I would say if your not driving you can do it. Just get a pillow. I saw on Amazon this pillow that would prob work. Mastectomy Pillow - Post Surgery Pillow After Breast Cancer Surgery or Breast Reduction - Perfect Breast Cancer Gift https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EE84FZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_A3JQ42RNFTQH665FSCQ5
Recommendation: get a post-mastectomy pillow like this: https://www.amazon.com/Mastectomy-Pillow-Surgery-Reduction-Perfect/dp/B00EE84FZU/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?adgrpid=56091609516&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjKeB4cuf-wIVdebjBx33lAODEAAYASAAEgLfyvD_BwE&hvadid=617002305756&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9016852&hvne...
It was my best friend for at LEAST a month. It feels so much better to have something you can hug against your chest (including for sleeping). I genuinely cannot recommend anything more than this one item.
Also, of course, button down/zip up tops, and once you can’t use opioids- alternate between tylenol & Advil
I had two types of pillows that really helped. One big wedge pillow—I got a nice one on Amazon that was ~$85 but I still use it now bc I work in bed a lot! Also a friend gave me a type of mastectomy pillow that has two half-holes and that you hold against your chest. It’s sooo good for icing and heating pad and generally applying pressure.
Speaking of which, highly recommend getting a good ice pack that stays cold longer than 10 min. Got a grabby-thing and didn’t expect to use it much, but it was really helpful bc even stuff that is normally within reach is hard to get to when it hurts to move. Fanny pack for drains worked well for me. Idk if you partake but a full spectrum lotion or cream with CBD and at least some THC works really well for pain (I used it on my whole chest, not just incisions, so you can start pretty early on that).
For me, the mastectomy recovery wasn’t nearly as bad as what I anticipated from what I read online. Hopefully yours goes smoothly as well!
A few tips and suggestions….
Mastecomy bra - They will send you home in a bra but what kind and how comfy it is varies by doctor. I recommend the one they sent me home in - a Masthead Pink bra https://mastheadpink.com/product/elizabeth-surgical-bra/. It is a slicker/softer material, not hot to wear or sleep in, and was pretty comfortable. I requested an extra bra at the hospital and it was definitely was not the same. It was a thicker cotton material, hot to sleep in, and you could feel all the seams and stitching. I ended up buying an extra Masthead bra to have on hand. It was nice having a backup.
Apron alternative - I didn’t like having an apron for the drains, especially for sleeping. Your surgical bra may have loops to hook the drains on but it can make things look weird and bulky when going out on errands. With it being winter, a hoodie with the front “kangaroo” pouch/pockets worked well for holding the drains for me and made me feel more “back to normal.” Sweatpants with bigger front pockets also works for outings if your drain tubes are long like mine were.
Lanyard with hook - you can hook all your drains to it when showering.
Mastectomy pillow - I recommend this one. It’s thinner than most but soft, washable cover, and a small pocket for holding the tv remote or other small items. I still use mine even though I don’t need it anymore. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EE84FZU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Small organizer bag for keeping small things like chapstick and lotion close by. Something like this https://www.michaels.com/artists-loft-fundamentals-tote-bag/10159772.html?gbraid=0AAAAADkMxxf5ko_Y-6FEYmzEz_xe-aPPV&r=g&cm_mmc=PLASearch-<u>-google-</u>-MICH_Shopping_US_N_Art+Supplies_N_PMAX_BOPIS_N-<u>-&Kenshoo_ida=&kpid=go_cmp-18514199888_adg-_ad-</u>_dev-m_ext-_prd-10159772&gbraid=0AAAAADkMxxf5ko_Y-6FEYmzEz_xe-aPPV&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj8r2hbar-wIVRBvUAR35PAhaEAkYAyABEgJrbPD_BwE
If you have time and space, move items you will use often from high shelves lower so you can reach them. For example, move a few plates and cups from the cabinet to the kitchen counter so you don’t have to ask someone to get them down for you all the time.
Hello!!! Congrats on your surgery date!!
Prepare for a long post! Mastectomy pillow (amazing for sleeping and chilling u can rest ur phone on it): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EE84FZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PJKE73KFY88MG63F7G2Y?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Bed wedge: Great for staying elevated for the first few weeks while sleeping! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SG4B7F3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4SDGA07NQ8HYCTH7WC5A?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Lap desk: Great for doing stuff on your computer or doing art! Also great for eating in bed: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085JZ2SPX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_77ATPX7SB7MZ977J1B3W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Pregnancy pillow: Any one will do! I bought mine second hand for 10$. I’m 3wpo and i still use it!
Lastly: my list of other items that aren’t necessarily essential but definitely helped.
Hope this helps! congrats!