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What do I need to have. I am getting a mastectomy in 2 days. Someone said I need button down the front blouses?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Pleasant Plains, AR
September 13
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MyBCTeam

How exciting — well, not the surgery part, but the fact that you're so close to getting through it! Yes, button-down or front-zip tops are a great call. Since your arm movement will be limited after surgery, anything you can step into or fasten from the front makes life so much easier.

Here's a helpful list of items to Show Full Answer

How exciting — well, not the surgery part, but the fact that you're so close to getting through it! Yes, button-down or front-zip tops are a great call. Since your arm movement will be limited after surgery, anything you can step into or fasten from the front makes life so much easier.

Here's a helpful list of items to gather before your surgery: Clothing:
- Button-down, loose-fitting, soft shirts or snap/zip-up tops
- Stretchy-waisted pants or yoga pants (easier to manage with limited arm mobility)
- A jacket or cardigan with inside pockets to hold surgical drains
- Slip-on shoes (no bending or lacing needed!)

Comfort Items:
- Mastectomy pillow (goes under your arm to protect the incision)
- A full body pillow for sleeping support
- A mastectomy bra or soft sports bra (no underwire!)

Practical Extras:
- A post-mastectomy camisole with drain pockets
- Dry shampoo and natural body wipes (in case showering isn't possible right away)
- Meals prepped ahead of time A MyBCTeam member shared that organic body wipes were a lifesaver during the first couple of weeks before they could shower with drains still in place.

Ask your surgeon if they have a recovery checklist — many do! Wishing you a smooth surgery and a comfortable recovery. 💛

September 13
A MyBCTeam Member

One thing that really helped was to practice sleeping upright (I slept in the recliner). I had to use pillows on either side to help me keep from rolling over on my sides.

The hospital also provided (seen by volunteers!) a small U-shaped pillow to go under the arm. It helped reduce the pressure/friction of the arm against the incision area where they removed the lymph nodes. A similarly shaped neck pillow or even a small folded towel will work too. Consider a small pillow to go under the seat belt for your ride home from the hospital and while you heal.

Keeping you in prayers! Hugs!

September 22
A MyBCTeam Member

My surgery was here in VA, in December- lol! So hoodies worked well, and when I went back to work, I tended to wear the button up long sleeve shirt, with a zip up vest for extra warmth- most of my winter wardrobe was turtlenecks and sweaters- which wouldn't work because of having to put on over the head!

September 22
A MyBCTeam Member

I absolutely love my goodies but can't wear them for awhile. My counties has been declared a drought disaster. It has been almost 100 degrees for almost a month or more. We have had no rain either.

September 22
A MyBCTeam Member

I wore my hoodies a lot!

September 13

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