Hi
my sister has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and has to undergo surgery could you tell me of any items that will make her hospital stay easier.
Hi Nanne,
Sorry to hear about your sister.
I took in a few books, managed to read 2 while in there, some people brought me in magazines but didn’t really read them.
I took my ipod in as I found it easier to sleep with it on than the comings and goings of the ward.
On the hygiene side of things. I took in all the usual toiletries for before surgery.
For after surgery I took loads of wipes as you aren’t supposed to get your wound wet for 10 days post op.
Other than that hunny just get her to take in all the things that make her comfie and that will make her stay as easy as possible.
Sorry I haven’t given you much to go on.
Love and hugs for both of you
Lisa
xoxo
Sorry to hear that your sister has been dx and is awaiting surgery.
I had WLE so was only in overnight.
I found the best thing I had in the hospital with me was a squishy cushion to rest my arm on.
Cotton knickers so she doesn’t need to wear the paper ones in surgery.
a non-underwired bra (this may differ if she is having mastectomy and others will advise)
Toiletries included wet wipes as it gets hot & stuffy and these were easy for freshening up
book or magazines
an ipod or MP3player
bottle of squash if your not keen on water
biscuits for in between meals - I wanted chocolate so got my visitors also to bring in chocolate buttons so I didn’t have to break a bar of chocolate up.
easy on PJs - button up tops or string straps on vest type tops
hair bands or clips if she has long hair as it’s easier to keep it tied back
small address book with telephone numbers - so many of us rely on just having the numbers in our mobiles these days and some hospitals don’t allow them
Hi there, sorry to hear about your sister.
Things to take.
i pod
wet wipes
toiletries( inc soap/flannel/towel)
small water bottles/juice ( only tap water in hospital )
books/magazine
hairband
moisturiser
lypsyl
small snacks
phone numbers ( each bed should be fitted with a phone )
button fron pjs
If she is having a mastectomy all small items will need to be close as she will be fitted with a catheter and drains and will not be able to leave the bed for a couple of days.
Best of luck
Ann
xxx
Unfortunately alot of hospital DO ALLOW mobiles! I was in the Princess Royal University Hospital for my surgery. And I came round from surgery back on the ward to two ladies in the beds opposite me having loud conversations on their mobiles! I was pretty peed of I can tell you as it was the last thing I needed just back from theatre!
I checked with a nurse once I was more with it what the policy was and she said everyone is allowed to use mobiles on the wards now, and also they had their chargers plugged in charging the damn things up so there was no chance of the mobiles batteries going flat and me getting some peace.
I don’t know about all hospitals, but this is a huge hospital in Farnborough in Kent. About five years old and I should imagine if there allowing it more will be as well and more will follow!
Like I said I was not amused I can tell you!!!
You will need slippers rather than flip flops as your sister will wear surgical stockings to stop dvts! In my hospital you are not allowed to wear any knickers for surgery! I had cotton ones on and was told to remove them and not offered any paper ones.
I found a bottle of lime juice cordial was very refreshing by my bed to add to my water.
I found rather than pjs a nice loose comfy nightie was good. I got one in peacocks with buttons that open down the front for drains etc for six quid and it was so comfortable as pjs can be a bit constricting.
A dressing gown is good too.
Also a note pad if she wants to ask questions and make notes.
Hand cream.
Moisturiser as skin can get dry.
A wireless bra. Again I don’t wear these as a rule so knew I would not be needing to wear it for long so wanted a cheap one. Got one for six quid in Marks and spencers!
Vaseline for lips.
Baby wipes.
Cereal bars for a quick easy snack!
I bought my own pillows and pillowcases with me and lots of cds - there’s a book called the breast cancer book by debbie fenlon and someone or other val sampson, just remembered. That advised to bring own pillows and a nice picture to block out bad views from your bed
I’d bring your own food too, especially if you eat halal food as that was really bad in the hospital I went to
Mole
Hi,
So sorry to hear about your sister and I hope all goes well for her. I spent 5 days in hospital for mastectomy and lymp gland removal (lenght of time was due to the drains taking ages to slow down)
I spent my time playing games on a nintendo DS and the time went quickly…
I did have my mobile phone in with me but it was on silent and I only used it to send and receive texts at a very lonely time - Jules above, so sorry you had such a nightmare, that would have cheesed me off too love, how rude!
Good luck to your sister and you and your family too
love Hayley x
Hi thanx everyone for info re neccesities it is all much the same as I took in with me. I was diagnosed with vulval cancer in April and had a triple incision vulvectomy in May so it was a big shock when my sister was diagnosed last week with breast cancer. I am much more positive in my outlook so just wanted to ease her suffering some.
luv and best wishes to all Nanny11 xxx
hi all, that has been very useful as I was told on Tuesday that I need a masectomy next wednesday - life’s a b****h but I will get through this.
Love sharon xxx
Sharon
so sorry to hear your news. You will get through it.
Big hugs
Bridie
Aww Sharon so sorry about the news hunny, rant on here and I am sure we will listen and help you through.
Love and hugs
Lisa
xoxo
Hi Sharon and nanny,
just wanted to add a couple of things to the awesome list thats been
created here;
-
Take your own mug if you like a brew as you often only get shi**y plastic cups otherwise.
-
Ear plugs and an eye mask are a must for a decent nights sleep, as wards are sooo noisy and bright at night.
-
A nice piccie in a frame to put on your locker. I took one of me and my boyfriend when I had my mastectomy last year and I looked at it whenever I felt lonely or sad.
-
Button through short sleeved pj’s.
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Lucozade and ferrero rocher!!! Couldn’t have got through without them!!
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This site has a great booklet called ‘exercises after breast surgery’ which I took in with me. It was brill and complemented the exercises the physio’s gave me nicely.
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Dry skin cream (or heel and elbow cream).
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Dove (or any other make!) body wipes for a quick freshen up between visitors.
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Make up and a mirror, so you can do it by your bed.
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Lots of reading material!! Or a credit card so you can top-up your patient line tv and phone.
Hope that helps,
All the best,
Kelly
-x-