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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