Have choosen Mastectomy and lymph node clearence.
The day will be hear before i know it have been feeling positive about all but know as the date approaches it be more of a worry.
I have ordered 2 post mastectimy bras to pop in my hospital bag not sure what else will need, if anyone can advise me? Have been told will be staying in 1 night if all well.
Hi mel
Sorry you’re in this situation. Don’t worry about not “feeling positive”. There are ups and downs all the way now, I’m afraid, but it is all manageable.
You will need front-opening pjs and front opening clothes. I borrowed a couple of my husband’s less-liked shirts because they were loose and comfortable. Since you’re having axillary clearance, you may well have a drain (ask before surgery, otherwise it’s a bit of a shock lol). Some hospitals provide a carry bag; mine didn’t, so I’d suggest a largish but not bulky scarf so you can improvise. It took me a while to work that out!
You will have compression stockings in all likelihood so you might want to wear trackie bottoms and slip on shoes as you need to keep movement to a minimum. As you’re having a mastectomy and won’t yet have a prosthesis, the post mastectomy bras may feel a bit odd as they assume there’s a prosthesis. The hospital should provide you with a temporary ‘softie’ to fill the gap but I preferred to go braless and then wore tight fitting sports bras till I’d healed.
Since it’s covid-days, the hospital will provide you with masks. I’d suggest
hand and face/body wipes to freshen up
face moisturiser
hand cream
hair brush
toothbrush and toothpaste
any medication you need to take daily (clear this with your nurse as some may not go well with a GA
something to lubricate your mouth as a GA can leave you very dry - sugar free sweets, mints, whatever you like
A couple of pieces of fruit in case you get hungry or the food is inedible as it sometimes can be. I had to have extra calories and ordered a Kitkat - it was months out of date!
something to read or to do, like sudoku/word searches - the more mindless the better as you may feel a bit of brain fog after the GA (but still get bored) and of course a pen/pencil to use
PHONE CHARGER.
I’m sure others will make suggestions but you’re only in overnight (I went home same day, at my request) so you don’t need much.
At home, you need loose tops, possibly pain relief (I didn’t use any), someone to look after you (if possible), your exercise sheet (essential - you’ll be given it before you are discharged), and possibly a mastectomy pillow which will stop you rolling onto the affected side in your sleep. I believe there is a charity you can get one from at no cost but otherwise they are easily found online to buy. It’s not essential (I just used an extra pillow) but certainly the charity ones are very much appreciated, partly because they come with love and understanding.
There is another charity called knitted knockers uk which provides custom-made softies (including ones for swimming) while you await your prosthesis. I know they stopped during the pandemic but it may be worth checking their website. If you’re a knitter, there’s a pattern for every size possible but it’s heartwarming to e I’ve a rainbow boob through the post with love hearts and a personal message. You can choose to go braless if it’s more comfortable. There’s no law saying we have to have two boobs. I go monoboobed now for sheer comfort and if anyone stares, that’s their problem. I just didn’t get on with mastectomy bras. We’re all different.
You will definitely find the breast cancer community welcoming and supportive.
I wish you all the best and hope surgery leads to a good prognosis.
Jan x