched TV, read magazines. Everyone has a different pain tolerance, I needed pain meds less than a week, then switched to Tylenol. The hardest thing is that you don’t know how you will do until you’re in the middle of it. I think that people are often surprised at how well they do, and I know several single women who have managed with advance planning and minimal help. It is important to eat this elephant one bite at a time, try not to get too far ahead of yourself - I know that is easier said than done

I had a double mastectomy and didn't need anything special. I cleaned house, put fresh linens on the bed and got food easy to make prior to surgery. I was in the hospital only one night. I went to the hospital in a loose button down shirt and comfy pants and wore them when discharged. I was able to shower 2 days after being home. I used big safety pins and string tied around my waste to hold my 3 drains while I showered. I had put a clean sheet on my couch and was very happy I did that before surgery. I found it uncomfortable to sleep in bed with the drains. I was more comfortable on the couch propped up with pillows.