Mastectomy Recovery: What Helped Me
Part 4 of Margaritas and Mastectomy
From ‘margaritas and mastectomy’ to ‘surgical bras and soft pillows’, this journey has been anything but ordinary. Along the way, I’ve learned that preparation and support can make all the difference in the recovery process. As I continue sharing my experience, I want to offer practical tips for surgery preparation, home support, and recovery—things I wish I had known before my own mastectomy.
Receiving the news about needing to undergo surgery can bring a mix of emotions—relief that it’s finally happening, nerves about the procedure, financial concerns, and thoughts about life at home during recovery.
For me, transitioning from a part-time role with sick leave to fully dedicating my days to Divine EFT added another layer to this journey.
Shortly after my procedure date was confirmed, a dear friend who’d had a mastectomy five years earlier gave me one piece of advice: “You’ve made your decision, it’s taken a lot to get to it, now promise me you won’t Doctor Google anything!” And I didn’t. At the time, that felt right. I went into my surgery optimistically, thinking I’d be out of action for a few weeks and then slowly ease back into life. I was slightly wrong.
I planned ahead as much as I could, but if I had been more open to preparation and recovery tips, my journey would have been more informed and possibly smoother. If you or someone you know is going through a mastectomy or reconstruction, this guide may help. But always consult your medical team and follow their guidance.
Preparation Tips
Mental & Emotional Well-being
Speak to your medical team about what’s involved.
Find someone supportive to talk to—a friend, family member, GP, or a Certified EFT Practitioner.
Clinical EFT was a consistent tool that supported me throughout, both in sessions with a Practitioner and through personal tapping.
Stay as active as possible leading up to the procedure.
Home & Life Organisation
Complete household tasks in advance—laundry, cleaning, gardening, etc.
Stock the pantry/freezer with easy-to-prepare meals and healthy snacks
Arrange transport for children’s activities and school.Take pre-surgery photos if that’s important to you.
Packing for Hospital
Button-up nighties (easier for dressing changes and comfort).
Airpods/earplugs (for shared rooms).
Comfortable underwear.
Reading glasses.
Toiletries – Electric toothbrush, toothpaste, talc free powder, medications, and lip balm.
Bags to carry your post-surgical drains (The hospital or breast care nurse may provide these). I had drains for almost 3 weeks.
Phone charger & extension cord.
Surgical bras (I highly recommend Lee at Roselee Boutique for advice)
Dressing gown, slippers, and thongs for the shower.Remove all jewelry before surgery.
Organise someone to update friends and family during surgery. Create a list of contacts.
Shower with surgical wash the night before.Ensure bedding, bath towels and clothing are clean.
Home Adjustments for Recovery
Move everyday items to waist height (kitchen items, crockery, toiletries, clothing, etc.).
Hire a cleaner or arrange help with household tasks.
Set up online grocery shopping or ask for meal assistance.
Reaching up to the clothes line won’t be possible – organise a waist-height drying rack for laundry.
Install an adjustable shower hose.
Comfort & Essentials
Soft pillows for support sleeping, sitting, and car travel.Hair bandana (I couldn’t lift my arms to tie my hair).
Audiobooks or podcasts (holding a book may be difficult).
Straws for water bottles (even 500ml was too heavy for me post-surgery).
Electric toothbrush for ease.Phone charger within reach.
Recovery Tips
Rest & Healing
Give yourself time to heal and attend medical follow-ups.
Take pain relief as needed—don’t wait until the pain is unbearable.
Follow prescribed exercises but don’t overdo it.
Be patient with yourself—healing takes time.
Essential Comforts
I wore a surgical bra 24/7 for support. I am currently 4 weeks post-surgery and it’s still on!
Use soft pillows to support your arms and cushion the seatbelt.
Sleep in a comfortable space—I couldn’t lay flat for two weeks and slept upright on the couch when I could.
Keep water and pain meds within reach.
Have a pen nearby to document daily drain output.
Ask for help with personal care if needed. (I couldn’t shower independently for the first 2 weeks)
Nutrition for Healing
Bone broth for healing.
Collagen supplements for tissue repair.
Vitamin C for immune support.
Prunes to keep things moving.
Nourishing meals to aid healing and maintain energy.
Arnica cream for wound healing and reducing swelling.
Vitamin E and Rosa Scarless Healer Cream for scar healing.Stay hydrated—drink plenty of water.
Returning to Work
Work from home if possible.Start with reduced hours as you regain your strength.
Driving may not be possible for weeks.
Concentration can be difficult after anaesthesia and pain relief—only do what you can manage.I created a list of tasks to complete post-surgery and was shocked at how little I could concentrate and manage for the first few weeks.
If You’re Supporting a Friend or Loved One
Offer emotional support—check in and listen.
Many people struggle to ask for help. Bringing a homemade meal, helping with laundry or offering to do grocery shopping was helpful.
Call, but respect their needs. I didn’t feel like talking for the first week or so.
Visitors were nice but I preferred when they checked first if it was a suitable time to pop over.
Many friends and loved ones offered to help: meal prep, grocery shopping, driving to appointments, helping in/out of the car, laundry, vacuuming, yard care, pet care and helping out with family needs were this was extremely helpful.
I was very spoilt with a hair wash at a salon and pedicure gifted by a dear friend.
For Helpers at Home
Take care of yourself too—exercise, rest, and maintain your own well-being.
Seek emotional support if needed—EFT can be helpful for caregivers.
Remember, your role is essential, and looking after yourself allows you to better care for your loved one.
Resources
Useful Websites:
Breast Cancer
Network AustraliaBreast
Cancer OrgCancer
Australia Divine EFT
As I continue this journey, I’m reminded that healing is as much emotional as it is physical. EFT helped me release fears before surgery, manage pain, and surrender to the process even when things didn’t go as planned. It also allowed me to receive the love and support of my family, friends, and community.A huge thank you to my children, partner Dan, family, friends, neighbours and clients. Also, my Breast Care Nurse Lee, the Community Nursing and Surgical Teams (Dr Salindera, Dr Brian Chee Yuen, Nurse Jess & others) and my EFT Mentor and swap buddies, for their incredible support throughout my journey. I am truly blessed.