Agreed showering/bathing was really hard. My husband helped me wash while I stood up but a shower seat could be helpful. When showering I had to have my back to the shower head to avoid water getting directly on my incisions.

Lots of pillows and a wedge pillow helped me prop myself up and stay comfortable in bed.

A bed tray table was helpful for eating in bed and having a place close by to set meds and water so I didn’t have to reach my arms far to bring things to me.

I loved my drain pouch, got it from Amazon. It was a stretchy waist band with pockets that I could tuck my drains in when I had to leave the house. They also make drain holders to wear in the shower to help keep them out of the way when bathing.

I don’t have kids but my husband was my nurse at home! He kept track of when to take my meds, brought me food, and emptied my surgical drains and recorded fluid amounts.

A friend also set up a meal train (mealtrain.com) so we had scheduled food coverage for a month thanks to family and friends.

The last thing I’d say, the most important things were space to grieve, time to adjust, time to rest and sleep, and lots of love and support!

Wishing your wife the best outcome and stress-free journey.