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Holidays and Important Causes Life

10 Essential Items to Include in a Mastectomy Care Kit


Do you know someone facing an upcoming mastectomy, and you’re not sure what you should do for them? Today I’m sharing a great idea…a Mastectomy Care Kit! This practical gift packed with items to help them after surgery will show them just how much you care. Let me share with you the 10 essential items you should include in your kit. This post contains some affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Check out the 10 Essential Items to Include in a Mastectomy Care Kit at Sparkles of Sunshine.

When my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, her surgeon immediately scheduled her for a mastectomy. She had less than three weeks to get prepared for surgery, which flew by very quickly. It was hard for her to get everything she needed while she was going to doctor appointments, talking with the insurance company, getting the house in order, etc., all while coming to terms with her diagnosis.  I wanted to give her something special that would help her through her surgery and recovery, so I decided to make her a Mastectomy Care Kit.  I bought a bright pink bag, did some research online, and stuffed the bag with some items I purchased.  These items were very useful to her, so I thought I would share this list of 10 items with you today.  I hope this will assist you in helping someone else who is scheduled for a mastectomy.  Ready for the list?  Here goes!

  1. Throat Drops-During surgery, a tube is inserted down the throat for anesthesia.  This can make the throat dry and sore, and throat drops can really help soothe the irritation.  These Luden’s Wild Cherry Sugar Free Throat Drops worked great.
  2. Lip Balm-Chapped lips is another side effect from surgery, so a good lip balm is a must.
  3. Cleansing Wipes-It will be awhile before she can take a shower, and cleansing wipes can help her feel clean and fresh during this time.  These Yes to Coconut Cleansing Wipes are a great option and smell so good!
  4. Dry Shampoo-Since showering is off limits for awhile, dry shampoo can really help her feel cleaner. I’ve tried many brands, but Suave Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo is still my favorite.
  5. Neck Pillow-She may have to sleep on her back or sitting up for awhile, and a neck pillow will support her neck and prevent any neck pain. This neck pillow is super cute, and comes in many different colors!
  6. Bendable Straws-She will need to stay hydrated, and these will help her drink liquids while resting in bed.
  7. Slipper Socks-These will come in handy in the hospital, keeping her feet warm and keeping her from slipping while walking on the bare floors.  She’ll enjoy these at home, too!
  8. Button up Shirts-Button up shirts will be needed since she may have trouble lifting her arms above her head after surgery.  This will help her get dressed much easier.  You can also buy stretchable tanks/tees that can be stepped into and slipped up the body.  I found my mom some great stretchable tanks at Kmart on clearance that worked like a charm!
  9. Small pillows that fit under the arm-Small pillows are a must have item, to help prop up the arms to relieve pain and discomfort.  We were very fortunate that a wonderful group of ladies in our area make and donate special pillows for this purpose to the hospital to be given to breast cancer patients.  These were a huge blessing to her!
  10. Magazines/Books-Like any surgery, there will be a period of recovery time and she’ll need to rest.  Magazines and books are a great way to help pass time as she recovers.

Do you know someone facing mastectomy surgery?  Why not show your support by making a care package of your own for her?  Do you know of any additional items that could be included?  If so, be sure to let me know by leaving a comment.  Remember that although these 10 items will definitely help her during her surgery and recovery, it’s your love and prayers that will matter the most to her.

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31 Comments

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Comments

  1. Carrie This Home says

    February 6, 2015 at 08:50

    I have a friend who is facing mestectomy surgery next week. This list is so helpful! Being able to do something practical for her is So important. And yes I totally agree that praying for them is the most important thing of all!

    Reply
    • Christie Selken says

      February 6, 2015 at 09:17

      Thanks, Carrie. I’m so glad you found this helpful. Your friend will be in my prayers next week!

      Reply
  2. The Fundamental Mom says

    December 31, 2015 at 15:45

    This is wonderful! I have a friend who is preparing for surgery. This is just what she needs.

    Reply
    • Christie Selken says

      December 31, 2015 at 17:46

      Oh, that just warms my heart to know that you found this post useful. My prayers go out to your friend awaiting surgery!

      Reply
  3. Suzie says

    January 7, 2016 at 00:59

    My sister will be flying from Boise ID to Chicago this Monday for her surgery. This is great to help her when we can’t be there with her. Is the donut pillow a horse shoe shape or like a circle pillow?
    Thanks Suzie

    Reply
    • Christie Selken says

      January 7, 2016 at 16:33

      It’s a pillow in a circle shape but with a hole in the middle. It wraps around the neck to offer support. I pray your sister’s surgery goes well. Thanks so much for stopping by, Suzie.

      Reply
    • Emily says

      February 16, 2018 at 15:58

      I found the Boppy pillow that I used for breastfeeding very useful (ironically enough LOL).

      Reply
      • Christie Selken says

        February 17, 2018 at 10:37

        That’s good to know! Thanks, Emily!

        Reply
  4. jessica says

    April 9, 2016 at 07:14

    Thank you for this list, I am in a similar situation, we just found out about my mom’s cancer, and her masectomoy is in 2 weeks. I feel so helpless right now, and I think this is just the thing. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Christie Selken says

      April 11, 2016 at 14:45

      Hi, Jessica, I’ve been there. I’m so glad you found this list useful! Hugs to you and your mom today!! XOXO

      Reply
  5. mikel Bechtold says

    May 9, 2016 at 20:15

    My mom’s surgery for her mastectomy is Tuesday. I ordered a bunch of her favorite old movies on dvd and was searching for other things to include in a goodie bag for her. Thanks for your list!

    Reply
    • Christie Selken says

      May 10, 2016 at 16:44

      My prayers are with both you and your mother. I’m so glad you found this list useful to put together a goodie bag for your mom!

      Reply
  6. Mindy says

    May 20, 2016 at 05:10

    I used to work on a post surgical floor caring for the breast patients! This is such a great list. One thing that I always suggest is a zip up sweatshirt with pockets so there are also pockets on the inside of the sweater! This works duel purposes to hold those drains up so they don’t dangle and the zip so they don’t lift their arms. Thanks for posting this!

    Reply
    • Christie Selken says

      May 20, 2016 at 08:51

      That’s a great tip too, Mindy. I’m glad you liked this post and thank you so much for the added tip! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Shannon says

    September 10, 2016 at 20:20

    Thank you so much. I am a 41 yro female battling breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. My surgery is scheduled for mid-Oct with continued chemotherapy following the surgery. I appreciate you and the time you took. This is very helpful.
    Sincerely,
    Shannon

    Reply
    • Christie Selken says

      September 11, 2016 at 09:13

      Shannon, I am so sorry you have this battle to fight, but you will get through it. I am both humbled and grateful that you found my post helpful. I’m saying a prayer for you now!

      Reply
  8. Dina says

    October 13, 2016 at 18:55

    I’m a two time survivor of breast cancer. The first time I had a lumpectomy but it came back so I just did my last chemo treatment and now I’m getting ready for a double mastectomy in a view weeks, so this was such a great way for me to prepare. I’ve always wanted to talk to someone about what kinds of things that I’m going to need such as bras. Any advice for that?

    Reply
    • Christie Selken says

      October 14, 2016 at 21:49

      Hi Dina,

      I’m so sorry you’ve had to battle breast cancer twice now, but you have definitely earned the title of survivor! There are shops that specialize in bras for women that have had a mastectomy. I went to one with my mother and it was a very pleasant experience. They know exactly how to measure for a proper fit and can talk to you about the types they have available. They even handled filing the insurance for my mom. I would search online for a shop near you, or perhaps your doctor could refer you to a shop. I hope this helps.

      Prayers for you and your upcoming surgery!
      Christie

      Reply
  9. Missy says

    December 30, 2016 at 23:24

    So glad for this list my best friend is going in for a double mastectomy next Friday I want to do what ever I am to make her comfortable

    Reply
    • Christie Selken says

      January 3, 2017 at 10:10

      Missy, I’m so thankful you found this post to help your friend. I hope you does well with the surgery!

      Reply
  10. LaShon says

    October 14, 2017 at 03:01

    Christie, thank you so much for taking the time to post this. Although you published this years ago it is still helping people today. My 45 year old mother just got diagnosed and is going in for her mastectomy on Monday. I felt very under-prepared and had no clue on practical items for recovery. Finding this article and reading all the amazing comments have given me clarity in this rather ill situation. I hope all is well, thanks again. -Shonny

    Reply
    • Christie Selken says

      October 17, 2017 at 18:01

      Oh, thank you LaShon, for your sweet comment. This is why I do what I do and I’m so thankful you found this article helpful. Saying prayers for you and your mother as you fight this diagnosis! XOXO

      Reply
  11. Susan Masters says

    December 26, 2017 at 07:24

    I have recently had a mastectomy and your list is great, I’m sure your Mom appreciated your care.I was given a soft bag for my drain. It could be worn over the shoulder or tied around my waist. The bag was 12 inches by 10. You feel so clumsy after the surgery if your drain is safe you have two fr hands . I made some for the breast care nurse who provided mine adding a pocket on the outside for my phone and change . It made me feel more confident when going out and about , the drain stayed in for several weeks . You might need a larger bag for those ladies who have a bilateral mastectomy.
    Best wishes.

    Reply
  12. Mildred says

    April 4, 2018 at 19:36

    So glad I read this post. I have a friend having surgery next week. She is always so thoughtful when others are going through things…this is just the thing for her to let her know how much we care about what she’s going through. Thanks.

    Reply
  13. Miss G says

    January 17, 2019 at 21:28

    Thank you so much for this list, my friend is having her surgery in a few days and this list was so helpful!!

    Reply
  14. Jessica says

    March 22, 2019 at 20:24

    I had a profylactic double mastectomy two years ago and this list is great. The only thing I would add is two lanyards. They become handy to hold the drains when you are able to shower!!

    Reply
  15. Sharon says

    May 15, 2019 at 17:11

    Christie, I am currently recovering from a mastectomy on my right side. The one thing I didn’t see coming was that my skin is sore and extra sensitive to anything touching it. I finally stood looking at my medicine closet thinking there must be something in there that would help. I found an aloe based sunburn gel with lidocaine in it. It worked wonderfully and gave me some relief. My friend is facing a double mastectomy in July and I’m planning a recovery kit for her. I will use some of your suggestions here and include a bottle of the sunburn gel. Thanks for taking the time to post this list. I’m sure it’s helping more people than you could imagine!

    Reply
  16. Brenda says

    September 10, 2019 at 21:39

    Thank you for this list. My dear friend is about to have a double mastectomy and I wanted to fix her a gift bag with these type of things. I would also like to make her a bag or vest with pockets for her drains. I am also about to start chemo and she has been so good to fix me up with a bag full of helpful items, that I want to do the same for her.
    I will be making the pillows for sure!

    Reply
  17. Florence says

    September 13, 2019 at 23:16

    So grateful to have found your blog. My youngest sister was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and under went a double mastectomy this week. She lives in another city and is adamant that I not come to help her with her recovery. I wanted to send a care package of items she could use. You provided many great ideas. Thank you.

    Reply
  18. Kathleen says

    April 1, 2020 at 22:31

    I had my surgery on Feb. 18, 2020. The breast cancer pillow the volunteers made me is my most valued possessions still as I am going through radiation and am still using it. Please remember the person in your prayers and also be sending a card or email a month or two months after the event and just check on how they are doing. It is overwhelming while it is happening and then lonely while you are taking treatment and cannot be around people or germs.

    Reply
  19. Janice says

    July 29, 2020 at 00:38

    I had a lumpectomy 19 years ago then in April of this year I had a mastectomy and lobectomy (lung cancer also) . My neighbor made a heart shaped pillow. It fits really nice under my arm. She also made a beautiful breast cancer lap quilt.

    Reply

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Hi! I’m Christie...Jesus follower, wife, pet lover, avid crafter and DIY addict. I believe in spending time doing whatever brings sunshine into your life. Welcome to my blog where you will find inspirational tips for DIY projects, crafts, recipes, organizing, household tips and much more. Let’s create some sunshine for your life! Read More…

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