Preparing for hospital

Setting ourselves up with a comfortable home and recovery environment was an essential part of our path to healing,

We’ve developed a list of the obvious and not-so-obvious things that you might like to consider when preparing for your mastectomy surgery.

Download the PDF guides:

For the minimalists who just need the things that matter most

For those who like a little extra comfort

Getting your home ready

  • Move any frequently used items to lower shelves to save yourself from stretching high

  • Showering can be difficult, we loved having a shower chair and handheld shower nozzle

  • Purchase smaller-sized shampoo and conditioner bottles (to help with squeezing)

  • Have some extra memory foam pillows handy for support and comfort

  • Stock your pantry with frozen meals and healthy snacks, a jar opening tool is also helpful to have on hand

Preparing for recovery

  • Check with your medical team before your procedure on the type of surgical bra that’s best for you

  • A lanyard with clips will be helpful to hold drains while showering

  • Have some extra bags to hold your drains to keep your hands free

  • Grab some nursing pads or cotton rounds to put in your surgical bra to catch leaks

  • Non-latex disposable gloves for handling drains. Check with your medical team if they must be sterile or not.

  • Get some alcohol wipes to help move fluid through drain tubes

Book some pamper activities

  • If you’d like to, book in some pampering activities to do before or after your procedure - these can be at a salon or in the comfort of your own home

  • Our favourites are a hair touch up, a facial or a massage

  • If you’d like to get your nails done check with your medical team first if nailpolish is allowed

  • Same with eyelashes and eyebrows - check with your team if eyelash extensions are okay pre-procedure

Pack for your hospital stay

  • Nominate a ‘coordination person’ to keep everyone up to date while you rest. Give them a list of contacts (emails and contact numbers) to have on hand

  • For travel, pack some pillows and blankets. A soft seatbelt cover can also help soften the belt against your chest on the ride home

Clothing to wear to and from the hospital

  • Pyjamas & a cozy dressing gown

  • Non-skid socks and slippers

  • Elasticised pants

  • Button-up tops only!

  • A big, soft scarf

  • Comfortable underwear

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush & paste, mouthwash, and floss

  • Washcloths, baby wipes, and face wash

  • Moisturiser for your face, hands and body

  • Chapstick, lippie, and any makeup you’d like

  • Dry shampoo, shampoo & conditioner

  • Hair ties, headband and brush

  • Dry eye drops

IT and comfort needsT

  • Any devices - phone, laptop, chargers

  • Noise-canceling headphones & earplugs

  • Travel pillow and eye mask

  • Books, magazine or puzzles

  • Don’t forget your reading glasses if needed

  • Waterbottle and some sweets/lozenges

  • Pillows for underarms

  • Bags for drains (ask your medical team if these are supplied by the hospital)

Some helpful tips for when you’re in hospital

  • Ask a friend to get prescriptions filled prior to you leaving hospital

  • Ask your medical team how to care for your drains (if you’re going home with them) including how to shower with them

  • Ask your team what exercises you can do, if you can lift anything heavy (and how heavy), and any movements or activities you should avoid