Prep Work

Now that I've done the hardest parts of my journey, I thought it would be helpful to make a list of the things I found useful for recovery.  I love my lists, as anyone who knows me knows very well!  So here goes...

- Button up shirts.  You will not be able to get into a normal shirt for at least a few days.  You can't reach above your head until the drains are out.  So button up shirts are really important if you want to wear clothes!  I bought a bunch at Goodwill.  Make sure they're baggy, because you'll be smuggling drains around underneath it!

- A recliner.  I rented one from Rent-a-Center for three weeks, and I stopped sleeping in it about 2 weeks out from surgery.  But it was really useful for me to sleep in.  I recommend an electric one that you can gradually get up from.  Moving is hard for the first week or so.

- Comfort food.  Either make it ahead or make sure someone can cook for you.  You'll feel like crap and comfort food like lasagna made me feel better :)

- Straws.  As a mom of little kids, I have plenty on hand.  They were very useful because for a while there I couldn't tip my cup back so straws were super helpful.

- Lots of pillows.  I think this speaks for itself.

- Sports bras that clasp or zip in the front.  Sometimes you're going to have to wash that lovely binder they give you in the hospital, and they only give you one.  I bought some Hanes front clasp sports bras at Walmart for like $6 each and I love them.  They were great for when my binder was washing, and now that I'm not wearing my binder anymore I wear those every day since I still need the compression.

- A lanyard.  You'll want to shower, and you have to hang your drains on something.

- Q-tips, gauze pads, alcohol pads, and peroxide.  You'll need all of this for drain care.  The hospital provided some of this but we needed more.

- A sprayer.  Whether in your sink or your shower, you'll want a sprayer so someone can wash your hair.

- Loose pants that you can pull on easily.  You'll be shocked at how weak your arms are.  Buttoning jeans is still a small feat for me almost 3 weeks out.  You want pajama pants that are comfy and easy to slide up and down, unless you want company every time you have to use the potty :)

- Stuff to do.  I had computer games, Netflix, and crocheting to keep me occupied.  I got sucked in to watching Lost.  I was so bored.  I'm very active normally so it was really hard for me to be so bored.

I hope this helps someone.  These are my essentials for a mastectomy.  I've read that some people liked having robes or slippers or other stuff like that.  I had those things and never used them.  Soon I'm going to make a list of all the new "equipment" you'll be attached to when you come home, so stay tuned!