Several MyBCTeam members have said a variety of pillows was their No. 1 must-have after a mastectomy.

“I found a small pillow that has been everything to me since my mastectomy,” one member said. “It’s just the right size and softness to hug against my incision. I also got a neck pillow and a heart-shaped mastectomy pillow from the hospital, which is great to prop my arm up and away from my body or to put between me and my seat belt.”

Another member said lying flat at night was uncomfortable and interfered with sleep: “I’ve used a chair wedge pillow for two months after mastectomy surgery, so I’m more comfortable.”

A third member shared the benefits of sleeping with a full body pillow for hugging against their incision and creating a barrier against accidental bumps from their partner at night.

Your surgeon may suggest one or more pillows to help keep you comfortable after a mastectomy. You could also shop for different styles, or even make one yourself if you have the skills.

You might have stiffness or movement restrictions just after surgery. Consider buying several button-up, blousy shirts that won’t cling to your body as you heal. Buttons and zippers can make it easier to get dressed and change clothes.

“Anything button-down, loose-fitting, and soft,” one MyBCTeam member wrote.

Another said, “If you want to go one step easier, try men’s or women’s Western shirts (oversized) with the snap buttons or a zip-up top instead.”

Your experience may vary depending on the type of surgery or reconstruction. Follow your surgeon’s advice on gentle arm exercises, and choose clothing that makes daily tasks easier while you heal.

Due to limited mobility in your arms after surgery, you may have trouble pulling pants on and off. The easier they are to remove and put on, the better off you’ll be. That’s why many MyBCTeam members recommend buying pants with a stretchy waistband.

“Yoga pants were a must for me,” one member wrote. “My husband wasn’t always around to help, and I wanted to be able to get pants on and off by myself.”

You may have surgical drains that remain in place after your mastectomy. If so, it’s helpful to wear a jacket or cardigan with pockets where you can easily stow the drains rather than having to carry them around or readjust them every time you stand up.

You may get a lanyard from the hospital to hold your drains when you bathe, but a jacket might be more convenient at other times. Always be careful to secure your drains based on your surgeon’s advice, rather than leaving them loose.

“I bought a robe with inside pockets to hold the drains after my double mastectomy,” one MyBCTeam member wrote.

Another said, “I loved wearing my husband’s running jacket. It was light with multiple inside pockets!”

A third member advised, “Try to get a postmastectomy camisole — they come with pockets for the drains.”

Showering instructions can vary after surgery. Some people can shower shortly after. Others need to wait because of dressings, drains, or reconstruction. Always follow your surgical team’s wound care and bathing instructions.

Once you get the all-clear to shower, you might have difficulty raising your hands high enough to wash your hair. If washing your hair is difficult, dry shampoo can help keep it feeling clean between washes. You may still need help to apply dry shampoo, but it can be faster and easier than washing your hair in the shower.

“I used dry shampoo after my mastectomy,” one MyBCTeam member wrote. “It was a lifesaver!”