Mastectomy Favorites: 8 Essential Items to Help with Recovery
Mastectomy drain pouch and shower bag. If you know ahead of time that you will have drains, I highly recommend a drain pouch. Some people use clips, but I found this much easier, as you never have to worry about the drains catching on something. I also like how you can wear it around your waist or around your neck.
Following your surgery, the surgical areas will be sensitive, especially to the seatbelt pressure. Some people also use this to prevent the seatbelt from putting pressure on their port.
Post Mastectomy Recovery Robe:
This lightweight robe with drain pockets is easy to open and close. Great to wear around the house.
Mastectomy Recovery Shirt with Drain Holder –
This is a comfortable and easy-to-snap shirt with 4 discrete pockets inside to securely hold post surgery drains.
Light weight foldable lap-desk with cup holder, small drawer and tablet or iPad slots. Easy access to what you need without reaching when you’re relaxing on the couch or in bed.
For the first couple weeks following surgery, I slept using an elevated wedge pillow to reduce pressure on my chest and help with draining.
I am a side sleeper, so sleeping on my back was nearly impossible. I had to create some kind of barrier so I would not roll in my sleep. Using the body pillow was very helpful as it provided support in all the areas I needed, but also reduced my ability to roll to my side. I also like how this one can be used in a variety of ways and the cover is washable.
Barefoot Dreams Zip-up Recovery Robe:
It would not be a list of essential items if I didn’t share something super soft and cozy. This robe is great for wearing around the house and lounging while recovering.