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.
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!
- 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.
- Lip Balm-Chapped lips is another side effect from surgery, so a good lip balm is a must.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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!
- Bendable Straws-She will need to stay hydrated, and these will help her drink liquids while resting in bed.
- 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!
- 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!
- 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!
- 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.
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!
Thanks, Carrie. I’m so glad you found this helpful. Your friend will be in my prayers next week!
This is wonderful! I have a friend who is preparing for surgery. This is just what she needs.
Oh, that just warms my heart to know that you found this post useful. My prayers go out to your friend awaiting surgery!
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
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.
I found the Boppy pillow that I used for breastfeeding very useful (ironically enough LOL).
That’s good to know! Thanks, Emily!
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.
Hi, Jessica, I’ve been there. I’m so glad you found this list useful! Hugs to you and your mom today!! XOXO
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!
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!
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!
That’s a great tip too, Mindy. I’m glad you liked this post and thank you so much for the added tip! 🙂
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
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!
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?
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
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
Missy, I’m so thankful you found this post to help your friend. I hope you does well with the surgery!
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
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.