Great advice from everyone! Here is my story:
Bilateral mastectomy, no reconstruction. In the OR a compression band bra is placed on you with hooks for the 2 drains. Overnight stay in hospital. PT came & showed me about 5 exercises to do x3/day. I did them x1/day. No shower until 48 hours. Protect the drains. Get a lanyard to wear in the shower so the drains aren't hanging, must place them in the 2 pouches. I didn't face the shower head directly to protect my chest. I drained my drains AM & PM. Must log the amount (they give you the form) & bring to your all initial visits. Was told 2 wks. for drains - 1 removed, 2nd drain was 3 weeks, removal depends on fluid amt. drained. Will need mastectomy tops (Amazon) with drain holders for day & night. While the drains are in, you must sleep on your back only. Bought a wedge from Amazon for this (I am a side sleeper only, so a little annoying but certainly doable). Also, bought a mastectomy "pillow" (Amazon) to help me not to turn while sleeping with drains. Still use it for comfort 3 months later. A couple of compression bras with drain pouches (Amazon) and Medicare allows 1 for free (go to certified mastectomy fitter). Coming home from hospital: Mastectomy pillow under your seatbelt. Vomit bags just in case (Amazon). I was fine. And wear your mastectomy shirt for the drains to the hospital so you have when leaving. Don't forget your exercises, I did mine faithfully. Must avoid frozen shoulder.
First week discomfort but not terribly! Pain medication x1 wk. then Tylenol. Most uncomfortable was my armpits b/c of lymph node removal (12) but still not terrible. I also had (& RNs will give you) some large gauze pads to place over your incision(s) under your mastectomy bra for comfort. I had post op swelling so my surgeon gave me a compression band to wrap tightly around my chest. This actually felt good and helped, wore it for several weeks. You will keep more post op instructions (hand-outs) re: when to massage your incision(s) for healing and swelling reduction. I do this with Vitamin E oil. It really is not a lot of "stuff" to buy...but these are the basics.
You will get through it all! All of the oncology team were simply great. You will be treated with TLC.
The very very best wishes for you...be positive, you are getting rid of the poison in your body!
Hugs!