Mastectomy Tips

Comfort and Mobility Aids

• V-Shaped Pillow: These can provide helpful support for your neck, shoulders, and arms while resting or sleeping.

• Seatbelt Pads: Consider getting a padded cover for your car seatbelt to protect your chest area from pressure or sudden movements after surgery.

• Underarm Pillows: Small mastectomy pillows (sometimes available on the ward) can help cushion the area under your arm and reduce pressure or rubbing.

• Vest Tops and Front-Fastening Clothes: After surgery, lifting your arms can be uncomfortable. Wear loose-fitting or step-in vest tops and consider front-fastening garments (or sports bras without clasps) for ease.

• Softie Prosthesis and Bras: You’ll likely be given a temporary softie (a lightweight fabric prosthesis) shortly after surgery. Consider non-wired, pull-on sports bras that are gentle and easy to wear. Your permanent prosthesis fitting may take place a few weeks later.

Preparing Physically

• Practice Getting Up Without Using Arms: Before surgery, practice standing from a chair, bed or sofa using your legs rather than pushing with your arms, as you may need to avoid pressure on your chest post-op. Strengthening your leg muscles can help with this transition.

Remedies and Medication

• Arnica Pillules: Some people use homeopathic arnica to help with bruising or swelling, though clinical evidence is limited. Always speak to your breast care nurse or surgical team before using any supplements or remedies, especially around surgery time.

Additional Tips

• Hospitals often have useful support items available, such as:

  • Mastectomy cushions (ask the ward or your nurse).

  • Sample bras or fitting advice from the breast care nurse team.

  • Information on local charities or services offering post-op recovery aids.

Ask Your Team

Your breast care nurse is a great point of contact for:

• What to bring on the day of your surgery

• Help with bras, prosthesis fittings, or clothing advice

• Support for managing pain, swelling, and movement during recovery

What to Pack for Hospital (After Mastectomy or Breast Surgery)

Being prepared for your hospital stay can help ease anxiety and support a smoother recovery. Below are some practical, patient-suggested tips for what to bring. Always check with your hospital for any specific instructions related to your surgery.

Clothing and Essentials

• Front-Fastening Pyjamas or Nightshirts: Choose clothing that opens at the front, this is much easier to manage after surgery than items that go over your head.

• Drain Bags: You may go home with one or more surgical drains. Some hospitals provide small fabric bags to carry them comfortably. If not, you can ask your breast care nurse or look online for mastectomy-specific versions.

• Small Crossbody or Tote Bag: Useful for carrying small items like your phone, charger, lip balm, or tissues, especially helpful if you have limited mobility in one arm.

• Earplugs: Hospital wards can be noisy. A pair of earplugs may help you get better rest during your stay.

• Entertainment: Holding books may be difficult in the first day or two post-op, especially if you're sore or restricted in movement. Consider audio books, podcasts, or a music playlist to help pass the time.

Bonus Tips

• Some people also recommend:

  • A long phone charger cable, as sockets can be far from the bed.

  • Face wipes or dry shampoo, for comfort if you're unable to shower initially.

  • A notepad and pen, in case you want to jot down questions or reminders during your stay.

Post-Mastectomy Recovery: Daily Living and Movement Tips

Recovering from breast surgery takes time, and it's important to balance rest with gentle activity. Many people find that building small routines and using the right support items helps make everyday life more manageable during recovery.

The following suggestions come from people who’ve been through the experience themselves. While not all are medically required, they may offer added comfort or reassurance.

Movement and Physiotherapy

• Do Your Arm Exercises: Your breast care team will provide physiotherapy exercises after surgery. Doing them consistently is key to regaining mobility, reducing stiffness and preparing for radiotherapy (which may require your arm to be lifted overhead).

• If you’re struggling after a week or two, don’t hesitate to ask your team for a referral to physiotherapy - many people find even one or two sessions help enormously.

Drains and Wound Care

• Managing Drains: Many people worry about surgical drains, but they are usually straightforward to manage. You’ll likely be shown how to empty, measure and record output. The district nurses can help. Some people find it useful to keep a small table or tray near the toilet to rest the drain bottles on.

• Infection Prevention:

  • Once stitches or staples are removed, ask your team when it’s safe to begin moisturising the area.

  • Use fresh flannels or cloths to dry around the scar - this helps reduce the risk of infection.

  • Carry antiseptic cream (check with your team for suitable brands) in case of cuts or grazes on the surgery side, particularly as you are at risk of lymphoedema.

• Track Healing: Some people find it helpful to take regular photos (selfie diary) of the mastectomy area to monitor changes such as swelling, seroma formation, or healing progress. Always speak to your nurse or GP if you notice redness, warmth, or increasing pain.

Clothing and Comfort

• Choose Front-Fastening Clothing: After surgery, it's easier to wear tops, pyjamas, and bras that button or zip up the front. Avoid tight or restrictive sleeves, especially if you’ve had lymph node surgery.

• Bras and Prosthesis Tips:

  • Bra extenders can help accommodate swelling.

  • While waiting for your permanent prosthesis, you’ll be offered a softie. Some people also use Knitted Knockers (a soft handmade alternative - ask your nurse or look online).

• Bottoms and Footwear:

  • Avoid tight jeans or trousers that require effort to pull up - leggings or loose trousers may be easier to manage while your upper body is healing.

  • Wear slip-on shoes or slippers so you don’t have to bend or reach awkwardly.

• In the Car: A V-shaped pillow can help cushion your chest or support your arm, especially when travelling over bumpy roads.

Pain and Medication

• Take Pain Relief Regularly: Keeping pain under control makes it easier to move around, sleep, and complete your arm exercises. Don’t wait until the pain becomes severe - take medication as prescribed.