Sam's Story

I had a mastectomy with an implant at the same time. 

Before surgery I did plenty of research, how long to recover, when can I go back to work, what type of bra, how to sleep.

You can research everything, but everyone is different. 

So what I found helpful, some people might not, but there will be at least one thing that you will find helpful. 

Bra’s - you need to have a bra that zips up at the front, you can get them from Marks and Spencer’s I think, but I got mine at a really reasonable price from Amazon. 

What to wear after surgery- I found a button up the easiest for me.  Loose bottoms and then just a loose button up shirt. 

Pyjamas- For me I wore button up tops, anything that hasn’t got to go over your head

Drain bag- I think you get given a drain bag and also spare bottles in case you have to change. I actually bought my own drain bag from Etsy, I am not a bag person and if I was having to carry a drain around with me I wanted something I liked.  They have plenty of choice.

Comfort- Lots of pillows to sleep with, laying down flat was a no for me, I couldn’t pull myself up so plenty of pillows.  V pillows are very good and my sister also got me a mastectomy pillow , which was so nice. 

Sleeping- So I had a right sided Mastectomy and I changed the side of the bed I slept on so the right side was on the outside.  I also had some bed side drawers that were really good for putting my drain in at night. 

Rest - Plenty of rest, sleep when you can, do the exercise when you are meant to.