Post Mastectomy Must Haves?

It’s great when you feel confident about finding the right decision for yourself. 22 years ago had mastectomy with saline implant. IDC discovered in April in same breast . I told my general surgeon I wanted the implant out and go to a flat chest and the surgeon told me “you don’t want that.” I was surprised at her strong reaction. Glad I did what I wanted. Then the oncologist shamed me for refusing tamoxifen 22 years ago. Tough crowd!

I had double mastectomy 3 years ago. 2 nice bed pillows for under each arm for support. I slept a bit propped up on my back for quite some time with the pillows under my arms so my chest muscles didn't stretch. Open front shirts or really huge t-shirts that are easy for you to get on, slip on shoes and slippers-I couldn't stretch down to even consider tying shoes. Cozy footies, easy to get on with one hand, if needed. Soft comfortable clothing, like flannel elastic waist pajama pants. I found having 2 pillows in my recliner really helped, it was super helpful to be able to recline, less painful for the surgery site. A nice comfortable zip front sports bra. This helped with compression on my breasts, and also, it was super helpful after I stopped wearing my binder, as the incisions were very tender for a long time, and it prevented rubbing and irritation on my breasts from my shirts.

Wow! I totally embrace being flat. No bras, no backaches, I even bought funny shirts like one with fried eggs on it. Lol I chose not to do tamoxifen, and have had total support. I'm so very sorry you've had to experience this!! How awful for you!

The one thing I learned from my breast cancer experience is that there are no wrong treatment decisions - every person must consider their own health, lifestyles, and options and choose their own path. My mom had a single mastectomy with no reconstruction, my sister had a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction, and I had a single mastectomy with reconstruction. All good choices for us. Please decide what is right for you and go with it, you will be glad you did!

Hugs to you and everyone else on this forum.

I agree with everyone else. It is your body and only you can decide what what is best for your body. Hopefully they will put aside their beliefs and support your decision.

Also, we have a mastectomy bra shop here. I contacted them and they provided me with a bra, no charge, which was great. It had attached pouches to hold my drain tube receptacles.

How are you feeling @rhb28 you wanted some support from the forum, lol, you got it. It warms my heart to see so many responding with support and advice for your decision. How are you feeling about all of this now? Any headway with your family?

I so appreciate everyone’s support and responses. I am feeling good and strong about my decision. As mentioned often it is my body and only I know what feels right. I’ve told a few more friends about my surgery and they are 100% supportive. Strangely tho, within my own household my upcoming surgery remains the “elephant” in the room. I suppose there is unspoken support…

@rhb28
I just want to wish you good luck tomorrow. I hope you will wake up from surgery with the feeling of relief. You will be ok. Big hugs.

@dianectich
How are you doing? I hope you are healing well. Hugs