Pre and Post-Surgery Advice?

I had a therapeutic mammoplasty (lift style incisions)  on November 25th 2015 allow bigger margins around the tumour. We have 2 large dogs so I was very wary but they've been great. I was in hospital for 2 nights & then slept on a recliner for my first 2 nights home - this really helped so I didn't strain operative side getting into & outof bed whenever I needed drink for pain relief. I personally found I needed to take the prescription strength pain relief (the prescription which they sent me home with) regularly for the first 5 days & then it was much better & I  could substitute some doses for over the counter strength. The breast care nurses at the hospital gave me the crescent shaped pillow which I still use - it's very helpful post-op & then again whilst having radiotherapy which is where I'm at now. The BCNA kit that you receive in 2 parts, includes a post-op bra. My lovely surgeon suggested that buy one pre-op so that I could use it as soon as I could go home. I found that bra at a lingerie shop that has specialised staff that are very helpful with fitting, etc. I have one that does up at the back as we thought the other's fastening area where fabric is firmer, might have been too near to the area my lump was & might cause discomfort. The only thing I would have liked to try but didn't end up getting is one of those body length pillows - I'm a side-sleeper ?? Hope this helps. Best wishes, Rosetta ??