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Peachy Comeback Episode 6: Breast Cancer Journey and Double Mastectomy Recovery

 Peachy Comeback Episode 6

What a privilege talking with my sister, Ashley Jones, on the Peachy Comeback. In this episode of the Peachy Comeback, Ashley and I talk about the importance of care and recovery during breast cancer. We talk through what it’s like as a patient and what it’s like as a caregiver following a double mastectomy surgery.

How do you prepare for a double mastectomy surgery? The process of preparing for a surgery can feel overwhelming and exhausting. Here are four tips to help get you feeling better prepared.

Steps To Get Ready For A Double Mastectomy Surgery Recovery

1. Volunteer someone to take care of you. Seriously, friend. Now is not the time to be an independent warrior. Ask for help and have a trusted person in your life be available to be with you at all times for at least the first several days. Help with simple things like getting up and down from a chair or bed is so important and really helps the recovery process not feel so daunting.

2. Have lots of loose comfortable clothing on standby. Leggings are usually my go to comfort pant, but when you are recovering from a double mastectomy surgery, let me tell you, tugging on snug leggings is that last thing you want to do. Think baggy - loose - easily to pull up and down. Button down pj tops and shirts are a must have. My arms were going zero places other than comfortably close and at my side. Slipping a tank or shirt over my head was not even on the radar for me for many many days following surgery.

3. Have an excellent place to recline and rest. It doesn’t need to be fancy or pretty, but it needs to be clean and it needs to make you feel at peace. We did not have a recliner, so I spent most days propped up in an oversized chair. I slept in our bed with an army of pillows. Looking back, I will say that having a  recliner would have been nice. If you have one or can score one, I would definitely recommend. 

4. Have three to four days of snacks and meals ready to go. Either cook ahead and freeze some casseroles, yes, I’m a southerner, or have door dash and your tribe of people on standby for food delivery. You are a rockstar and you just came out of a big surgery. You are not cooking anytime soon. 

Okay, I feel like these are the most important ideas to help you get ready for a post surgery recovery. Comment if you have other experiences or ideas that could help someone getting ready for this journey! 

Abby

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