Mastectomy Tips

Get Arnica Pillules for swelling and bruising (speak to Dr or Breast care nurse at Pre-Op appointment).

Buy some light pull on sports bras to use with the softie boob that hospital give you (as they're easier to pull on than fasten). You won't get your prosthesis for several weeks.

Buy a V shaped pillow gives great support in bed and when sitting.

Get pads for the seat belt to protect wound from sudden jerks in the car.

Buy mastectomy pillows, for under arms, ward may provide them, or order them.

Before mastectomy practise getting up from a chair, bed or sofa without pushing or pulling with your arms. It takes practice and some skill, practice makes leg muscles stronger. After mastectomy you may find you won’t be able to use your hands to push yourself up for a while as it can be uncomfortable.

Buy some vest tops that are easy to step in/out of, it can be difficult to get clothing over your head.

Front fastening pyjamas and nightshirts (nothing you need to pull over your head).

Small bag to carry things like phone tissues etc.

Take some earplugs into hospital with you.

Drain bags to carry drains (these are sometimes provided by the hospital).

Take something to keep you occupied i.e. audio books to listen to as it can be awkward holding books.

Do physio exercises and don't stop doing them, you'll really feel the movement in your arm improve. The exercises are also important for getting into the machine for radiotherapy (as your arm must go over your head).

Don't worry about dealing with drain(s), it's not as horrible as it sounds, just a case of unclipping a plastic bit/squeezing wee bottle and noting how much you've emptied.

Have plenty of clothing that buttons up the front (easier than trying to pull tops over your head).

Take painkillers regularly, even if you feel you don't need them, as this will help keep you comfortable and help you to do your physio exercises.

Don't wear skinny jeans or you will need help to pull them up after surgery due to pain and weakness in your arm because of lymph node removal.

Make sure you have antiseptic cream in your handbag/house in the event of any cuts to your mastectomy side, due to lymphoedema risk.

Use V pillow in the car for support for when going over pot holes.

Wear slippers or shoes that you can slip your feet in and out of so you don't have to bend.

Get bra extenders to make bra a little bigger as there may be some swelling.

Order knitted knockers an alternative to the softie that the hospital provide.

Keep a selfie photo diary of mastectomy area, for comparing changes i.e., seroma progression/infection/is hematoma actually improving?

Leggings are comfortable to wear, rather than anything with buttons/zips.

Moisturise as soon as stitches/staples are removed.

Buy some cheap flannels for drying the scar line so that you can use a fresh one and reduce infection risk from your body towel.

If you struggle with exercises after a week or two, book a physio appointment. It will work wonders getting movement into your arm/shoulder.

Managing drains bottles, put a small table next to the toilet to put the drain bottles onto and keep them out of way while in the loo.