How do you get ready for something that will no doubt forever change your life? Facing a breast cancer diagnosis or increased risk of developing breast cancer, is daunting enough, but preparing for a mastectomy — the surgical removal of cancerous or potentially threatening growths in the breast — can be downright terrifying. As you begin planning for your surgery, your brain may be flooded with questions like: What will I be able to wear after surgery? Will I be able to sleep? What do I bring to the hospital? How many drains will I have? While each mastectomy experience is different, one thing that can help you approach the procedure more calmly is feeling prepared. From surgery to recovery, the process can take a little over one month, according to the American Cancer Society. That’s why we covered products that will help you across all aspects of the surgery, such as items you’ll need in the hospital and the postsurgical clothing you’ll need. Here’s our list of must-have products before your mastectomy. RELATED: What Is a Sensation-Preserving Mastectomy?
Women’s Comfort Fleece Memory Foam Slippers
The Honest Company Baby Wipes
RELATED: How to Manage the Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment
Hair Dance Volumizing Dry Shampoo
Lemome Eco-Friendly Cork Notebook
DIEP Flap Surgery Support
Kindred Bravely Labor and Delivery Gown
Pillow Support
Billow Heart Pillow
Billow Heart Pillow (Kapok), $24, BillowGlobal.com
Travelrest Therapeutic Memory Foam Travel and Neck Pillow
The ParkPuff (Betty Circle)
The ParkPuff comes in six different design patterns, and in addition to breast surgery can be used for comfort following radiotherapy, port placement, heart surgery, shoulder surgery and abdominal surgery as a lap belt. Park makes all of the ParkPuffs by hand in Los Angeles, and three dollars from every purchase is donated to the Remember Betty foundation.
Functional Clothing
AnaOno Miena Robe With Drain Management Belt
AnaOno Miena Robe With Drain Management Belt, $78, Anaono.com
Pink Pockets
Pink Pockets 4 Pairs (8 Pockets), $19.99, Pink-pockets.com
AnaOno Rora Mastectomy Front Closure Bra
AnaOno Rora Mastectomy Front Closure Bra, $54, Anaono.com
KellyBeeDesigns Post Mastectomy Sweatshirt Hoodie
Post Mastectomy Sweatshirt Hoodie With Drain Pouch Post Surgical Pockets, $50, Etsy.com
Reading Material
‘The Diary of Nalie: A Collection of Life Lessons and Reflections Shared While Thriving Through Stage IV Cancer’
‘Navigating Your Breast Health: Assessing and Managing Breast Cancer Risk’
Post-Recovery Support
Brilliantly Warm Wearable
Brilliantly Warm (pair of units), $180, Brilliantly.co RELATED: 8 Things Not to Say to Someone Who’s Had a Mastectomy
