Post mastectomy supplies: What would you add to the list?

Hi @gpigford, I think you'll appreciate connecting with @sirref who started this related discussion:
- Advice on Taking Care of a Spouse after a Mastectomy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/advice-on-taking-care-of-a-spouse-after-a-mastectomy/

In addition to preparing your home with supplies, the helpful responses from members draw a good picture of what to expect and how you can help recovery.

Safety pins.

Hi, @gpigford and Mrs. gpigford,
The safety pins that @windyshores recommended are to pin up the Drainage bulb supporter thing to your clothes so you don't feel the weight pulling. I found the recliner to be most helpful with pet liners or at least heavy-duty panty liners for accidents while trying to get to the bathroom in time. After an accident, I cleaned myself with witch hazel with those expensive wipes. I used depends for overnight. We ended up also buying Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, to wash what I wore throughout the day. I had multiple changes of clothing daily which actually made me feel good and normal. I had complications so needed different types of bandaging. My dear friend would come and wash my sheets every other day. So between the multiple changes of clothing and fresh sheets, I felt stronger. Please make sure she has steri-strips on the incision if they glue instead of stitching the incision. Ask the question I never thought to ask. My Surgeon was shocked I had none and no compression (ace bandaging at least). Don't know if you're into it or have already seen but we watched the whole dang series of Yellowstone. I had small like 3 bites of food 5 or 6 times a day with of course Water. We buy purified. Make sure to take a stool softener if she takes pain medication which is most likely. The first week is the toughest. You're a kind caring husband. Our prayers are with your whole family.

It looks like you’ve thought of just about everything. I had my mastectomy, a single, in 2022 and was the one who was also well equipped for the days following. I was shocked to learn that it would be a day surgery, there would be little pain after, and I was able to be up and walking when I came home. The drains were the most cumbersome. I never used a “thingy lariat” but did find that a few jackets with zippers that I ordered from several sources had pockets on the outside and also the construction created large pockets on the inside. They were perfect for the drain bulb. I think sleeping comfortably was the hardest. Finding a pillow set up that allows you to sleep is really important. I used a very small pillow in front to kind of prop me up but whatever works for you is worth practicing. It’s challenging and I still think I am often floating in a grand cancer abyss just waiting for a new occurrence. Sure hope not as I follow directions from oncology with letrozole as many others do. Good luck. I hope it goes well and you can enjoy some winter sunshine everyday.

I seem to remember that safety pins meant I did not have to buy any new clothes with pockets.
@gpigford is your wife doing any of the preparations herself? I hope she is feeling okay.

@gpigford, gpigford I'm happy to see this post! The anxiety you went through prior to your wife's decision was troubling. When I had my mastectomy 11/21, I had very little pain. I used the oxicodone once, the first night only. I was able to stay ahead of the pain with extra strength tylenol. Pain is relative and we all react differently. Listen to your wife. I walked around the house often to avoid any blood clots. I did get a few button down shirts from Goodwill , but didn't have trouble putting on a loose tshirt. I worked jigsaw puzzles with my son and his wife, read, crocheted a little and made meals several days a week. I kept as busy as my body would allow (short walks). Let your wife be your guide to know what she needs. Wishing you both the best recovery.

Thank you @maggieb892 .

That anxiety is still there I'm afraid. It was always her decision, but the way she let that go down was wrong. But her surgery date is the 16th so we don't have time to deal with my issues right now. But we will be coming back to it in the future.

I think you have been very thorough. I took magnesium glycinate and had little problem with constipation. Don’t forget to do the exercises to prevent lymphedema and keep your flexibility.

We are taking the weekend before away. Just to get out of town. I got a charm (see pic) to give her. I also got four hallmark cards for people to sign/write notes (work, family, friends, me)

would you want charm and all four cards given on the weekend?

or charm and my card on weekend, another morning of surgery, another few days later, another few days later.

@gpigford You already know what I'm going to say.....Hooray, enjoy the weekend!!!!! BUT, NO CANCER TALK. Personally, I prefer not to talk about cancer with my dear ones. I will speak to anyone who wants to know about my experience. But other than that I like cancer and everything associated with it to stay out of my head. I'm normal, just happened to have had BC twice. I LOVE what my husband has done for 25+ years which includes before & after both my rodeos. When I least expect it there is a post-it note on the bathroom mirror or the coffee pot, my computer, etc Like this morning I had a text because he was already @ work "Nobody Loves You As Much as I do with hearts, kissy emojis. This is my preference. We talk about cancer when we have to other than that no thank you. I have been blessed with so very many flower arrangements that I put in the trash or re-gifted because I did not want to see them slowly die and be reminded of cancer. Where's the chocolate or a beautiful-smelling candle? I don't have a pink ribbon or license plate (I do pray every time I see one though), I want to forget and not think of cancer ever again. I make donations and am learning how to make https://awesomebreastforms.org/ I am truly sorry if I kicked you too hard. What I wanted to do was shake you to wake you up from the nightmare. Best Wishes and Many Prayers for Nancy, you, and your family.