Post Mastectomy Must Haves?

My drains had clips on the outside of the tubing of the drain. The clips had sharp ‘teeth’ allowing me attach the drains to a lanyard. The lanyard was actually a long 1/2” string that the hospital gave me to go home with but I was able to knot it to the length I wanted. Simply clip the drains onto the lanyard. No shower for 6 days after surgery until I saw him in office. I washed my hair in kitchen sink during the 6 day period. I am surprised that surgeons don’t give you the lanyard type string ahead of surgery. Also not a bad idea to ask about the drains if never encountered them before. It seems ridiculous to wake up groggy and be sent home with stuff you have never seen previously. My situation a bit different mastectomy 22 years ago with saline implant. Back then I used a study pillow. Reoccurrence in April so had implant removed to a flat chest 3.5 weeks ago as well as tumor removed and 1 sentinel node. the plastic surgeon suggested a “shelf” at the bottom of breast for a bra to sit. Hope this makes sense. He gathered tissue to create the shelf. I definitely did not ask enough questions. I am 3.5 weeks out. Both drains removed at 2 week mark. The shelf type area still feels like a very tender bruise. Some suggestions I would make is to have easy microwave meals because cooking takes forever when you are trying to use mostly 1 arm. If I overdo anything the tender bruise hurts more. The plastic surgeon did tell me “elbows in” for 1st 2 weeks and he still doesn’t want reaching up motions. I quizzed a bit more and he wants to avoid fluid collections under the skin that would make me unhappy with the results. I didn’t use any special equipment. When I went to MD office with the drains I wore them on the lanyard under my button down shirts. I stocked up on button down shirts. Actually bought myself some pajamas_2 pairs. I still haven’t put a shirt on over my head. I did cook ahead. Slept in bed, avoided the L side. 1/2 pain pill helped me get 5 hours a night. Hope this is helpful. Sending you all my best wishes

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!

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!

Great suggestions and tips! Here's one more.
Many (but not all) full-zip fleece jackets and sweatshirts have pockets on the inside that form the exterior pocket. You may have one in your closet. If so, you can put the drain bags inside of the interior pocket and skip the lanyard.

Thanks for these suggestions! I’m scheduled for a double mastectomy on 8/28. No reconstruction. I feel confident about deciding on this risk reducing surgery but my immediate family is not completely on board. Am wondering if others have experienced this situation.
I am 1 year post lumpectomy having had stage 1 lobular cancer. 3 weeks of radiation which I tolerated well. I’ve had a persistent seroma at incision site (9 aspirations, 2 attempts at external drains) so the next step would be surgery to remove the seroma. For peace of mind I’m opting for what my family feels is extreme surgery.
I appreciate having this forum!

Thanks for these suggestions! I’m scheduled for a double mastectomy on 8/28. No reconstruction. I feel confident about deciding on this risk reducing surgery but my immediate family is not completely on board. Am wondering if others have experienced this situation.
I am 1 year post lumpectomy having had stage 1 lobular cancer. 3 weeks of radiation which I tolerated well. I’ve had a persistent seroma at incision site (9 aspirations, 2 attempts at external drains) so the next step would be surgery to remove the seroma. For peace of mind I’m opting for what my family feels is extreme surgery.
I appreciate having this forum!

Thanks for these suggestions! I’m scheduled for a double mastectomy on 8/28. No reconstruction. I feel confident about deciding on this risk reducing surgery but my immediate family is not completely on board. Am wondering if others have experienced this situation.
I am 1 year post lumpectomy having had stage 1 lobular cancer. 3 weeks of radiation which I tolerated well. I’ve had a persistent seroma at incision site (9 aspirations, 2 attempts at external drains) so the next step would be surgery to remove the seroma. For peace of mind I’m opting for what my family feels is extreme surgery.
I appreciate having this forum!

Thanks for these suggestions! I’m scheduled for a double mastectomy on 8/28. No reconstruction. I feel confident about deciding on this risk reducing surgery but my immediate family is not completely on board. Am wondering if others have experienced this situation.
I am 1 year post lumpectomy having had stage 1 lobular cancer. 3 weeks of radiation which I tolerated well. I’ve had a persistent seroma at incision site (9 aspirations, 2 attempts at external drains) so the next step would be surgery to remove the seroma. For peace of mind I’m opting for what my family feels is extreme surgery.
I appreciate having this forum!