Hi NanooNanoo,

Welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry to hear why you've joined us. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years and have had a lumpectomy and a double mastectomy. You are right about the button through nightwear. That will also apply to clothing when you come out of hospital. Anything that opens down the front is easier to don than anything that has to go over the head. 

Has your breast care nurse said whether or not the hospital supplies a bag for your drain. I went into hospital with 2 shoulder bags which I had made to hold my drains. These made life so much easier than dragging drip stands around with me. I also found a small heart shaped cushion useful to place under my arm until it healed. I understand that some hospitals or charities  supply these now too. 

I also found a child's seatbelt cover gave me a little more cushioning at the front until I began to heal. You will also benefit from a soft bra for the first few weeks. The hospital will provide you with a 'softie'  to try and 'even you up' for the first few weeks. This is pretty shapeless but is better than nothing in helping to fill your bra. Are you going to have reconstruction? If not, the hospital will supply you with a silicone prosthesis with more shape when your breast has healed. You are entitled to a new one of these every 2 years.

There are companies that supply post-surgery clothing (such as Amoena and Nicola Jane - these also supply swimwear), but you can buy post-surgery bras in some of the larger M & S stores at cheaper prices. I have found the choice of bras a bit limited, so have bought ready made pockets and sewn them into some of my favourite pre-surgery bras and swimwear. I have developed Lymphoedema in both arms, so, although I can wear most ordinary off-the-shelf clothing, I have to be careful that the sleeves are wide enough to acommodate my arms.

It is hard not to feel overwhelmed when everything is moving so fast, but I found my mastectomies easier than my lumpectomy to recover from and I have never looked back.

If I can help you with anything else, you only have to ask.

Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx