My Favorite Post Mastectomy Recovery Items
This post is not the typical baking lists, tips, and recipes that I share. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2024 I searched for items to make recovery easier. Although my care team was super helpful with answering all of the questions I had, none of them were able to suggest items first hand as they had [thankfully] not gone through the process themselves. Below is a list of items that I found made my recovery more comfortable. Some of these items really helped me feel clean during a time when you cannot shower. Please feel free to add anything you loved in the comments that others might benefit from.
Tank Top w. Pockets for Drains
This tank top was the best purchase ever. My PACU nurse was even impressed with it as she had never seen one before. If you are going to have drains after surgery this makes things so much easier. Typically they would safety pin them to your surgical bra or shirt but these pockets keep them safely tucked away. Since you can’t lift your arms above your head the buttons on the side & top allow for you to easily put this shirt on without a struggle. Bonus, its offered in multiple colors.
2. Car Pillow Set
You will be tender for weeks after surgery so having a soft pillow to help with your trips to appointments is really helpful. The smaller pillow connects to your seatbelt. The larger pillow I used often at home and when going out. My arms touching my sides the first few weeks was super uncomfortable and the larger pillow helped add some protection.
3. Hoodie with Drain Pockets
These hoodies are great for running to appointments, getting out, or even lounging around. The pockets on the inside are perfect to hold the drains. At times I didn’t want to layer a regular zip hoodie over the tank tops so these hoodies were the perfect option to use. I still wear them and nobody knows they have inside hidden pockets.
4. Pajamas with Drain Pockets
The theme of inside pockets for drains continues! These pajamas are perfect since the top is a button up and has pockets. The pants are light weight and trust me that helps when your arms are sore. These pajamas are so comfortable I still use them.
5. Pillow Set to Sleep Inclined
After surgery I had to sleep inclined for a few weeks. I didn't have a recliner so these pillows were helpful. The back can be adjusted to you are sitting more upright during the day and recline a bit when its time to sleep. I loved having the wedge pillow for under the knees since it kept me comfortable. If you are thinking about getting a recliner consider buying a power one.
6. Front Close Bras
The hospital provided surgical bra was required for the first few weeks but I switched as soon as I was allowed. You’ll have to avoid underwire and need good support. These bras were perfect since they were a bit longer and did not sit on my incision/scar lines.
7. Medicine Organizer
After surgery can be a bit blurry and its important to keep on top of the medication provided. This organizer is so helpful in keeping you organized for the week. I’ll make a suggestion if you rely on your phone alarms for medications change to military time so you don’t mistakenly set an AM alarm for a PM medication.
8. Notebook
One of the best tips I got in the beginning of my journey was to have a notebook to keep all notes as a lot of information is provided. I brought this book to each appointment. You can add the information for each doctor in the front that way everything is in one place. I would write questions in the book between appointments so I didn’t forget to ask them.
9. Comfy Blanket
You want to be comfortable as you relax to recover from your surgery. A comfortable blanket is always helpful to get you relaxed or keep you warm as you nap.
10. Fun Socks
11. Slippers
Having slippers with good soles that I could easily slip into was important for me. It made it so much easier if I had to get up in the middle of the night and took away the worry of slippery socks.
12. Aquaphor
Aquaphor has been a staple since my incisions were healed. I have one at home and keep one in my bag! This was a suggestion from my surgeon so be sure to consult with yours before using!
13. Wipes
Unfortunately a shower is not allowed the first days or weeks after surgery. These bath sponges helped me feel as clean as possible. All you have to do is wet these a little, clean your body and wipe dry with a towel. These were especially helpful with cleaning my underarms as deodorant was not allowed in the beginning.
14. Shampoo Cap
I had my hair braided into 2 dutch braids before going in for surgery. This helped with the week after having one less thing to think about or deal with. Once they needed to come out I used the shampoo cap a couple days to help make my hair feel a bit clean. Once I was comfortable enough I went to the salon & had it washed and braided again. It’s especially helpful because you make have restrictions for raising your arms.
15. Front Close Shirt
I was not able to lift my arms above my head for a few weeks so front close shirts were helpful. Shirts like this one allowed me to feel comfortable while going out. It was nice to have a few options if I wanted to go out and not wear my button tank tops or zip hoodies.
16. Sleep Again Pillow System
Ive always been a stomach/side sleeper so it made sleeping on my back after surgery tough. Once I was able to lay flat I found myself turning onto my side in my sleep and waking up in pain. After a few months of eyeing this I am so happy I made the purchase. It helps keep me laying on my back and comfortable through the night.
These items are suggestions for what worked best for me post mastectomy. I understand not everyone will find all these items helpful. If you have items you have used that may help others going through a similar journey please feel free to share in the comments.
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