Breast Cancer Surgery & Mastectomy Recovery Tips For You Or Someone You Love

Mastectomy Recovery Tips

We have an amazing community and we love every opportunity we get to connect with people. As such, we were thrilled when one of the incredible women in our community reached out to us. After undergoing breast cancer surgery, she graciously shared some helpful tips inspired by her own mastectomy recovery. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we asked if she’d be willing to share a bit of her story here on the blog, as well as the resources she found most helpful. Thankfully she agreed and we’re so grateful! How amazing is it that as Noelle went through this most difficult and challenging time in her life, her instinct was to help others? Not only that, she was also willing to share her experience to support other women facing the same challenges. What an amazing woman!

You’ll find additional helpful breast cancer awareness tips for skin and style here and here.

Meet Noelle

In April of 2023, at the age of 53, Noelle Rumler had a mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer a second time. She visited our Busbee Style site searching for some outfits she could put together when she returned to work at a high school office. She said, “I feel like I am a different person, who has been through one of the hardest physical and emotional times of my life. I want to [wear] something to match the change on the inside.”

But through her journey she also realized that there weren’t a ton of resources for women to help them prepare for when they leave the hospital and while they recover in the weeks after surgery. She wished there had been a resource listing the items she’d need after breast cancer treatment or mastectomy, including the things it would be a good idea for her to have on hand before she returned home from the hospital. “It’s such an overwhelming and emotional time,” she explained.

Mastectomy Preparation

Noelle found herself spending a lot of time before her surgery researching what would be helpful in recovery. Post-op, she really grew to know and understand exactly what it is that women need after this type of surgery. She explained that women with breast cancer are dealing with so much already, and having a resource with must-have items would have been so helpful for her. So, she created her own list and offered to share it with us. She loved the idea of helping others who were in a similar situation as her. So, thank you, Noelle. Thank you for being inspired to share your resources with our community, and for thinking so selflessly in order to help others. We truly admire you, your vulnerability, and your immense strength!

Noelle is pictured in the collage above along with other Busbee community breast cancer survivors. We are so honored to support you this month… Ann, Noelle, Stephanie, Amit, and Jenny. We wish you continued health and healing!

Mastectomy Pre-Surgery Tips

Noelle’s top pre-surgery tips include:

• Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure pre-surgery. You’re probably going to feel tired and not have much energy to do a lot of things for yourself, especially the first 5 days after surgery.
• Have thank you cards on hand. She says you will receive gifts and meals. Once you are feeling better, you’ll be glad to have these at the ready.
• Bring GasX tablets to the hospital. The gas pain combined with the surgery pain is extremely uncomfortable. So, it’s better to have these from the get-go.
• If you are a family member, friend, or caregiver who wants to help someone in their recovery, Noelle recommends loose fitting pajamas, a meal, a DoorDash gift card, a book to provide an escape, and most importantly, a text to check on them. She said knowing others were thinking of her truly was the best gift she received.

Things You Need After A Mastectomy

Keep scrolling below for the key items that really helped Noelle in her recovery. She also shares some key details about each item. If you know someone affected by breast cancer who might benefit from Noelle’s recovery story, tips, and must-have items, you can share this post directly with them using the share buttons at the very bottom of this post.

Rinse-Free Bathing Wipes

These were a total game changer. It depends on the type of surgery, but you will likely be told to avoid showers or baths for about two weeks after surgery. When you’re forced to sponge bathe, it’s the little things, like these cleansing wipes, that make you feel that much better. All you need is a little bit of water!

Rejuvenating Facial Spray

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rose Water is another item that can help you feel more refreshed during recovery. 

Supportive Sports Bra

For several weeks after surgery, you’ll need a good, supportive sports bra to wear day and night. Unfortunately, the post-surgery bras they give you at the hospital are not very comfortable. I found the Tek Gear sports bras to be the most comfortable, and the zipper is great for mastectomy or any type of breast reconstruction recovery.

Slip-On Shoes

Slip-on sneakers will save you from having to bend over to tie your shoes. I wore the UGG Alameda Slip-On shoes when I left the hospital and was so grateful for how easy they were to slip on. Although you should avoid strenuous activities, you will be advised to get up and walk around several times a day to prevent blood clots.

Button-Down Pajamas

Since your arm mobility is limited after surgery, button-down pajamas make getting dressed and undressed much easier. Treat yourself to at least one quality, comfortable pair.

Mastectomy Pillow

I found this to be the most helpful when I finally left my bedroom to hang out with my 3 dogs. This is great for protection. It’s also helpful when you are riding in the car, as a buffer between you and the seatbelt.

Drain Pouch

I was fortunate to have only one drain. With this drain pouch, I could keep the drain in the pocket of the waist belt so I didn’t have to worry too much about it. Remember, little things can make a big difference!

Cooling Body Pillow

A cooling body pillow makes it so much easier to get comfortable and sleep soundly. I also purchased a set of two soft pillowcases, because during recovery you want to surround yourself with a bunch of soft things.

Bed Rest Pillow

For the first week after surgery, you’ll need to be more propped up when you sleep. But at the same time, it hurts to sit up. I found that using a pillow like this one, designed specifically for mastectomy recovery, not only made sleeping propped up more comfortable, but also made it much easier to sit up.

Bedside Basket

Another game-changer, I kept a basket near my bedside for bandages, lotion, prescription pain medicine (always keep pain medicines out of reach of kids and pets), a water bottle (it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout your recovery), and other essentials. Keeping these items right next to you ensures they are easy to access for you or anyone helping you.

A huge thank you again to Noelle…for putting your beautiful self out there and for having the grace to share your experience and pointers. THIS is what community is all about. We are so grateful!