Hi All,
I am due to have a mastectomy without reconstruction in August,I Have been told that I will have a drain in situ for a few weeks.
Whilst I feel mentally prepared for the surgery itself,I was wondering if there is anything that I need,Or that others that have had similar surgery would recommend or that have found beneficial for post op recovery?
A friend that had a double preventative mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction mentioned a bag for drains,Are these something worth getting?
Thanks 
Hi @ rainbowbrite10, I also had single mastectomy flat closure. I didnt have a drain but swore by my comfy beanbag that I was sent by knitted knockers. I held it over my chest to stop the car seatbelt pressing on the wound when I came home in the patient transport. It was also comforting to cuddle when I was sitting down at home, and also when I was lying in bed. The first night in bed I needed lots of pillows to prop me up. I had a double bed and quickly learned that I needed to lie on the side opposite to my wound as it was easier to roll out of bed on that side. After 2 days I went to a local care home to convalesce so had a bed that adjusted in height and also lifted up and down at the head and foot. Also access to a walk in shower with hand held rose so I could direct the water away from the dressing. …and someone else was cooking meals and washing up! Lots of friends visiting for coffee and chat also helped. Hope all goes well X
Hello
You are already doing something really powerful by preparing mentally & asking questions that makes such a difference for recovery. I had a mastectomy without reconstruction last year, and yes, I’d absolutely recommend getting a drain bag or pouch. It helps to keep the drains secure and out of the way, especially when moving around or sleeping. 
Some people use a cross-body drain bag; while others find hoodies or camisoles with internal pockets really helpful too. 
Check this Going through breast cancer treatment - Breast Cancer Now forum Salesforce Admin Online Training guide which will help you.
Here are a few other items that made a big difference for me:
And don’t hesitate to ask your breast care nurse about what’s provided — some hospitals give out drain bags, support pillows, or camisoles. Sending you strength for your surgery in August — you’re not alone
Thank you !!
Forgot to add…bralette! No seams and you just step in and out of it. Brilliant! X
Hello, I was given a homemade cloth bag at the hospital to carry my drain. I didn’t really need the drain, the output was so minimal. It was a job finding someone from the district nurse service who could remove it but they did so after a few days. I didn’t really need anything else, althought I wore shirts that button up at the front. I also didn’t need any pain relief at all. Maybe I was lucky. I hope you are too!!
I was told not to lift anything more than 1kg for at least 2 weeks so buy smaller packs/bottles of groceries. I hadn’t thought about a full 2l bottle of milk weighing 2kg or lifting a full kettle to make a pot of tea!
Also think about how you’re going to wash (incl hair) as you can’t get dressings wet. Treat yourself to some nice soaps and body lotion
All the very best, Bella x
I had a simple masectomy yesterday and was back at home by mid-afternoon.
Things I have found useful so far are:
Wedge pillow for sleeping upright
Using a round-the-neck travel pillow to support my neck while sleeping upright.
Lots of reading on my kindle
Very thirsty after anaesthetic, so lots of nice drinks - tins of ice cold latte have been great.
Body size wet wipes for the top half of my body.
I have a battery drain, and have it in an old Kipling cross body bag to keep all the tubing out of the way
Not much pain yet, but pleased to have the hospital pain killers just in case
Post surgery bras with a pocket for the softie. The hospital supplied one, but I already had several. They are much tighter than my previous bras were.
I’ll add anything else that I find is useful over the next few days.
One thing, I was prepared for the surgery too, and would much rather have had it than not, but still had a little cry when I saw the dressing and just the flat space this morning.
Take care and all the very best x
Hi @murphysmum
No matter how much you are mentally prepared for the surgery,I imagine it is still really daunting waking up post surgery and seeing the flat area where your boob used to be!
I am fully expecting to like yourself have a little cry and possibly a ‘Oh my god,What have I done’ moment after.
Hope you are recovering well?
Sending Love
Hi @rainbowbrite10
Daunting is the perfect word - it’s the new normal!
I’m doing fine, thank you.
My masectomy was scheduled quite quickly. I had a lumpectomy back in April, then found a new lump just before I was due to begin chemotherapy, so in the following week for the masectomy. I had a CT scan just before the masectomy, which was clear, apart from the breast, so holding onto that thought, then chemo due to begin at the start of August.
I hope everything goes OK for your surgery and for any follow up treatment.
Take care x
Ashley
Husband brought a pillow with him when he collected me, and I put it in front of me to buffer the seatbelt. This time I have been given a sweet little guard made by a volunteer so that the seatbelt won’t press on me. But the pillow was wonderful
I’m 10 days in to a single sided mastectomy with lymph clearance. I was home with the drain and had a bag to carry it around. It was a bit nippy under the arm but was much much better after removal. Vest or camisole tops instead of bras once you progress to clothing, to stop the scar from being pressed on and front button XL shirts to just pull on and off and keep loose around your body. It also protects you from the worry of the glance in the mirror and seeing only one breast where two used to be. Seeing the lack of body symmetry is a bit startling. I will probably get used to it and get back to wearing bras with a prosthetic so it will be better in the future. Also a wee pillow for under your arm, helped a lot when I had a drain in immediately after surgery.