Good evening. I’m new to this group as we only found out yesterday that mum has breast cancer in one breast and will have it removed after Xmas. I’m just wondering if there was anything you ladies wish you had taken into hospital with you so that I can provide the best things for my mum. thanks in advance
Sorry to hear about your Mum. I would say that front opening pyjama top/nightie is essential, preferably cotton as wards can be very warm, plenty to read - paperbacks/Kindle/magazines to (hopefully)take her mind off things, a non-perfumed moisturiser - I was advised E45 lotion by the nurses, little treats such as a lidded container with ready-prepared pieces of fruit and perhaps small bottles of favourite soft drinks and maybe a sleep-mask as wards aren’t really dark. She will also need to wear her post-op bra which should be provided pre-op by the breastcare nurse. Wishing her well.
Hi Alvorite
I had a mastectomy 15 days ago and found the ‘What to take into hospital’ thread (currently at the top of this board) really helpful for ideas. You will soon realise that hospitals vary enormously in their practices (I had no drain after surgery, lots of hospitals seem to) and in what they provide (poppyj had a post surgery bra provided, I did not). I read through the ‘What to take into hospital’ thread and made notes based on what I felt would be helpful for me and then spoke to your my Breast Care Nurse (BCN) to check what the hospital did or did not provide. I had everything I needed in hospital (and more!).
In particular, I was glad I had shopped for post surgery bras before the mx for lots of reasons: arm movement is affected on the mx side which makes dressing and undressing a tiring chore in the early days; emotionally, you need time to accept your new shape before clothes shopping in general; I wasn’t in a rush to brave the December crowds; and I wanted a bra that fitted the pre-surgery me well as it has to work quite hard for the remaining boob M&S do a range that look Ok, are reasonably priced and are available in most stores.
Wishing you and your mum all the best. x