What Do You Get Someone After A Mastectomy
Everyone approaches surgery differently. AnaOnos founder Dana threw herself a Ta-Ta to Danas Ta-Tas party with her best friends. They got together, had a beautiful night out, and hit the dance floor, her favorite thing to do!
I just had no idea what Ireally needed in order to recover from my surgery, Dana said. I wish I had this list to pass to my friends and family that cared so much about me, recovery would have been so much easier!
We recommend grabbing some of these goodies, sending them in a gift basket or reusable bag, especially if your breast cancer patient you love is heading into radiation or chemotherapy. The road to recovery can be a long one and they will absolutely use it!
Are we missing any of your favorite items? Leave them in the comments below to share and encourage others to help make a difference in your loved ones life.
Dana Donofree
Founder and CEO of AnaOno.After a diagnosis of breast cancer in her late 20s, Dana took her own lived experience and fashion design background and designed intimates for those that have undergone breast surgery. Danas story has been published around the world in outlets like New York Times, BBC, Huffington Post, The Today Show, and more.
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The Gift Of Natural Healing For Post
The Chefs INSPIRATIONS 3 Core Infusion Water Pitcher hits that sweet spot between practical and inspirational! It infuses water with healthy, natural fresh fruit and vegetables. Its a great way to enjoy a sweet drink without added sugar. These natural fruit infusers are so easy to use, too. She wont have to blend, chop or even peel the fruit.
After surgery , patients are constipated. What do you give a woman recovering from a double mastectomy? The gift of regular bowel movements doesnt sound beautiful, but believe me it is a gift to be regular in that one way after breast cancer surgery.
Oncologists recommend that mastectomy patients and post-operative breast cancer survivors drink eight to 10 glasses of water and non-caffeinated beverages every day. This helps clean her system after mastectomy surgery and so do fresh fruits, vegetables, and lower fat foods.
Gifts Of Warmth And Style
Thinning hair and chemotherapy-related hair loss can make cold weather uncomfortable. Some people with cancer prefer not to wear hats or wigs, but cold temperatures can change that.
Warm hats, scarves, and bandanas can help keep your friend covered up in style. Don’t focus on appearance, though. Let your friend know that head coverings are always optional.
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Personalized Coupons Offering Help
Sometimes, a great gift isn’t material. Your friend might need something you can do rather than buy.
Personalized gift certificates or coupons are endearing. They can come in handy when your friend isnt feeling 100%. Just be sure to make gift certificates specific.
For example, you could design and print a coupon your friend can redeem for:
- A day of housecleaning
- A night of home cooking
- A week of grocery shopping
- Taking the kids for a day
Something like “one hour of help” is too vague. This is more likely to result in the gift certificate going to waste.
Your friend may need help with certain things, but may not think or want to ask for it. For example:
- Washing windows
- Cooking a child’s favorite meal
Cancer-related decisions like treatment, symptom management, and day-to-day living with cancer can feel overwhelming. Specific coupons can help provide welcome relief.
Best Mastectomy Gift Ideas
- Post-Surgery Robe
A post-surgery robe is essential for managing those nasty drains post-mastectomy surgery. Something patients are not prepared for is just how cumbersome the drains can be following a mastectomy. These are bulbs that fill with fluid from the body as it heals. Mastectomy drains are often in the body for 2-3 weeks following a mastectomy, and patients can have 2-6 drains depending on their surgery and body type. Give the person you love this incredibly thoughtful post-surgery recovery gift so they never even need to know how difficult that healing can be.
Comfy loungewear is a must! Look for loose fitting, front closure pajamas and loungewear, like our Abby Recovery Pant. Hidden inside the band are additional pockets for those annoying drains mentioned above. These types of pants are also super comfortable for all mastectomy recovery, DIEP flap surgery recovery, and reconstruction.
Get yourself a chest buddy for seat belt protection. After leaving a mastectomy, doctor follow-ups are plentiful, so the patient will have many trips in and out of the car and the seat belt can be quite irritating. We love ParkPuff by Rachel Park of Survivormoda. Designed and created by a breast cancer patient herself, each ParkPuff comes in different materials and are super fluffy and comfy!
- A Mastectomy pillow
- Post-mastectomy recovery bra
- A zip-up hoodie
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The Best Breast Cancer Gifts For Healing After Surgery
Many of the ideas on this gift list are for women undergoing or healing from breast cancer surgery. Whether she had a single or double mastectomy or just exploratory surgery shell need tender loving care! She may also need practical support and supplies. Breast cancer care packages, pillows, and gift bags are just a few ideas every gift is related to the oncology surgeons instructions for post-mastectomy healing and recovery in University of California San Franciscos Mastectomy: Instructions After Breast Cancer Surgery.
When youre searching for gifts for a woman with breast cancer, remember that money may be an additional source of stress. She and her family may struggle to pay for the equipment, clothes, medication and supplies needed for healing after surgery. So, this gift list includes practical items to help a woman heal at home after a single or double mastectomy as well as encouraging tips to help her recover physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
A single or double mastectomy is emotionally traumatic, spiritually draining, and physically painful. The best post-surgery gifts show her that its okay to talk about healing after a breast cancer surgery! If you can find beauty and laughter in your gifts and visits, youll help her more than you can imagine.
Service Ideas For Cancer Care Package
57. House Cleaning Service: Set up a cleaning person to come in on a schedule that works for the cancer patient.
58. Dog Walking/Pet Care Service: If the cancer warrior has pets that need tending, hire a service to help on a set schedule or as needed.
59. Lawn Care: Cancer patients need to concentrate their psychic energy on themselves and healing, not worrying about how the lawn is going to get mowed. This will ease that burden.
60. Grocery Store Delivery Service: Some stores will deliver, but there is a fee. Cover the delivery fee for them.
61. Acupuncture/Acupressure Gift Card: Acupuncture and acupressure can help with the outlying effects of cancer and its treatment: pain, restlessness, anxiety, and depression, just to name a few.
62. Play Store/Audiobook Credits: Give them gift cards that they can use to get apps for things like books, games, meditation, motivational products, yoga instruction, and health and wellness lectures.
63. Netflix/HULU/Streaming Subscription: Set them up for some TV and movie viewing.
64. Magazine Subscription: While there is a lot of waiting, there is also a lot of hopping from one place to another, so magazines can be great for short reads that can easily be put down and picked back up.
65. Music Playlist: Along with the headphones, forward them a playlist that you put together just for them.
68. Love Notes: Not gushy-smushy letters, but motivational strengthening notes that they can open when they need them.
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Care Package Ideas For Kids
90. Childrens Books: Keep them entertained and occupied and their minds off of the situation at hand. There are even books for children who are patients and those whose parent is going through treatment.
91. Crayons and Coloring Books: These are fun, relaxing, and therapeutic for people of all ages.
92. Sticker Books: Stickers can be a good reward for kiddos who behave as they wait while Mom or Dad are having treatment.
93. Small Handheld Games: You can keep them from staring at a device all day with small games like Bop-It!, Amaze, and Mad Libs.
94. Card Games: Pass the time with classics like Uno, Skip-Bo, Old Maid, Crazy Eights, and Go Fish. Spot it! and Rat-a-Tat Cat are loads of fun too!
95. Packaged Snacks: Granola bars, goldfish crackers, beef jerky, fruit roll-ups package snacks can be a lifesaver for a caregiver with a hungry child stuck in a waiting room. Healthy choices are available.
96. Own Hand Sanitizer with Holder: Kids can get into everything, so they will need to learn to use hand sanitizer frequently when a parent is going through chemo. Make them feel special by getting them a small hand sanitizer holder that is personalized or has a fancy design.
97. Doctor & Nurse Kit: Whether they are the patient or watching a parent go through different procedures, you can help them feel less afraid by letting them play with doctor and nurse toys.
98. Travel Bed: This inflatable leg rest can turn any office chair into a comfortable sleeping area for kids.
Include These Items In Your Breast Cancer Care Packages
Its easy enough to find a pre-made breast cancer care package online, but we like the idea of creating a homemade, thoughtful package that speaks directly to your loved one. Its important to provide as much support as possible through this tough journey, and including breast cancer care package items they can actually use is a big part of that.
To recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, every Just Add Ice sale this month will be matched with a 10% donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
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The Gift Of A Breast Cancer Tattoo
Breast cancer survivor Catherine Madden got a tattoo as a gift to herself after a double mastectomya tattoo over her missing breasts. She didnt get the breast cancer ribbon tattoo pictured it came from a blog called I Kicked Cancers Ass.
For me it was something beautiful coming from something so ugly, says Catherine in Cheeky Tattoo Celebrates Womans Breast Cancer Recovery in Britains News & Star. I liked the person I was before cancer, but I love the person I have become after cancer. really does change you, but it doesnt have to be for the worse.
Some mastectomy patients say tattoos are a gift that gives them a chance to reclaim their identity, to take back something cancer had taken from them. They have a chance to put their own badge on an experience they had no control over. Is a tattoo a good gift idea for a woman after a single or double mastectomy? It depends on the woman and what her oncologist or surgeon says about the health risks of a tattoo after surgery.
I recently discovered that journal writing has a positive effect on breast cancer survivors. Expressive writing that helps her process her feelings can improve the health and wellness of women with cancer. A journal and time to write together might be a meaningful gift for a mastectomy patient who enjoys writing.
Inspiring Tees That Cheer You Up
During my cancer treatment, my family had t-shirts made that said, Montana Strong and all wore them to surprise me one day. It was one of the greatest gifts I received just knowing that so many people were rooting for me and cheering me on kept me going on my hardest days. Another favorite T-Shirt isMe: 1, Cancer: 0, which I found on Amazon.com .
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A Soft Gentle Gift For Her Sore Body
Since bruising and swelling is common after mastectomy surgery, a comforting gift idea for her is a Super Soft Borrego Plush Throw Blanket perhaps with a good pillow. Shes healing from a traumatic surgery, and needs all the comfort and pampering she can get.
After a mastectomy oncologists recommend icepacks to decrease discomfort and swelling particularly to the armpit after a lymph node dissection. A small pillow for her neck or armpit area may decrease discomfort and help her heal. This is one of those breast cancer gifts that shell love using after she recovers.
Read How to Sleep After Breast Cancer Surgery for ideas for gifts to help women recover after a single or double mastectomy.
Gifts That Show Support
Your friend may prefer not to receive gifts. If so, consider supporting a cancer charity in your friend’s name.
Most cancer research organizations, hospitals, and societies maintain charitable programs. You can make one-time or monthly gift. As a bonus, donations come with tax benefits.
This type of gift may require a little research. Look at the institute’s year-end financial report. It will tell you which areas of research it invests in.
It will also note how much of each dollar is spent on administrative costs. These costs are often called the “facilities and administrative rate” or F& A.
Look for organizations devoted to specific cancers. Examples include:
- LUNGevity for lung cancer survivors
- The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
If your friend has breast cancer, consider donating to an organization focused on finding a cure for metastatic breast cancer, such as METAvivor. Many organizations devote a large percentage of their bottom line to supporting people with cancer and looking for cures.
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Magazines Books And Puzzle Books
Whether going to doctors appointments or the actual chemotherapy treatments, there can be a lot of time spent sitting and waiting. Waiting for the treatment to be done, waiting for a prescription refill or just waiting to see your doctorpassing the time can often feel impossible. But, a good book to get lost in or a fun magazine or puzzle book can help your loved one pass the time
Hair Accessories To Bring A Smile
Going through chemotherapy often causes hair loss. I personally lost all of the hair on my head and body for the entirety of my treatments. I tried to help myself cope with the loss by accessorizing as much as I could and having fun with it to the best of my abilities. I bought scarves in colorful and vibrant prints and learned how to tie them on my head in different ways. I bought fun hats and headbands to wear as my hair started growing back. I bought a wig, which I wore to a few formal occasions to feel more confident. Any hair accessory would be a gift that could be used by someone undergoing treatment and beyond. My advice for dealing with hair loss is simple: Whatever you need to do to feel better do it. If you feel empowered and strong wearing a wig do it. If you feel confident wearing a hat or headscarf do it. If you want to rock the bald head do it. I did all of these as I navigated through my cancer journey and while there is no right way to deal with this loss, trying to find joy and making the best of it can help.
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Chemotherapies That Can Cause Hair Loss
According to Cancer.Net the following chemotherapies are likely to cause hair loss. People taking these chemotherapies can consider if they want to use an ice cap
You can discuss this with your oncologist before treatment and decide if a cooling cap is something you will try. Also, keep in mind that a gentle hairbrush and mild shampoo can help prevent hair loss too.
Cancer Gifts & Care Packages
Cancer care packages handpicked through our own experience and specifically chosen for those starting or going through treatment for cancer – whether it’s surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or any other treatment regimen. Pick individual gifts or multiple goodies and they will be lovingly packaged together and sent with a handwritten message of your choice.
To view cancer care packages for men, please
To view cancer care parcels for children, please re.
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A Hospital Bag With Clear Make Up Bag Containers
This is GENIUS. You will pack for the hospital, but you will not be the one digging through the bag to find specific items prior to your discharge!!!
Clear, zippered bags allow your caregiver to see exactly what is inside, eliminating lots of frustration & saving them time! Plus they are waterproof.
I had a new duffle just for this surgery. It is waterproof and can be cleaned with a wet wipe. This is the one I have and it comes with those handy-dandy clear bags!
The Double Mastectomy BFFL Bag comes with EVERYTHING a girl having a double mastectomy can need. I used it all.so did my caregivers!
The BFFL Bag even inludes the heart shaped pillows to use under your arms post surgery! I used these AFTER my Jackson-Pratt drains were removed.
Other items that come in the bundle are
Socks. A notepad to jot down instructions from the doctor. Lip balm. A Kind Bar for the patient OR the caregiver during long waits. A drain care kit that is worth its weight in gold!
A Monthly Gift Subscription Of Food
Help her recover from her surgery by giving her a Fruit, Cheese and Nuts Delight Fruit Basket. Even better is a monthly subscription of a High Protein Fitness Healthy Snack Box! Many women who undergo single or double mastectomies also have to take chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer. The best breast cancer gift is something she can rely on regularly, not a one-time wonder.
Another monthly subscription idea is a TheraBox Self Care Subscription Box filled with wellness products.
Id choose a monthly food gift subscription because nourishment is extremely important after breast cancer surgery. However, many women dont have an appetite or want to eat after a mastectomy. Surgery patients are often on heavy narcotics for pain management, which causes constipation and discomfort. Thats why theyre encouraged to increase fluid intake and eat high fiber foods such as prunes and bran. A great monthly gift subscription would be an assortment of high-fiber fruit and bran muffins from a local bakery, restaurant, or your own kitchen.
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