Tools for Mastectomy Recovery
Lauren Conner • December 2, 2023
It has officially been 4 weeks since my double mastectomy with reconstruction. This being a decision I made after being knocked over with the surprising news 3 days after my 38th birthday that I, somehow, have breast cancer.
During the early weeks I spent nearly every waking hour texting, or on a phone call with a breast cancer survivor. Prayer, and speaking with these brave woman helped me get through so much darkness. During our talks, many woman sent me lists of suggested items to help recover after this major surgery.
Here are a few things that I found very helpful.
- Electronic Reclining Chair – The number one suggestion was an electronic reclining chair to help you sleep comfortably on your back. The benefit of the chair is the ability to electronically incline to help you get up, and also recline to help you get into position, while comfortably sleeping upright. If you are in the tri-state area “ The Recovery Chair” in Mount Laurel, NJ, is a non-profit organization that provides chairs for women. There are similar organizations across the country, however when you call, you may find out just how common breast cancer is. It is difficult to find an available chair. My insurance company would cover a reclining chair but not electronic, which from my understanding, I would not have been able to operate. Another option was searching Facebook market place for an Electronic Reclining Chair which I did find, but ultimately felt uncomfortable purchasing.
- Pillow Wedge – If you are like me and can not find an electronic chair, this wedge worked great.
- Front Zip Bras -I was shocked to learn I only got one bra with drain holders built in when I went home from surgery. I expected to be able to put a clean bra on! Luckily, my aunts gifted me some “front zip” bras from Kohl’s and I had ordered a drain holder to wear with a bra and also a shower lanyard to hold the drains while I showered. These bras and my husband’s flannels were all I wore for 3 weeks.
- Alcohol wipes – You’ll want some assistance keeping your drain tops and also your counter tops clean. Having these wipes on hand helped me clean up quickly.
- Mastectomy Pillow – You are really about to become a pillow princess. Quite frankly, I think you deserve it. I was told to bring this to hospital and it made thing so comfortable. I am still sleeping with it to help prop my arms in a comfortable place because I don’t love sleeping on my back.
- Seatbelt Cushion – This was sent by a dear friend who has seen first hand how much this tool has helped post-mastectomy.
- Big Drink with a Straw & Electrolytes – You want a straw so that you don’t have to lift your arm to drink. I decided it was time to jump on the Stanley train and purchased a 40oz tumbler. I think if I would have gone any bigger, I would not be able to pick up the full, heavy cup if it was in a spot far away from me like the nightstand. Remember, an item out to the side of you will be heavier than that same item close to you, or in your frontal plane. I replaced the plastic straw with a stainless steel straw and added these Electrolytes that have no sugar added. You can definitely taste it in your water but it’s better than putting sugar into your body when you are fighting cancer.
- Vanicream – Or any non-toxic EWG approved cream to nourish your skin once you have approval from your surgeon. My plastic surgeon recommended Aquaphor for my incisions and I have been using that . So far, everything looks great. Or so, I’m told.
- Organic Matcha tea, Green tea and Black tea – All proven to be great cancer fighters. I ordered my matcha from Japan. However, I have recently heard that China puts out some seriously effective green tea.
- Broccoli Sprouts – Grab these seeds , and these lids for your wide mouth mason jars. First, put three to four tbsps in each jar. Then, cover with filtered water overnight. The next day, shake out all the water and rinse again with filtered water. Shake it out and let sit upside down to continue to drain in a dark corner in the kitchen. Rinse like this twice a day for 4-5 days then they’re done. Take the sprouts and just start throwing them on everything you eat as you recover.
The post Tools for Mastectomy Recovery appeared first on CrossFit Arx.
When it comes to reaching your health and aesthetic goals, there’s no magic pill or shortcut. But what if we told you the most effective solution doesn’t require endless hours in the gym or extreme dieting? At CrossFit Arx, we believe the fastest and most sustainable path to transforming your body and improving your health is through […]
The post The Fastest Way to Achieve Your Health and Fitness Goals: CrossFit Arx + Nutrition Coaching appeared first on CrossFit Arx.
If you’re shopping for a CrossFitter, here are some of the best gifts they’ll love and actually use, ranging from practical gear to thoughtful extras—including personalized options from their own CrossFit gym! We’ve even included our most trusted brands ! Essential Gear Apparel & Accessories Recovery Essentials Nutrition & Hydration Personalized and Thoughtful Gifts Big-Ticket […]
The post “The Ultimate Gift Guide for CrossFitters: Gear, Recovery, and Personalized Picks” appeared first on CrossFit Arx.
Why You Don’t Need to “Get Fit” Before Starting CrossFit One of the most common misconceptions about starting CrossFit is the idea that you need to be in shape first. You might think, “I need to get a little fitter before I join,” or “Let me hit the gym for a few months before I […]
The post “Why You Don’t Need to Be Fit to Start CrossFit: The Perfect Time Is Now” appeared first on CrossFit Arx.
CrossFit often gets a bad rap, but let’s clear up some misconceptions. Maybe your cousin walked into a dimly lit, questionably clean facility, met by a “coach” who lacked real coaching skills. They were thrown into a random high-intensity workout, told you it was called “CrossFit”, and left with a poor impression of what CrossFit […]
The post What can I expect in a CrossFit Class? appeared first on CrossFit Arx.
It was 2011, I was a year out of the Arkansas Police Academy, and over a year into CrossFit. I had graduated from the University of Arkansas, the winningest collegiate track program in the country. It was intense, and I loved it. I had transferred there after my red shirt Sophomore year at Iowa State […]
The post CrossFit Arx Origin Story appeared first on CrossFit Arx.
When it comes to choosing an outfit for CrossFit class, it’s important to prioritize comfort and functionality. You want to feel like you can freely move without any restrictions. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind: It’s hard to go wrong with gym attire when you feel confident in what you are wearing.
The post What to Wear to CrossFit Class. appeared first on CrossFit Arx.
Fitness made fun
The post Arx Kids is Back ! appeared first on CrossFit Arx.
Quick Links
Contact Info
1301 Industrial Way, Toms River, New Jersey 08755, United States
Powered by 