10 Helpful Items for Your Mastectomy Recovery

These are items that I found to be helpful.  I am not a medical professional, I am a Breast Cancer Survivor.  I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction in 2020.  

Something that I didn’t know, that maybe you aren’t aware of either – the “reconstruction” isn’t actually the implants at first.  I mean it can be for some.  It wasn’t for me.  The breast surgeon did the surgery and then the plastic surgeon placed in tissue expanders.  There’s a second surgery about a year after radiation has been completed where they swap out the expanders and replace them with implants.  Rest assured that surgery is significantly easier.

The Doctors both gave me instruction lists and tips.  Read those, follow them.  

These are items that I used.  And some are items that I wish I had had sooner in the experience.

1. A Mastectomy Pillow  – https://amzn.to/3CwPQTi

At first I thought this was some kind of hoax.  It’s not.  It was weirdly comforting, I hugged that pillow like my life depended on it for days on end.  I even got so emotionally attached to it that I cried when I donated it.

2. A Seatbelt Cushion – https://amzn.to/3ClL2QV

Not going to lie, the seatbelt was not my friend after surgery.  It goes right across your chest.  This at least makes the experience somewhat better.

3.  Drain Pouch –  https://amzn.to/4eigqgo

Okay, this is gross.  You have drains after surgery.  The doctor said that the length of time for the drains varies depending on many factors.  I hated them.  They were massively inconvenient, and this is one of the items I wish I had gotten before surgery.  Alas, live and learn.  Anyways, drain pouches give the drains somewhere to live so they’re not rolling around under your pajamas.

4. A shower pouch for the drains – https://amzn.to/3AqUFgC

(see above lol).  

5. Wedge Pillow for your bed – https://amzn.to/3YCP3rD

I did not use this.  I lived in the recliner in our living room until I was healed enough to lay down.  But it was on the list, and my husband ended up really liking it for propping his feet up.

6. Soft Bras – https://amzn.to/4fF4qqd

You will come home with one.  It gets gross.  You will want a soft cotton replacement or two.

7. Face Wipes – https://amzn.to/3YZeEfC

At first you’re not cleared to shower.  Need I say more?

8. Comfy Pajamas – https://amzn.to/4hSm1Nw

You need pajamas that open in the front.  You will not be able to reach up to put them over your head.  Pajamas that open to the front are essential.

9. Fuzzy Socks – https://amzn.to/4eppbFw

These too!

10. Sleeping Mask – https://amzn.to/4hECYe5

Daylight kept me from napping.  Blocking out the light really helped.

I hope that this list helps you on this journey.  Every little thing that can make it easier is important.  That and keeping your chin up.  You can do this!

Disclaimer: The links above are my Amazon affiliate links.  If you choose to purchase using these links, Amazon pays me for recommending their products.   So thank you for using my links (in advance, in case you decide to do so!)