Breast Cancer Surgery Essentials: What to Pack for a Mastectomy
Undergoing breast cancer surgery can feel overwhelming. After having three surgeries myself—a mastectomy, an emergency repair surgery, and a final implant exchange—I learned firsthand what truly matters when packing for the hospital and preparing for recovery. Many incredible women shared their advice with me, and now I’m passing on what I found invaluable to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Hospital Bag Must-Haves (You’ll Likely Be Discharged Within 24 Hours)
✔ Clothing: A soft, button-down dress or shirt (season-dependent; a dress works well over drains)
✔ Going-home essentials: A baseball hat (to cover unwashed hair), easy slip-on sneakers or Birkenstocks
✔ Toiletries:
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Chapstick (hospitals are dry!)
- Face wipes (helpful if washing isn’t an option)
- Phone charger & extra battery pack
❌ Skip: Deodorant (you likely won’t shower for two weeks with drains in)
At-Home Comfort Must-Haves for Immediately After Surgery
✔ Soft, button-down pajamas & tops (Amazon & Target have great options)
✔ Satin pillowcases (gentle on sensitive skin and hair)
✔ Breast pillow (essential for protection while sitting or riding in the car)
✔ Hospital chair or recliner(you won’t be able to lie on your side for a while, and this makes sitting and getting up easier) or a Wedge Pillow
✔ Grabber tool(bending and reaching are tough post-surgery)
✔ Laxatives or stool softeners (pain meds can slow digestion—trust me, you’ll want these!)
Post-Surgery Bra Recommendations
I was advised to wear bras 24 hours a day for the best recovery support.
Masthead – The Pink One: Perfect for the first two weeks with drain holders (so fortunate that the hospital provided these!)
Marena: Great support & compression for larger sizes during the next few months post-surgery.
Ana Ono: Soft, ideal for post-healing & sensitive skin. My favorites:
- Leslie Leisure Bra – Great for sleeping
- Niya Pullover Lounge Bra – Comfortable around the house
- Trish Molded Cup – Supportive for going out and feeling “normal” again
Self-Care & Confidence Boosters
✔ Professional wash & blowouts (not washing for weeks can be tough, but this helps you feel refreshed)
✔ A sense of humor & self-love (the most essential items of all!)
