Many women ask what the essentials are and what to have for recovery at home after breast reconstruction. Women share tips frequently. I would like to provide some of my favorite items and preparation combined with suggestions from others.
The Recovery Care Basket after Breast Reconstruction
This has to be at the top of my list. A dear friend of mine suggested it after she had her reconstruction. You will have a recovery spot the first week or two after you are home. It may be your recliner or favorite oversize chair with ottoman, as was the case for me. Find a large, pretty basket or storage bin to hold the following items. Just make sure they are within an easy arm’s length reach beside your chair, so you do not have to bend over.
- Hand cleanser or wipes
- Bottled water or your favorite water bottle
- Eye covers for resting
- Healthy snack options that might include fresh fruit, nutrition bars, pudding, nuts, dried fruit
- Lotion and lip balm
- Back scratcher for reaching
- Alcohol wipes to strip drains
- Moistened facial cleansers
- Earbuds and phone charger
- Favorite magazines and books
- Writing tablet with pen
- Your favorite cozy, warm, blanket and pillow
- TV remote
- Tablet like your iPad or Kindle
Food Preparation to Have Ready after Breast Reconstruction
With so many available choices to order out, have friends and family, or church members who offer to help out get you gift cards for grocery delivery, curb side pickup, or dining delivery. Make sure you are choosing foods high in protein to help with healing after surgery. You can always spend a few days prior to surgery preparing and freezing some healthy foods. This is very beneficial for those who are single and might be recovering with a nursing service coming to check on you during the day.
Prepare Your Closet for your Return Home from Breast Reconstruction
The best tip I ever got was to put all my clothes at arms height for easy access. Find all the button up shirts and loose-fitting pants you have. Find some pretty scarves to wear out if you want to hide the surgical garments or possible drains you may come home with.
Prepare the Refrigerator and Pantry!
Do not forget to stock the refrigerator with items that are easy to reach. This might include milk, some protein drinks like Ensure, baked or grilled chicken to snack on. I found my appetite was decreased after surgery so a protein drink daily and some healthy protein choices like chicken or eggs were great to have at arms reach in the fridge.
Above all, have some fresh veggies like carrot sticks, sliced cucumbers, sweet red peppers or whatever your favorite raw vegetable is ready in containers. The same holds true for some fresh fruit. This could be a job for someone to do the day you get home. This will help keep your system going and avoid constipation. Have simple soups and the pan to cook them in at arm’s reach in the pantry and the pot on the counter so you do not have to bend, lift, or twist.
Please let me know what you would add to this list! I love new ideas to share with others for what to have ready at home after breast reconstruction.
Thank you Terri, as much as I read everyone’s post, you don’t remember what to prepare until your date is in front of you. I appreciate the reminders!
Hi Wendy. You are very welcome. I’m looking forward to what others add to the list and you can add it to yours. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery! ~Terri