Start Tour
presents
End Tour
Procedure primer:
Preparing for a mastectomy
Pack a hospital bag
Consider postsurgery
aesthetic goals
Preparing for
a mastectomy
Procedure primer:
Prepare for home recovery
Packing a bag of comfort items can help make this time less stressful. Some items to consider packing include:
2
1
2
1
2
1
It can also be helpful to set up a comfy chair
or recliner to sleep in, which some people find
helps with pain.
Stocking items nearby, such as books, movies,
or a journal, can provide entertainment and
promote relaxation.
2
1
It may take weeks or months to recover after
a mastectomy. Most of this takes place at home, so preparing the space ahead of time can help make the process easier. This may look like:
2
1
The Susan G. Komen website also lists organizations that can help with financial, transportation, and child or elder care assistance.
Friends and family may also be able to help,
such as by setting up a meal train.
2
1
Financial and logistical challenges may arise related to surgery and recovery. Programs are available to help people with breast cancer overcome these challenges and get the care
they need.
Some hospitals and clinics have dedicated teams to help people navigate available resources.
Explore resources for assistance
The exact type of procedure will inform the length of the hospital stay. For example, after a mastectomy without reconstruction, some people may be able to go home the same day.
Others who undergo reconstruction may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to a week.
Breast removal can be an emotional experience, and difficulties with body image after surgery
are common.
A surgeon can take steps during the procedure
to preserve or achieve a person’s aesthetic goals after mastectomy. Some people with small tumors may be able to have a nipple-sparing mastectomy, in which the nipple and areola are left intact.
Or, sometimes, breast reconstruction surgery
can occur at the same time as a mastectomy.
slip-on shoes or slippers
comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that buttons or zips up at the front
a phone charger
snacks
a book or journal
preparing freezer meals or setting up a meal train
moving things to easy-to-reach places
having comfortable clothes washed and clean
stocking up on dry shampoo and shower wipes
