Mighty Well
  • Shop
  • Learn
  • Journal
  • Join Us
  • Who We Are

Mighty Well

  • Shop
  • Learn
  • Journal
  • Join Us
  • Who We Are
Chronic IllnessTreatment and Care

Returning Home After a Mastectomy: Five Tips & Tricks

by Allie Cashel October 10, 2019
written by Allie Cashel
Returning Home After a Mastectomy: Five Tips & Tricks

About 1 in 8 women will be impacted by breast cancer in her lifetime and mastectomy surgeries are on the rise as part of standard treatment for those impacted by this disease. Women are strong fighters, but returning home after a breast cancer diagnosis and major surgery can be nerve wracking and challenging for even the strongest of us.

If you, or someone you love, has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and scheduled a mastectomy, take a look at these five tips and tricks for a smooth transition home after the surgery.

1. Prep for recovery before you leave for the hospital.

Before your surgery, make sure you get your home prepped for your return. Set yourself up with clean sheets, find a comfortable place to lay down or sit next to a nice window and decide what show you are going to dive into as you recover. The more you have planned and prepped, the more prepared you will be.

On your first day home, it will be helpful to have bottled water, medications and snacks readily accessible from your bed or couch because you probably will not want to get up and maneuver. Ask a friend or loved one to leave a collection of snacks and drinks within easy reach each morning so that you don’t need to worry about anything other than recovering and regaining your strength.

2. Enlist your army of Friends in the Fight.

You should not face this recovery process alone. Before your surgery, make a list and schedule of friends and loved ones who can be with you in the days following your surgery. Recovery from a mastectomy normally takes a few weeks, so it is helpful to plan ahead and ask for help on things like meal prep, cleaning and childcare. Don’t take on more than you are ready for and make sure you have a group of people ready to step up to the plate in your time of need.

Friends and loved ones can also be a huge help in the beginning to remind you to take the right medications at the right time. Staying ahead on pain management will is the key to easing your transition back home.

3. Do your exercises, and start on day one!

After a mastectomy, your doctor will write down a series of arm exercises for you to do each day to help build your strength back. These can feel easy to skip, but you will get stronger faster if you follow your doctors exercise routine down the very detail as soon as you get home. These will also help manage pain, prevent stiffness and maintain flexibility.

4. Make sure you have the clothes and supplies you need.

A large part of your recovery will likely be caring for the bandage, surgical drain, stitches and staples. Before your surgery, get a sense from your doctor and surgeon what will be expected of you for this post-op care when you return home. Sometimes, surgical drains stay inserted until the first follow-up visit with the doctor (usually 1-2 weeks after surgery), but most of the time people change their own surgical bandage before the first visit back to the hospital.

Bring a trusted loved one with you to learn how to properly complete these procedures and for moral support throughout this process. Also, be sure you bring home all of the supplies given to you at the hospital.

If you do have surgical drains and bandages when you get home, you’ll want to make sure you have the right clothes that are comfortable, stable and hold the drains in a discrete way. Luckily, our Mighty Wrap was created just for that purpose!

I loved the fabric, cut and drape of the wrap before my surgery, and post-surgery it was a great way to give me a beautiful shape with roomy coverage over my bandages. This is a perfect gift for anyone preparing for a surgery of any kind because it is well made and easy to put on when limited in your range of motion.

Elise, Breast Cancer Warrior

5. Expect to feel emotional.

A mastectomy is a major surgery, and one that is likely tied to your identity as a woman. It’s normal to feel emotional after a surgery like this, so allow yourself to feel grief for your loss and expect that some days will be easier than others. In the hardest of moments, try to remember that your strength brought you here and your strength will continue to carry you through your journey.

2
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Allie Cashel

previous post
Meet the Mighty Well Ambassadors: Womens Health Advocates
next post
Global Lyme Alliance 5th Annual Gala

You may also like

Show Your PICC Some Love: Top Tips for...

June 27, 2017

Avoid these 4 Types of Foods to Reduce...

August 16, 2021

Sick at School

September 2, 2021

Our 2020 Resolutions for Self-Love!

January 9, 2020

Infusion and Feed Capabilities – A Closer Look...

May 23, 2019

POTS and ME Awareness: A Surprising COVID-19 Outcome

January 6, 2021

The Difference a Dog Can Make When You’re...

February 1, 2017

Maintaining Healthy Relationships Despite Chronic Illness

October 16, 2018

What patients want to know to feel confident...

August 6, 2021

Trying out the Self Care Case – Your...

June 17, 2019

About Us

Hi, We're Mighty Well.

The mission of Mighty Well is to help patients and their caregivers turn sickness into strength. We are leading the global charge that changes the perception of patients from victims to fighters. We do this by improving the experience of being a patient. We create the products we wish we’d had: functional and stylish apparel and accessories that you can wear with confidence - and content that can help you get through the good times and the bad. It’s wellness you can wear.

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Instagram

No images found!
Try some other hashtag or username

Recent Posts

  • Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month

    June 22, 2022
  • Body Image and Mental Health in the Time of Covid

    June 16, 2022
  • Accessing Medical Supplies

    June 10, 2022
  • 4 Tips for Creating a Disability Inclusive Workplace

    June 3, 2022
  • Halsey Celebrates New Diagnoses

    May 26, 2022

Categories

  • Adaptive Wear
  • Chronic Illness
  • Featured
  • Friends in the Fight
  • General Wellness
  • Healthy Work Environments
  • Lyme Disease
  • Medical Devices
  • Mightier Together
  • Mighty Models
  • PICC Line
  • Popular Posts
  • Relationships and Support
  • The Undefeated
  • Treatment and Care
  • Uncategorized

Tags Cloud

Adulting Be Your Own Advocate blm Cancer Chronic Illness coronavirus coronoavirus covid-19 Daily Brain Fog Fix Diabetes Dysautonomia EDS feeding tube Feeding Tubes feeding tube supplies Gastroparesis holidays how does a feeding tube work immuno hoodie invisible illnesses Living Mighty Well Living With a PICC Living with a Port lyme disease MCAS Medications MedPlanner mental health Mental Illness mighty mask Mighty Pack mighty well mask Misdiagnosed neurodiversity New Years Organization Tips PICC PICC line cover PICCPerfect POTS Self-love self care case Support Systems TPN Tube Feeding

Our Story

Mighty Well - Founder - Emily Levy - Our Story

 

It all started with a cut off sock, a cute hockey player, and an 8 AM finance class. Oh, and a PICC Line. That moment inspired us to launch our first product, the PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover.

 

We know it stinks to feel defined by a diagnosis or feel like just a name on a doctor’s chart. Sounds like you? Read how our founder turned sickness into strength.

Recent Posts

  • Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month

    June 22, 2022
  • Body Image and Mental Health in the Time of Covid

    June 16, 2022
  • Accessing Medical Supplies

    June 10, 2022

Join the Fight

Mighty Well's Facebook Page

Find us on Instagram

mightywell_

One positive that came out of the pandemic was tha One positive that came out of the pandemic was that many of us were able to have flexible working arrangements. As more states lift restrictions, heading back to work after months of working from home can be a huge adjustment for so many of us. Allowing time in our schedules for commuting, brushing up on our social skills, and making sure to have access to our medical supplies are just a few things we need to prepare for.

📸 Mighty Well ambassador @ameliablackwater headed back to the classroom last week and is working on finding a happy balance of working, socializing, and finding time for herself. 

If you've returned to work, what was the hardest part about making the transition back? 
.
.

#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Autism #WFH #RemoteWork #Telecommute #MightyWellMask #Pandemic
Before you move forward always be sure to check th Before you move forward always be sure to check the price tag 💵
.
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Anxiety #Depression #PTSD
Life is full of uncertainties. But there will alwa Life is full of uncertainties. But there will always be a sunrise after every sunset 🌅

"The only certainty in life is uncertainty. I challenge you to embrace it. Even if it's just for a bit" ~@kali_rarerootedwarrior ☺️

Featuring: The Mighty Pack & Undefeated Hat
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Gastroparesis #EDS #MastCellDisease
We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In fact, we couldn't have said it better ourselves 🤗 Chronic illness is filled with ups and downs and everyday will look a little different. Know that you're doing your best even on the days that you are flaring, in pain or fatigued. Remember that we are here to support you on the good days, the bad days and all the ones in between 💚 
. 
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #ChronicFatigue #MultipleSclerosis #Lupus #SickleCellAnemia #Endometriosis #POTS
Going into a medical procedure is always a little Going into a medical procedure is always a little scary. The best way to minimize fear and anxiety is to go in as prepared as you can! If you are feeling nervous for an upcoming PICC line placement procedure, head to our latest blog (link in bio) for some confidence boosting tips so you can feel ready to go! 

📷 Friend in the Fight @zebrajemma loves her PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover. It keeps her PICC line in place without adhesives and is so comfortable 🤗
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #IVIG
You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened and  suddenly start talking and realize you don't know where the story is going...has this happened to anyone else lately 🙋‍♂️We've been there! Brain fog, perhaps the most universal aspect of illness, is exhausting. Cognitive disorders can be frustrating but take solace in knowing that you are not alone. We've all experienced that foggy feeling 🌫 and although it's not permanent, it can arrive quickly and definitely overstay its welcome. 

Looking for a little help getting the fog to lift? Our Brain Fog Fix Planner is more than just a reminder system. It includes space to track daily symptoms, hydration, thoughts and moments of gratitude amidst the daily challenges and is brought to you with input from our Friends in the Fight® Click the link in our bio to find out more. 
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #BrainFog #ChronicFatigue #CognitiveDisorder
We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first medical backpack designed by patients, for patients. Our backpack is perfect for wheelchair users, as it has multiple strap locations to allow for flexibility. Nobody needs to know that you are carrying or wearing your essential medical devices and supplies. As patients ourselves, this is a product that we wish we’d had! 💪💚 Best of all this can be purchased with most FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) Click on the photo to take a look inside the Mighty Pack. 

📹 We are all smiles over this video of Mighty Well ambassador @rebellious_story & her dog Sherlock 😍
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #Community #Health #Wellness #ButYouDontLookSick #InvisibleIllness #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #ChronicIllnessWarrior #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #LivingwithChronicIllness #Crohns #InfusionPump #MedicalBackpack #DiabeticLife #Gastroparesis #EnteralNutrition #Wheelchair #Tubefeeding #MedicalSupplies #TubeFed
The school year is quickly coming to a close and w The school year is quickly coming to a close and we wanted to send a Mighty shout out to all the students who worked so hard this year despite the challenges of COVID 🙌 We know that it was a challenging year with limited in-person learning, social distancing, and the requirement of face masks. We are so proud of all of you and you should be too! 💚

📸 Featuring The Mighty Well Mask
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Pandemic #HomeSchool #Graduation #SocialDistancing
I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disa I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disabled — because you can’t put a boundary on being yourself ~@thedisabledhippie
 
Happy Pride Month to all of our Friends in the Fight in the LBGTQIA+ community 🏳️‍🌈
.
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #Pride #LBGTQ #Transgender #LoveisLove #NonBinary #BiSexual #GayPride #Instalove
Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin

Mighty Well © 2018 All Rights Reserved


Back To Top