Packing your hospital bag for mastecomy or oopherectomy surgery
Below is a suggested list of things to pack for your hospital stay if you're undergoing risk-reducing surgery such as:
- Single or double mastectomy with breast reconstruction or flat closure
- Gynaecological surgeries, including salpingectomy, oophorectomy, or hysterectomy
Personal Care and Comfort Essentials
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Your medications and vitamins
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Throat lozenges
Personal hygiene items such as:
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Lip balm/Chapstick (to restore moisure after surgery)
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Body wipes/facial wipes (for the first post-surgery days when mobility might be more limited.
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Deodorant
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Body wash
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Dry shampoo (keeps your hair fresh and clean when you can't shower).
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Perfum and light make-up such as mascara and lip gloss to help you feel more refreshed
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Razor (avoid shaving right before and after surgery, as small cuts from shaving or waxing may increase the risk of infection)
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A lightweight drink bottle with a nozzle/straw (to drink lying down without spillage)
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Healthy snacks
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Mindfulness apps such as Smiling Mind and Headshape (to relieve anxiety and assist in recovery)
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Tea (if you enjoy tea and prefer flabours other than peppermint or black)
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A pillow for the seatbelt when travelling home in the car (for mastectomy)
Entertainment and Communication Essentials
- Mobile phone/laptop/iPad/tablet
- Headphones
- Camera (if you want to document your surgery)
- Chargers for all devices (get extra-long cables to use devices comfortably in bed - a 2 metre+ cord is usually ideal)
- Notepad and pen (for journaling your experiences, jotting down questions for your surgeon, and keeping track of medications and symptoms)
- Books/magazinges
- Two playlists with relaxing music/up beat music
Clothing Essentials
General tips: avoid clothing that is too tight or constricting, opt for clothing with zippers or buttons (zippers can be easier to manage with limited mobility and for wound/drain checks after mastectomy), and choose pants with pockets for added convenience
Soft and comfortable clothes such as:
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Loose t-shirts (preferably button-up or zip-up for easy wound inspections after a mastectomy, convenient for managing drains or PICO dressings if applicable, and easier to wear with limited mobility)
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Jumper (zip or button-up for mastectomy)
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Dressing gown
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Tracksuit pants or sleeping shorts with pockets
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Slippers or slip-on shoes
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Wrap or large scarf (for when you are sitting in a chair or to be put around your arms for warmth when you are sitting up in bed)
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Front zip-up or clip-up bras (convenient for breast checks and easier to put on with limited mobility)
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Bras one size up (for if breasts/body is swollen post-surgery)
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High-wasted undies (especially for those having DIEP surgery)
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Winter and summer pyjamas (temperature in the hospital can vary)
Optional
These items are typically provided by the hospital, but you can bring your own if you prefer:
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Drain bags (for mastectomy)
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Hot water bottle or heat pack (for gynaecological surgeries; avoid using heat packs after a mastectomy as they can burn your skin without you realising)
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Your own pillows or a U-shaped pillow (you can also have your family bring them in later if needed)