Must-Haves Before Surgery

Heal in Comfort Shirt & Shower Apron:

These are SO helpful after my surgery! They Velcro up the front and have pockets for my drains. Perfect! I wear the shirt to my doctor appointments and live in them the first month after the surgery. The apron and lanyard are so handy to have when taking a shower. Trust me, you don’t want to leave those drains hang'in…

https://www.healincomfort.com

Word to the Wise: Buy an extra shirt so you can wear one when the other one is in the wash.

Thank you to my bestie, Rosanna, who found it! 

Back Wedge:

Makes getting out of bed MUCH easier.

Seat Belt Pillow:

You want a pillow between the seat belt and your boobs because even though your chest is numb, they’re still tender. It can be very uncomfortable having the seat belt push against them.

http://www.amazon.com/Mastectomy-Lumpectomy-Pillow-Surgery-Breast/dp/B00JXLSI74

Underarm Pillows for Drains:

I stick these under my arms when I sleep. The drains are uncomfortable and the pillows keep my arms from rubbing up against them.

http://moonlightpillows.com

Ginger for Post-Surgery Nausea:

Ginger is a natural way to relieve post-surgery nausea. I have the nurse waft the essential oil under my nose. Drinking ginger tea also helps.

Help with Post-Surgery Constipation:

It can happen and it happened to me. Thanks to a lovely nurse, I learn a few tricks on how to deal with it in lieu of taking stool softeners. And guess what…They work!

  1. Stay super hydrated!! It helps soften the stools.

     2. Do NOT strain.

     3. Use a step stool to elevate your legs.
  4. Tilt your upper body back when you're on the toilet, not forward. 

     5. Drink a ¼ cup of WARM prune juice then get up and walk around the house.

     6. Eat fiber-rich foods. Oatmeal, whole-wheat pasta, and a green drink help me.

These things helped me and maybe they can help you, too. Let's face it, this walk with cancer is sometimes treacherous, so I'll take any little comfort I can to shelter me from the storm.