Recovery Products
During my mastectomy recovery there were a handful of products that made the process a little bit easier. A couple of items I purchased before my surgery at the advice of other women and a few others came along the way. If you have an upcoming mastectomy I hope this helps you prepare and be more comfortable in your recovery.
Pregnancy Pillow
This is the item that I would say is a must if your going through any type of breast surgery. I was worried about being able to sleep after my surgery because I am a stomach sleeper and I typically cannot fall asleep on my back. I ordered this product weeks before my surgery so I would be able to use it immediately after the surgery. I’ve used it every day since the day I came home from the hospital, and even at 3 months post-op I still use it every night to help me sleep. This pillow has made it possible for me to sleep on my back and my side. There are many ways to use this pillow and when I wrap my arm under the pillow it supports my chest and takes the pressure off. The foam inside is super soft and wraps your body with comfort. I got the grey velvet cover and it’s so soft and luxurious and it’s even washable! There is a nice sized zipper which allows for easy removal of the insert. The one I purchased is the Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow 55″ from Amazon.
$49.99
Mastectomy Pillow
This item was a gift from a good friend a few days after getting home from the hospital. I’m so grateful for their kindness because I ended up using it for everything! I used it as a padded buffer between my chest and the seat belt in the car on my way to and from my post-op appointments. It took the pressure off my chest and was the only way I could wear a seat belt in the first few weeks. For the first couple of weeks I ate in bed or in the recliner and this served as a tabletop to prop up my plate. I also used it to prop my neck up when I had to sleep on my back. I’m so glad I received this item and would recommend having this for immediately after surgery.
$26.99
Robes with Pockets
Before my surgery I ordered two robes that had pockets on each side where I could put my drains in. These were all that I wore for the first two weeks until my drains were removed. I decided to go with one lightweight option and since my surgery was in January, one that was cozy and warm. I was very happy with both options and they worked well to hold my drains in place even while I slept, or got up and walked around. Not having to have the drains attached to my clothing with safety pins helped make dumping the drains much quicker and easier. The robes I purchased are The Bluetime Soft Kimono Short Robe in black, and The Alexander Del Rossa Plush Fleece Robe in teal.
$27-36
Alexander Del Rossa Fleece Robe
Button Front Nightgowns
After I had my drains removed around week 2 post-op I then was needing a lighter weight nightgown that buttoned up the front for easier on and off since I couldn’t lift my arms up. The nightgowns that I had of my Moms were fleece and long sleeves and as the weather warmed up I was getting hot and uncomfortable. I ordered two nightgowns that were lighter fabric, shorter and very comfortable. The fabrics were soft and breathable and the striped one had some cute lace accents at the bottom and on the pocket. I wore them through most of my recovery and still wear them today.
$26.99
Heating Pad, Back Scratcher, Hand Massager & Chap stick
These extra items came in so handy during recovery and I kept them in close range at all times. The heating pad was an old one that my Mother had and it came in very handy when my back ached after expander fills. On day 3 or 4 of recovery I started getting really itchy, especially all over my back where I couldn’t reach. I sent my husband Steve out to find me a back scratcher and he came home with a bamboo one that did the trick. This was a great item to have nearby for about the first week until the need for scratching wore off as I came off the medications. I also used a handheld massage tool to help release tension in my neck and shoulders once I was able to lift my arms high enough. This was also nice to use on my legs and upper thighs to wake them up after sitting for so long. My lips were very dry after surgery and I was constantly applying chap stick. A friend brought me a recovery basket and this Nivea Milk & Honey chap stick was in it and I loved it. It’s so buttery soft and was perfect for soothing my cracked lips.
$5.50-35
