Part 1
This was the compliment of 2024 for me! My nurse (Julie, who was in fact an earth Angel and fantastic at her job!) said on my second day in the hospital post-mastectomy, that I was the most prepared patient she had ever come across. I think it’s because every time she suggested I needed something, my response was “Oh! I have one in my bag!”.
My preparedness for surgery didn’t shock anyone that knows me, as being prepared and planning are basically my personality! But, if you hate planning, or don’t know where to begin, I hope this Mastectomy Surgery Preparation List can help you. I really hope this is also useful for those who don’t have the luxury of time and may have a much shorter window in which to prepare for your mastectomy or other surgery.
I will do a few more blogs split into how I prepared from a Mind, Body and Spirit perspective, but this one is the list of things I bought to help at the hospital or immediately after:
Surgery Preparation List – stuff to buy/dig out
- Hire/Buy recliner chair
- Post Surgery Bras (multiple sizes)
- Drains belt
- Mesh drains bag for Showering
- Mastectomy Pillow
- V shaped/Full body pillow
- Neck/Travel Pillow
- Seatbelt Protector
- Button up Pyjamas
- Button Up Shirt
- Zip up hoodie/cardigan
- Soft Headband
- Prune Juice & Cherry Juice
- Period Knickers
Download your ready-made checklist
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These are linked to the ones I bought and I honestly endorse each one of them! The V pillow and neck pillow are actual game changers when all you want to be is as comfortable as possible! I used all of the pillows all of the time during the first few weeks of recovery!
Let me know if there is anything else you found useful post-mastectomy and we can add it to our list to make sure everyone is the Most Prepared Patient Ever!!
Look out for Part 2 which will go into what to pack in your hospital bag!
Danni xx
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My Mastectomy 