Give InKind Support Recipient, Heather received a positive diagnosis of breast cancer and received a double mastectomy as a result. She was kind enough to share her list of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and hospital needs as she recovered from major surgery and began radiation.
Read Heather’s story here.
Post-Mastectomy Must Have’s
- 2 Sets of Drain belts – one for every-day wearing and one for the shower
- Pillow husband – used as a base for all the other pillows (a wedge was also recommended but I was happy with my set-up)
- Lightweight straw cups – for water as the heavy metal or glass ones hurt to lift
- Spin toothbrush – to help reduce arm movement
- Button/zip up everything – bras with no underwire, shirts, and pajamas for at least 2-4 weeks
Post-Mastectomy Nice-to-Have’s
- Hand-held shower wand – makes showering much easier
- A bench for the shower – to help support me
- Neck pillow – helps for sleeping upright
- A stylist – to help wash your hairfor the first week or two
- Entertainment – plenty of DVRed shows or a good Hulu/Netflix binge list for recovery downtime
Pre and Post-Op For the Hospital
- Eye mask – for resting/sleeping during the day
- Earplugs – for noise reduction from machines
- Portable phone charger – because who can remember to bring a phone charger?
- Hairbrush/hair ties – to keep hair out of your face
- Toothbrush – disposables are nice for the patient and family who may stay overnight
- Larger-than-normal zip-up shirt/sweatshirt – for easily getting dressed after being discharged
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