Double Mastectomy Check list
When I figured out that a double mastectomy and diep flap was the route for me, my sweet husband,so supportive, told me to get whatever I needed to make this transition the smoothest.
I had a lot of things recommended but hindsight didn't need TOO much. Some of these things may seem silly but they helped me!
[ ] Rent a powerlift recliner (about $100/month), at less than a month out I was done NEEDING it.
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| Powerlift Dumps you out |
[ ] Nightgowns that button up
[ ] Norwex face cloth,only need water and was so nice to have at the hospital.
[ ] Airplane pillow, helped me sleep while sitting up.
[ ] Lanyard, these were supplied abundantly by the hospital and I wore my 3 drains on them everyday.
[ ] Button up/ velcro bra, 2 provided by my plastic surgeons office
[ ] Belly binder ,provided by plastic surgeon.
[ ] Men's white tshirts, cut up the middle, with holes on the side for my drain tubes, worn under my bra and binder to help keep clean.
[ ] A CLEAN brand of soap, I used HONEST kids soap.
[ ] Gauze, to put in bra line and around drains to help with blisters.
[ ] Benadryl, I had an allergic reaction almost a week out that left me covered in a rash and so uncomfortable. Although I showered every single day since 2 days after my surgery it took that long for my body to react to the cleanser they use at surgery. Be warned Benadryl can give you restless leg syndrome so I had to quit taking it but initially it helped.
[ ] Pink Pockets, I did buy a set of those but used them only once. If you have lanyards that is easier.
[ ] A wedge or sit up pillow, so when you move to bed you're still elevated.
[ ] Compression leg garments, should also be supplied by the hospital.
[ ] Small underarm pillows, search mastectomy pillow on amazon or find heart shaped pillows local. I had one donated from Pink Warrior Angels Texas Hill Country and a butterfly one from my mom, worked perfect.
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| Donated Mastectomy Bra from Pink Warrior Angels Hill Country |
[ ] Dry shampoo
[ ] Button up blouses to wear,my mom got me a ton and it was so nice to wear normal clothes while not being able to raise my arms.
[ ] Soft waisted pants, leggings, joggers, cute pj pants.
[ ] Underwear that go under or over your incision, think super low or super high.
[ ] Women's Depends, now yes, this may sound weird but surgery can trigger mother nature to arrive unexpectedly. Being able to change out myself with limited range of motion helped me feel a little more dependent (no pun intended) and should I fall asleep or my medicine knock me out, I know I'm completely covered.
[ ] Ana ona drain robe, my husband bought this for me but I never wore it. You might though! Now I just own a beautiful, heavy weight and fancy robe to wear.
[ ] Electric toothbrush
[ ] Alcohol prep pads to run along the drains while you or your helper strip them into measuring cups.
[ ] Personal wipes, again these were gifted and helped me help myself IF needed.
[ ] Fuzzy robe, after surgery you're supposed to keep your breasts warm at all times, wearing a robe backwards (thanks,Mom for the tip!) keeps them completely covered and warm!
[ ]Slip on shoes, I had zip up boots and super cute tennis shoes that were sparkly from Walmart
If you know someone going through a double mastectomy, offer to create a meal train for them, a friend did this for us and we had food for over two weeks.It was a huge blessing!!
See if they want company also, while their caregiver runs errands or takes the kids out for a break, for me this was the perfect time to catch up with my brother! He sat with me several time while my husband and kiddos ran errands.
We had friends that dropped off new toys and buckets of goodies for the kids, that was helpful and fun too for my boys!
Visits from my brother
Gowns and lanyards
Last but not least,
It may not be in your control but if you have the option to travel, travel to San Antonio and use PRMA Dr. Pisano. The plan of action they have from initial meeting, Dr. Pisano explaining your options, to pre-op, to the hospital care, to the medicine regimen , availability to help via email or phone during recovery and follow up appointments, I am beyond grateful for PRMA.
I've seen women post that only 2% of said plastic surgeon's work is diep flap. This is a huge procedure and a major part of your life, make sure you absolutely love your plastic surgeon.
The day of my surgery Dr.Pisano said I was #_____, enter thousands. I thought he was joking, he was serious. He knew what number I was. In October 2019, PRMA completed 81 diep flaps. 81.
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