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How to Prepare For Your Mastectomy – 12 Tips

How to Prepare For Your Mastectomy – 12 Tips

How to prepare for your mastectomy — 12 tips.

It’s been over a decade since my bilateral mastectomy. It still sometimes feels like a bad dream, and seeing my own reflection in the mirror sometimes still startles me and always reminds me. Before my bilateral I felt very unprepared.

How does a woman prepare for a mastectomy anyway?

Is it even possible to prepare for such a thing?

Well, yes and no.

As with most things, even the awful stuff, it’s sometimes helpful to get the advice and perspectives from someone who’s been there.

Despite the fact that this type of surgery is becoming more commonplace, it is major surgery and this fact should never be downplayed.

When a hospital chaplain popped into my room before my bilateral and asked Dear Hubby and me if we would like a prayer said, the seriousness of the situation hit home. Interestingly, no chaplain showed up for any of my other surgeries.

Before my bilateral, I sometimes found it difficult to keep my imagination in check. Following my surgery, I was somewhat pleasantly surprised, huge emphasis on the somewhat. I had expected things to look worse. That’s something we women are pretty darn good at doing, imaging the worst, so try not to do that. This is easier said than done I know.

Keep in mind my tips are for the individual who has already made the decision to have a mastectomy of any kind and due to any reason, prophylactic or otherwise. This list is certainly not all inclusive, but I’m hoping these tips help a little. Sometimes a little turns out to be a lot.

How to Prepare for Your Mastectomy – 12 Tips

1.  Once you’ve made the decision to have a mastectomy, you might next be asked to consider reconstruction options.

No woman should ever feel pressured to choose reconstruction. Some women choose it. Some do not. Some wait a while. Never choose it unless it’s something YOU truly want to do. This is about you.

 2.  If you do choose reconstruction, be sure to research ALL options.

Do not choose based on what the plastic surgeon sitting in front of you has experience doing. Your needs might be best met elsewhere. Get a second opinion if at all possible. And of course, ask questions over and over until you understand things as much as possible.

 3.  Allow yourself time to grieve for your breasts.

And yes, we can and do grieve for body parts we must give up, including breasts. Parting with them is a huge deal not only physically, but emotionally as well. So go ahead; cry, scream. Repeat. Also, recognize this grieving doesn’t necessarily have an end date either. You might need to revisit grief from time to time, and this is okay.

  4.  Stock your freezer and your pantry.

No need to say more, right?

 5.  Clean your house before hand if you can and feel up to it.

If cleaning your whole house feels too daunting, clean most thoroughly the rooms you will be resting/sleeping in most of the time. This way you won’t be as annoyed about all those dust bunnies and such while trying to rest.

 6.  Buy yourself an undergarment with pockets specially made to hold the infamous drain tubes.

A prescription might be in order if you wish to have your insurance cover the cost, so be sure to ask for one. These garments are expensive, but well worth it. If you can sew (I cannot), you can possibly create your own.

For another option to manage the dreaded drains, you might want to read:  The Prody™ Drainage Bulb Holder II – the best solution for dealing with those dreaded post-surgery JP drains!

 7.  Pillow. Pillows. Pillows! Shop for a comfortable pillow as you’ll probably be sleeping on your back for quite some time.

I splurged and bought a really pricey one (for my main sleeping pillow); well, compared to what I was used to it was pricey. Having extra pillows on hand to support your arms/legs/whatever can help make you more comfortable.

So, check your pillow supply.

 8.  While we’re on the topic of sleep, pick out an alternative spot where you think you might feel comfortable sleeping as your own bed might not work for a while.

I slept on my blue, leather sofa for weeks. And be prepared to give up your used-to-be favorite sleeping position, maybe even for good. My favorite sleeping position used to be on my stomach. Sadly, nights sleeping in that position are over. For good. (But that’s me.)

 9.  When shopping, pick up some button-down pjs plus, a few blouses/tops that will make getting dressed and undressed easier for a while. If you prefer over-the-head tops, be sure to have some extra roomy ones on hand.

Also, some packaged cleansing towelettes are nice, especially the ones you can warm up in your microwave before using. Often, no showering is allowed for the first week or two. Having some dry shampoo on hand is a good idea too.

10.  Take photos of your original breasts.

This is one thing I regret not doing. It’s nice to have a photo to look at later on just in case you might wish to. It helps with the grieving process.

Also, on a practical note, a photo can help you pick out the best positioning for nipples and later on the best color for tattooing if you choose to do either of these things.

My plastic surgeon took before and after photos, but so far I haven’t asked for them. Maybe someday I will. It’s just easier to take your own.

11.  Obviously,  your body image is going to be drastically altered, so open communication is an absolute must.

Communicate your true feelings/fears to your partner if you have one, but first admit them to yourself. Consider keeping a journal where you can really let it all out.

12.  Seek professional help if you think you need extra support and guidance.

Online support from others who’ve been there is wonderful as well and is readily available.

It’s worth saying again, this is major surgery. The impact of it all probably won’t hit until sometime after it’s all over.

Remember physical healing takes time. Emotional healing takes even longer. Sometimes a lot longer.

So be kind, patient, and gentle with yourself.

You deserve nothing less, especially now.

Finally, remember we all do what we must, and you will too.

You can do this! 

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Do you have tips to share about preparing for a mastectomy?

If your partner has had breast surgery of any kind, do you have tips that might help other partners?

If you are facing a mastectomy soon, what do you want to know?

 

How to Prepare for Your Mastectomy - 12 Tips #breastcancer #mastectomy #bilateralmastectomy #surgery #womenshealth

Read more about my experience having a bilateral mastectomy (and a whole lot more) in my memoir, Cancer Was Not a Gift & It Didn’t Make Me a Better Person.

Note from Nancy: I wrote about cancer language, cancer worry, survivor guilt, loss, pet grief, COVID-19, DIEP flap surgery, life as an introvert, aging, resiliency, and more in EMERGING. Available at Amazon and most other online booksellers. Click on the image to learn more.

Melissa

Saturday 7th of October 2023

I am having a double mastectomy. I have already gotten a lumpectomy and full hysterectomy due to getting cancer. My old doctors were really pushing me to get a mastectomy done and I just walked out of chemotherapy and ended up surviving. Now that I am ready to get this taken care of, I', very scared and refuse to do it without having breast reconstruction done afterwords. I want to keep my nipples, dont want scares all over my breasts and want implants. Is this possible? I'm from Alaska and don't even know where to find a good doctor to do these procedures all in one. I'm a student and single mother of two girls with no help. I've always wanted breast implants ever since I was very young. For some reason, I just always had it in my head that I would get breast cancer so I always thought that if I had breast implants, I would have nice large boobs and wouldn't have to worry about breast cancer. After having cancer, I'm scared out of my wits to have to go through it again being BRCA1 gene positive. Are there resources to help me get breast reconstruction and/or breast implants. I am covered through native health, Medicaid, and have Blue Cross BlueShield. I feel this isn't enough to have my breasts to where I want them to be. Please help me find the funding and a really good doctor. Closest to Alaska is preferable. Please help me. I dont even know where to begin.

Nancy

Tuesday 24th of October 2023

Melissa, First of all, I'm so sorry you're going through all this. Your fear about what's next regarding a double mastectomy and reconstruction is very understandable and normal. I'm not sure if keeping your nipples is an option. My doctors said no due to the brca2 mutation. Things might be different for you. I would say that breast implants are certainly an option, but I'd encourage you to learn about all your options. Your doctor should be able to direct you to plastic surgeons closest to you. Hopefully, the insurance you have will cover the costs. It should. Be sure to get this clarified before making decisions. Here is a link from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to use as a starting place for finding a surgeon near you. https://find.plasticsurgery.org/#:~:text=The%20Connect%20program%20of%20the,highly%20trained%20in%20plastic%20surgery. My best to you as you proceed.

Ellen

Wednesday 28th of June 2023

#10 (photos) was a huge “nah” for me.

And for my second single mastectomy, which followed a lumpectomy/lymph node removal and a first single mastectomy, I didn’t do a huge house clean or meal prep. My husband worked off some anxiety/nervous energy taking care of me. Similar to when he was facing major surgery and didn’t insist on an immaculate house with lots of meals in the freezer.

Also, 2 safety pins were all I used for drain management all three times - the drains have loops so just pin them to your top.

Nancy

Tuesday 11th of July 2023

Ellen, I'm glad you don't regret #10. I sure do. As for an immaculate house - mine never has been and never will be that! ha. But I do think a little pre-surgery cleaning or organizing is helpful for some of us. Our caretakers might not mind taking care of us, but having some meals ready and a few things in order is helpful for them too, or at least it was at my house. And yes, safety pins work fine for many. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic. Hope you're doing well.

María Frederick

Wednesday 28th of June 2023

I live in the US and with the help of friends who had experience, I was well prepared (physically). The emotional is another story.

I would add or emphasize: 1) A recliner with a pregnancy pillow were my best friends. This was my bed for weeks as getting out of bed was horrible. 2) Wedge pillow now best friend. 3) Place things you will need at arms length where you don’t need to reach up for. 4) Wash your hair and shave prior to surgery cause it will be awhile. Lastly, ask for HELP!!

Nancy

Tuesday 11th of July 2023

Maria, Those are all excellent tips. Thank you. A lot of women swear by a recliner, but I didn't have one and managed quite well on the sofa after my bilateral. Following my explant and DIEP surgeries, I did have a recliner, and it was really nice. I never had any special pillows, but you don't miss what you've never had, right? Agree about keeping things you'll want handy. And about washing your hair. Although, following my DIEP surgery, I was allowed to shower right away. I wonder if things have changed on this following mastectomies as well. And ask for help - yes, yes, and yes! Thanks again for sharing.

Monica

Tuesday 8th of June 2021

I found a website that helped me a lot. Breastcancer.org. I also wasnt on the "Express Train" for my "Journey". Seems I was on the "Scenic Route" LOL! It took me almost 3 years til I was finished and got my Squishies.

One thing before surgery, if you have trouble using yourlegs, (i had very bad knees, and had planned on a long needed knee replacement when my cancer was found)try to practice getting out of your chair without using your arms. You are not supposed to use your arms to pull after surgery, so its a struggle. For the weeks I was on heavy pain pills, I found a cushioned dining chair was the most comfortable seat I could get up and out of by myself. Also, count me in as a recliner sleeper! I was always a side sleeper, but ut was a long time before I could go back to it. To those going through it now, many hugs, and fast healing, and a ride on the Express Train to wellness!

Nancy

Monday 14th of June 2021

Monica, Breastcancer.org was the fist website I turned to when my mother was diagnosed and then when I was as well. Your tip about working on getting your legs stronger before surgery is a really good one. I worked on this before my recent DIEP surgery and I think it really made a difference. And yes, sleeping in a recliner is something many recommend. Thank you for sharing your tip!

Carolina

Monday 3rd of December 2018

Thank you for writing this, Nancy ❤️ Thank you ❤️

Nancy

Tuesday 4th of December 2018

Carolina, You're very welcome.