Hospital’nightie’ for mastectomy

[Northernlassie12345]

Hi all so to be confirmed I think I’m looking at a double mastectomy in the coming weeks. Just wanting to get stuff sorted asap one being what to wear comfortably ( will be in for a couple of nights at least I think) I don’t like pyjamas and need cotton or at least nothing too synthetic. Any ideas , recommendations or experience?
Thanks!!

I would say with experience PJs would be best as they have buttons down the front.

Anything button through. I prefer PJ’s and had a long sleeved top and shorts. You won’t be able to lift your arms.

sadly I can’t help on the nightie front without Google. But wanted to absolutely confirm you need buttons. Or a zip.

Pjs may be best as you’ll most likely have drains in (it'll be less exposing). Also whatever you get button fronted will be best, easier to get on and easier for checks by staff.

Traditional PJs or...

If you have lots of drains you might want something like this.
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su952570/g57628?gclsrc=aw.ds&gadsource=1&gadcampaignid=23223581436&gbraid=0AAAAADm5UX4jb7Or5yRl9WkFnKBdE25S&gclid=CjwKCAiA09jKBhB9EiwAgB8l-AFpOEG2zDDZyfeAFwXadLY5nR3ergtF9dWZP5qSDyKDsDkqCmLbBoCOB4QAvDBwE

I had it for both my c sections and 3 other surgeries in 25 following last pregnancy and loved it as it was loose and had an array of poppers and open slots for monitors / drains etc.

Good luck !!!

I used one of my husbands shirts.

John Lewis?

This one is nice from Asda

This M&S one might be good for hospital because the fabric looks quite cool.

Chelsea Peers do nice nighties too, but they’re not always cotton.

Good luck with your surgery and recovery 💐

I wore PJs for the buttons on the top, and for a bit of modesty.

Firstly good luck, I've had 2 mastectomies, separately rather than both together.

I'd echo not a nightie, loose pull up bottoms and a button through top works best. As others have said you'll have drains and you'll need to have the surgery sites checked regularly so a nightie isn't ideal. Shorts on the bottom would be fine if you get overheated.

Generally after surgery I found oversized (Primark) vest tops good, you can then step into them (you'll struggle to lift your arms), with either hoodie or oversized shirts over the top.

You'll get through this, I hate the expression, but you've got this, one day at a time, each day will bring improvement.

Buttons! And like others have said, consider separate top and bottoms as you might have drains or be catheterized, and might need to leave your bottoms off for the first night. Also consider short sleeves as you will have an IV. Something a bit like this?
https://www.johnlewis.com/myza-jungle-short-sleeve-pyjama-set-navy/p113620496
I’m happy to do more searching for you, if you provide your size (I hate providing people with a link, and then it’s sold out of their size), price range, and clarify that you’re okay with 100% cotton? Or if you want a night dress, I can find you a button-up short sleeved 100% nightdress?

And I wish you such, such good luck, @Northernlassie12345. The time leading up to surgery can feel so scary, and you’ll feel much better and more in control when it’s over.

Thankyou all for your answers ok PJs it is! It’s obviously more sensible. I hate being too hot that’s the thing . How did you manage the drains? Is it better to have pockets?

Silky feeling button front pjs as you probably won't be able to put your arms up, plus as others have said drains, dressings, blood pressure etc. Pjs will also be better for getting in and out of bed without dressing gown. Go for multi colours as liquids can be spilt. If you get ones with a long top you can take off the bottoms when in bed.

I have had a single mastectomy two years ago and not as uncomfortable as I expected. Hopefully your double will be the same. Wishing you all the best for now and the future.

Thankyou very much I am getting a bit teary over it but its the best option.

Would cotton Velcro fastening pyjamas help?

https://seenin.co.uk/product/the-able-label-carmen-short-sleeve-cotton-seersucker-velcro-fastening-pj-set/

Might make access easier as no buttons to faff with and 100% cotton.

Thankyou very much I am getting a bit teary over it but its the best option.

Just wanted to say, not all mastectomies require drains. I had a double one in September and didn’t need them. Also preferred a button down nightie to PJs and still choose to wear them now, much cooler IME. Good luck!

Thanks that actually looks pretty good. Maybe in an over size. Short sleeves too. I can always put a zio uo sweatshirt over

I’ve had two mastectomies, separately. I was in and out in half a day. There were no drains at all. Are you sure you will have them? Are you having reconstruction? Button-up shirts or pyjamas. Nothing that you need to pull over you head.

When I had a double mastectomy (was decades ago) I had a Calvin Klein dressing gown made of shirt-like material. It had pockets for the drains and was so nice and cool to put on.

I think I got it from TK max. Like this but this is a bit pricey

https://www.johnlewis.com/british-boxers-stripe-crisp-cotton-dressing-gown/p110732789

Echo what others say. Cotton PjS that button and shorts if you need. Mens PJ tops are good as looser. BC charities often provide little bags for the drains or if you have some small totes. (I had extensive reconstruction and 6 drains)

Good luck with the surgery. X

Can I ask if you know why yours didn’t need drains? Don’t worry if you’d rather not snswer that though. Thanks for info on nightie. I might get both. I’m happy to wear pjs around the house but can’t stand sleeping in them.

Edit

Thanks that’s so lovely of you. I’m a 16 but honestly rhe baggier the better for comfort so I’m happy to go up a size or two. Those ps in the link are rather nice ! Thanks again x

Oh, pet! Very unMNy hugs to you. All surgery is a bit scary, and it’s SO normal with a mastectomy to feel so many ways, since you’re dealing with not only cancer, but also some big lumps on the front of us that have become associated with our femininity and as a result, a mastectomy can lead to a lot of confusing feelings. But you are YOU, no matter what. This type of surgery does not change the vital, beating core of you. It’s okay to feel teary or scared or angry or grieving or any combination of those things. Post here whenever you need as so many women have been through it. You’re not alone Also, I don’t know if counseling is a possibility, but it can really help you process this.

And I saw your other message! Those Velcro ones would be wonderful (I might get some myself!) or the ones I linked, or several of the other ones. Good luck with your pyjama decision!

Don't get a pj top that may chafe you, I had a bit of embroidery on mine and it rubbed.

Also remember to get your armpits waxed before hand. Maybe some weeks before you can do them again.

Good luck x

I’m not sure about drains , one breast is for BC. I had a lumpectomy many years ago as a young mum and now have either a new bc or a recurrence (it’s small touch wood )but will need a mastectomy. Had a drain back then cos nodes removed for security. Years aftter had a different BC in other breast , no node removal and can’t remember the drain. I’m requesting a mastectomy for this breast too ( have had enough of them both 😉) so don’t suppose I’ll need a drain. I’m not sure about wanting a reconstruction on breasts that have already been irradiated. At least not immediately .Can I ask if you had a reconstruction? Lots of things to discuss with surgeon . Thankyou x