Mastectomy Checklist: Get Ready for Your Hospital Stay and Recovery

Mastectomy Checklist: Get Ready for Your Hospital Stay and Recovery
Packing for the hospital
Easy-on clothes:

Open-front sweat jackets Soft shirts that zip, tie, or button Loose-fitting cotton/silky pants Comfortable underwear Non-skid fuzzy socks Non-skid slippers/moccasins
Toiletries:

Soap, washcloths, hand sanitizer, baby wipes Hair-care items (brush, hair ties, dry shampoo, headband) Deodorant/body creams (if OK with your treatment team) Lip balm Eye drops Face/hand moisturizer
Comfort items:

Phone, tablet, and chargers Noise-canceling headphones Neck travel pillow Reading glasses Books, magazines, or puzzle books Mints/lozenges Water bottle Eye mask/ear plugs
Planning before the hospital
To keep loved ones updated:

Choose a point person Plan who to update (make a list) Plan how to update (group email, text, website, phone tree)
Make beauty appointments before surgery/recovery:

Hair Nails (ask surgical team if nail polish is OK) Brows Facial
Prepare for being discharged:

Fill prescriptions ahead of time if possible Ask for an extra surgical bra Ask how to care for drains Ask for instructions on showing and getting in and out of bed
For the ride home:

Put pillows and a blanket in the car to cushion the seatbelt
Preparing your home
Kitchen

Prep and freeze meals Buy pre-made foods Stock up on healthy foods (fruits, veggies, nuts, protein) Buy lighter sizes of heavy items, or divide bulk items into smaller/lighter containers Move dishes and cookware to easy-to-reach shelves Get a jar-opening tool Schedule meals and shopping trips with loved ones
Bathroom

Shower chair Handheld shower nozzle A lanyard with clips to hold drains while showering Smaller-sized shampoo and conditioner bottles Sanitary napkins or nursing pads to put in surgical bra for leaks Medical gloves for handling drains and changing dressings Small trash bags to dispose of dressings Alcohol wipes to help move fluid through drain tubes Non-childproof containers for medications (use caution if there are children in the house)
Bedroom/wardrobe:

Put essentials within reach (tissues, magazines, remote control) Get small pillows, a backrest, or a body pillow for extra comfort Wash extra sheet sets in advance Arrange closet for easy access to appropriate clothing Buy extra safety pins if drains are pinned to surgical bra Cut slits in sweatshirt/robe pockets to tuck drains in Get a fanny pack for holding surgical drains Purchase a front-close sports bra to wear after the surgical bra
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Mastectomy Checklist: Get Ready for Your Hospital Stay and Recovery

Packing for the hospital

Planning before the hospital

Preparing your home