Hi, I was diagnosed last Wednesday and have surgery this coming Wednesday. Although a little overwhelming, I'm taking one day at a time. However, I'm needing some practical help regarding what to take to hospital, especially bras. What does one do... I don't see the surgeon until very late Monday afternoon and go into hospital on Tuesday, therefore any preparation (shopping) needs to be done ASAP. Any assistance on types of bras and clothing after surgery would be really appreciated and what to do to get started. Thanks Julie

Hi Julie I had a few ops and I just wore PJ's in hospital - ones with a button up front or stretchy enough for the doc & nurses to check my breast. When I got home I just wore a crop top or fitted singlet under my clothes. When I felt comfortable to wear a bra I wore one of my old stretched ones and took the wire out of that side. After my mastectomy I wore post op bras. While in hospital you should be seen by a breast care nurse who will advise you on what you need. She will also order you a my care kit - http://www.bcna.org.au/about-bcna/information-health-care-professionals/kits-and-resources#mck It really depends what surgery you are having. Good Luck with everything Ann-Marie x

Hi Julie....firstly welcome to this wonderful world of support and love (sorry u had to tho)..now, shopping- My advice is button up PJ tops or oversized shirts (still button up front) and as for bras- then u can get front opening soft bras ( i got some thru the local hospital - they had a person who would fit u for mastectomy bras) maybe check with them or ur breast care nurse where u can source these from locally...U should also get "MY Journey Kit" & "My Care Kit" from the BCNA, again check with ur Breast Care nurse as she orders the Care KIt for you-it will have a soft form prosthesis and a bra included. Don't be in too much of a hurry to wear anything other than a shirt (at least for the 1st week or so) u may have drainage tubes and bandages covering wounds-the less 'extra' clothing the better--just as long as ur comfy, thats the most important thing :) Now, onto other business :) Please feel free to come here as often as u wish as u navigate ur way around this detour life has thrown u- u may feel a whole range of emotions and feeling (many in the same day!!!) and everyone here truly knows what ur going thru and can (& will) offer a sincere shoulder, helpful advice and first hand understanding... Have fun shopping, good luck for ur surgery, keep us posted Sam :)

Thanks Sam for the advice and for the words of encouragement. You are so right about the emotions and why do you loose control in public. I'm OK at home, most of the time, but it doesn't take too much to trigger when you are out. I love shopping, but I must admit it has just brought me to tears in the last couple of days. I'm assuming I will be "assigned"a breast care nurse soon (all will be revealed when I see the surgeon tomorrow). I have registered for My Journey Kit and I'm eagerly waiting it's arrival. I'm slowly making my way through the Guide for women with Early Breast Cancer". What a fantastic publication. So much to take in, which as you know is very difficult at the moment, as the brain is really not engaging at all. Regards Julie

Hi Ann-Marie, Thanks for your reply to my post, your advise and information. I was on the right track with what I though I would need and the lovely people, yourself included that have replied have confirmed it. Cheers Julie

Hospital shopping list | BCNA Online Network

11 Replies

Samantha_Cunnin
Member
15 years ago
Hi Julie....firstly welcome to this wonderful world of support and love (sorry u had to tho)..now, shopping- My advice is button up PJ tops or oversized shirts (still button up front) and as for bras- then u can get front opening soft bras ( i got some thru the local hospital - they had a person who would fit u for mastectomy bras) maybe check with them or ur breast care nurse where u can source these from locally...U should also get "MY Journey Kit" & "My Care Kit" from the BCNA, again check with ur Breast Care nurse as she orders the Care KIt for you-it will have a soft form prosthesis and a bra included. Don't be in too much of a hurry to wear anything other than a shirt (at least for the 1st week or so) u may have drainage tubes and bandages covering wounds-the less 'extra' clothing the better--just as long as ur comfy, thats the most important thing :)

Now, onto other business :) Please feel free to come here as often as u wish as u navigate ur way around this detour life has thrown u- u may feel a whole range of emotions and feeling (many in the same day!!!) and everyone here truly knows what ur going thru and can (& will) offer a sincere shoulder, helpful advice and first hand understanding...

Have fun shopping, good luck for ur surgery, keep us posted

Sam :)
Ann-Marie_AK
Member
15 years ago
Hi Julie

I had a few ops and I just wore PJ's in hospital - ones with a button up front or stretchy enough for the doc & nurses to check my breast. When I got home I just wore a crop top or fitted singlet under my clothes. When I felt comfortable to wear a bra I wore one of my old stretched ones and took the wire out of that side. After my mastectomy I wore post op bras. While in hospital you should be seen by a breast care nurse who will advise you on what you need. She will also order you a my care kit - http://www.bcna.org.au/about-bcna/information-health-care-professionals/kits-and-resources#mck

It really depends what surgery you are having.

Good Luck with everything

Ann-Marie x

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Hospital shopping list

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