Tips for post surgery home care?

Hi there.  I had my single side mastectomy this time last year.  I am a side sleeper too so it was a it tricky when healing but here are a few things that helped me:

• There are special pillows that you most likely will be given after your procedure.  Where I live these are given out by nurses and donated by Zonta.  The pillow fits under your arm and helps greatly.  I used mine on and off for quite a while.  They look like this. https://www.zontadistrict23.org.au/what-we-do/service-projects/zonta-breast-care-cushions/
• There are fabric drain bags you can get that hold the drain. They conceal it. I wore mine under a satin robe that I lived in whilst recovering and my kids were oblivious to the drain.  I was given one at the hospital but my Mum who sees also made one.  https://cancersupportuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/CSUK-Drain-Bag-Template-Download.pdf
• This might sound silly to some but I wasn’t ready to deal with looking at my scar etc when showering initially so I had a front zip up swim vest I owned that I used initially when showering.  This was after the drain came out though.   I was in such a shock over the diagnosis and the surgery happened quite quickly so this helped me adjust until I processed it all.  I found it confronting the change to my body but now accept it and am grateful that I was able to have surgery and be here.
• If you or your support network can make and freeze some meals that are easy for you to heat up that should be a great help.

Touch base with your hospital and see if they give out the pillows and drain bags.  If not, you could ask your McGrath nurse if she can organise some for you.

Being a year out from surgery and having finished chemo and radiation, I am feeling really good.  It is a tough time but take one day at a time, rest when you need to and let your loved ones (fur and no fur) support you x

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