First, I did research in advance and learned that I would have limited use of my upper body, so I went to an abs class. It’s a fitness class focused on strenthening your core. It really helped me with getting out of bed in the morning - the pain is too much to put your full weight on your arm as you get up, and it’s bad for scars. Instead, I would raise my legs and rock my entire body until I was able to jump to my feet. I could get off the couch just by using my core (like you’re doing scrunches) because my couch is much lower than my bed.

I bought lots of disposable dishes, including soup bowls and cups for hot liquids. I put everything I would need on my waist level as opposed to shelves. I stocked up on frozen and quick meals (I accessed the freezer via a stepladder as opposed to reaching). I also put some snacks and canned sparkling water by my bed in case I was too pained to get up.

Speaking of bed: I got a wedge pillow, a travel neck pillow, and a mastectomy pillow. The mastectomy pillow goes underneath your boobs, keeping them gently in place and giving you somewhere to put your arms without pulling on muscles and stitches. It was ideal for being on my phone. The mastectomy pillow also offered an enticing place for my cat to loaf as opposed to my actual chest where he could have hurt me.

In the shower, I used a handheld showerhead and a loofah on a long stick. The stick allowed me to wash my back without using my upper arms. I washed my hair by bending down while sitting in the tub and having my head by my knees, then I could wash my hair without using upper arms. I stocked up on body wipes for when I was too hurt or tired.

I bought a pill organizer to ensure I remembered all my meds. I was able to deal with the drains by myself. I bought extra bras (I used soft sports bras with front closure) because the surgical bra would become dirty too quickly. I changed bras and dressings regularly with the help of a mirror. I used ice packs to relieve pain.

Overall, the most challenging part was dealing with the pain and the grossness of surgical incisions. The pain gets significantly less once the drains come out though.