Mastectomy recovery gift?

[RetainersinSpainnotontheplane]

Someone I’m awful fond of is having a mastectomy quite soon. Just the one, reconstruction to be done at the same time.

I’d like to buy her something nice but also useful because she’s a practical kinda person.

Have you or someone you know had this procedure? What went down well and what was a flop?

Thanks in advance.

After mine I loved Deliveroo vouchers, comfy button front pyjamas, fluffy socks, some nice dry shampoo because washing your hair is tricky for a while, books/stuff to keep me entertained but nothing too complicated because I was sleepy for a week or so.

@RiceSnaps thank you you’re very kind to share what helped. I hope you’re right as rain now.

Her husband has ordered a load of HelloFresh boxes but the front button pjs are a gem of an idea. She doesn’t wear pajamas to bed so she’ll be in need of a few while she’s recovering.

a heart shaped pillow or a v pillow was wonderful

A lap tray for eating while sitting in a comfy chair. A litter picker for grabbing things to avoid bending or stretching.

I didn’t want anything but peace and quiet for a good while.

After my surgery for ovarian cancer, the thing I valued most was a dinner cooked and ready to heat up. My friend brought one, every time she visited and it was just lovely.

Heart shaped pillow - absolutely essential.

DH downloaded lots of good tv series into my iPad so I could just drift off watching them rather than trying to read etc - a friend bought me a thing to sit the laptop on in bed - was fab - like a triangular bean bag shape - can’t check the label as have since passed it on to another MX lady - sorry.

a small (flat bottomed) basket to use on the hospital table and take with me up/downstairs afterwards - meant I had my phone / tablets / lip balm to hand at all times.

arnica - tablet form started 5/7 days before the op - that and rescue remedy are the only alternative medicines I put stock in.

Sending only positive thoughts to your friend.

The most important thing that I had after my mastectomy and reconstruction was a nice long body pillow. I’m a side sleeper and it helped to keep my legs in alignment to ease pressure on my tummy scar from where they took the tissue for the reconstruction, and also supported my new boob. I hope your friend’s surgery goes well.

I’m so grateful to you guys for the suggestions thank you. I hope you’re all in the best of health now.

Looks like a special pillow is a winner and I’ll pass the other suggestions on to her family. She’s got a lot of support luckily so she’ll be treated like the Queen of Sheba as she should be.