Prepare for Mastectomy

PREPARING FOR YOUR MASTECTOMY & RECONSTRUCTION

Sometimes you “just had to be there”…  Doctors’ offices usually provide all of the information you need but not necessarily the information that you want.  With that in mind, we offer an un-official guide and shopping list to help you prepare for your mastectomy and reconstruction. 

Prior to scheduling your surgery…

Do Your Research

Many women choose to follow their mastectomy with immediate reconstruction.  There are different types of mastectomies available (skin sparing, nipple sparing, areola sparing) and many different types of reconstruction (implants- implants with expanders, “one-step” implants; FLAP procedures- Tram Flap, DIEP Flap, Gap Flap).  Not all doctors perform all types of mastectomies or reconstruction so you must figure out which type of surgery you want and pick your doctors accordingly.

Find the Right Doctor

There is absolutely NOTHING more important.  Seek at least 2 opinions before settling on your doctors.  Ask for referrals, check out your doctors online and ask for names of patients to talk to about their experience with the doctors you are considering.

 
Once you have scheduled your surgery…

Childcare

If you have children, especially young children, make sure you have someone who will be around full time to help with them after your surgery.   This is especially important for women with young children because you won’t be able to lift more than 5 lbs for at least 4-6 weeks.

 
Youcare

Yes, we know you are invincible but you will need someone to help take care of you.  We highly recommend that you have someone stay overnight with you in the hospital for your entire stay.  You will not regret it.  You will need the help.  And, even if you don’t have children at home, you should make sure someone is able to be with your or at least check in on you regularly for the first week following surgery.

Freeze Some Meals

Needless to say, you won’t feel like cooking.  Having the take out menus readily available doesn’t hurt either.

 
Drain Care and Maintenance

During surgery drains will be placed in each breast and will remain there for approximately 1-2 weeks (times vary per individual).  During your stay at the hospital, your nurses will clean your drains and measure their output.  You will have to care for them at home.   Ask your doctor or nurse practitioner to explain how to care for your drains before you have your surgery.  You will be in a better state of mind and can buy any supplies you may need like alcohol pads.

Also, your drains can become a nuisance just hanging in your shirt.  Your nurse may pin them to your bra or shirt but you may also want to try hanging them from a landyard around your neck (those annoying shoe-string ID holders from conventions work great and can go in the shower) or in a fanny pack.  You can also order hospital gowns or shirts that have pockets just for mastectomy drains.

Water

Drink plenty of water during the week before your surgery.  8-12 glasses a day will keep you hydrated and help you recover better from your anesthesia.  Also, refrain from consuming salt. 

The Night Prior to Surgery

It is imperative that you do not eat or drink anything the night before your surgery.  Some doctors don’t even want you to swallow a sip of water when you are brushing your teeth.  Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the taking of any medications you may be on.

Mastectomy Shopping List…

Front closure shirts and pajamas

 It will be difficult to pull any type of clothing over your head including loose t-shirts or nightgowns so buy button up or zip front pajamas and shirts.

Bras

Buy yourself 2-3 sports bras with front closures (either a zip front or hook front).  Following surgery, you will be put in a surgical bra and will probably be told to stay in it for your hospital stay but will be able to switch to a tight fitting sports bra when you return home.  You probably won’t be able to pull a regular sports bra over your head so the front closures come in handy.  You will probably need to buy at least 2 sizes if you are reconstructing with expanders. 

Slip on shoes

You will not want to bend down to tie your shoes.   Slip on shoes and slippers are much more convenient.

Ice packs

Have at least 2 ice packs available… one for each side.  They help with swelling and alleviate soreness.  You don’t want them to be too big or heavy though because you could find the pressure from the weight to be uncomfortable.  Target sells ice packs for children that work perfectly.  They are round and fit perfectly inside a bra (but be warned, they usually have a princess or Spiderman on them).     

Pillows

You probably will not want to sleep flat on your back when you return home from the hospital.  Have at least 3 pillows ready.  Some women like having a wedge pillow to keep them propped up.

Electric Razor

It will not be easy to shave under your arms after the surgery.  You also won’t have much feeling in the area.  An electric razor will allow you to safely shave under your arms.