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 had mastectomy, chemo, radio, then 2 years 8 months later, delayed diep. I also hated pyjamas, but got some cotton, button up top & shorts set from next and they were great. I could thread the drains through. I was in for 3 nights for the mastectomy (was supposed to be 2 but I had a lot of bleeding after and was 50/50 for more surgery) and only 3 nights after the 10.5 hour diep (the first night I was awake as had been asleep alllllll day). It would have been 2 nights, but too much codeine backed me up a bit. I didn't have the option to have recon straight away, but I wish I had. Not for the physical recovery, as I was so much fitter by the time I had diep, but being flat bothered me more than I anticipated. Have you tried https://www.maggies.org/our-centres/ they are incredible.

https://www.theablelabel.com/collections/nightwear

I loved this https://www.johnlewis.com/pretty-you-london-contrast-trim-bamboo-rich-nightshirt-scarlet/p113837676 . Or www.johnlewis.com/pretty-you-london-piping-trim-bamboo-nightshirt/grey-white/p109419011 . Beautifully soft, front fastening, long enough to wear to the loo at night.

Just to add I’ve also had a double mastectomy and diep reconstruction, so happy to answer any questions you have

And I’ve stayed flat if you wanted to ask any questions about that! No regrets.

To add to the offers of experience, I had a single mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction - happy to pitch in if it helps.

More support here when you are ready for it.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/cancer/5431579-likely-breast-cancer-after-ultrasound-thread-3?page=18&reply=149578428 I’m “dancing whilst facing the music “ - forgot to change on this thread.

No advice on the mastectomy. But after four births I wouldn't want my top lifted up exposing everything below. You won't care to an extent about modesty, but there's still a element of wanting some control over what you expose to whom and when. How about some pj shorts under a nightie? I only say this as on the maternity ward I was always aware of the dads wondering around and midwifes not pulling the curtains fully. It's not the end of the world but on the tenth time you can get fed up of showing the world your arse.

You'd need a decent lenght anything or lightweight black or navy dressing gown for getting up and shuffling to the loo. Knee lenght. Black is good as even changing a catheter can get blood on clothes. I got a black tshirt type dressing gown from Sainsbury's. Don't forget flip flops for the sower just in case that's a bit grim. Hopefully it won't be.

Can you get PJ shorts? I use those sometimes in the summer when it's too hot but still want to be covered. I sometimes wear them over a longer vest style nightie that I can step into too, as I find vests cooler then PJ long sleeves.

Good luck for the operation, hope all goes smoothly.

Edit, sorry, I should've read above comment as I've echoed it.

This.

I had several men's large size shirts in blue/white cotton. Loose, cool, comfy and long enough to cover my knickers, plus they went in a hot wash so were easy to sterilise and I had a clean one each day.

Reading with interest since I've just been diagnosed with BC. I need an MRI before I get my treatment plan, but I know it will involve surgery, so I'm starting to think about what I might need. Sending you all good wishes for the operation, and a smooth recovery.

I wonder if a nursing nightie may work

I needed button up as it was too uncomfortable to get things over my head, as well as considering access to checking on wounds/ managing drains, if you have one.

Extra pillows also help for getting comfy in bed. Either a straw or small bottles of water also help - one of my hands was sore from the canula and the other side was sore from the op. However, I found that pain management on the whole was good, considering the operation.

I'd always get pyjamas because if you're lying on a bed, it's easier to cover up your bum

I used cycling short type knickers for that. This sort of thing https://www.marksandspencer.com/2pk-modal-rich-knicker-sleep-shorts/p/clp60679551 . It depends what you find comfortable, I can’t sleep with PJs on at all, I bought some because people told me I needed them and hated them, so if you hate them now that’s unlikely to change!

Thankyou all very much . Lots of good ideas and advice here xx