What to get my sister after her mastectomy?

My sister has imflammatory breast cancer, she has finished her chemo and is having a double mastectomy Monday and her lymph nodes in her armpits removed. I can't be there with her but would like to send something. Has anyone gone through this? Is there something that would have made your recovery more comfortable?

If you go for the manicure route, remind the person doing it to not cut your sisters cuticles. With the removal of the lymph nodes, she's at risk for lymphedema now. ;) You might think about getting her a medic alert bracelet so medical professionals know not to take her blood pressure or give her shots in her arm, etc.

The one thing I used a lot right after my lumpectomy was one of the big pillows that you get to prop you up in bed so you can watch tv. It was a lifesaver. A cup with a good secure lid so she does not have to sit up all the way to get a drink. A padded shoulder strap for the seatbelt in the car when she does feel up to going out again. (My MIL actually made me one and it made a huge difference!)

I think one of the sweetest gifts I got right after my surgery and just as I started chemo was from a group of my best friends. They got together and sent me a dozen daffodills with a stuffed teddy bear from the American Cancer Society. I cried when I saw the flowers and the bear went with me to all of my treatments. I still tear up thinking about it because everytime I look at that bear I'm reminded of the people who love me. :)

Most of all, just keep in constant contact with her. Let her know you are thinking of her and you care about her. When it all first happens it seems like everyone you've ever met is coming out of the woodwork to wish you well and send you a card or give you a call...then a few months down the road, you hear very little from them because they don't really realize all that you are still going through. It's going to be a long process for her. I'll be keeping the both of you in my prayers.

A kilo of some good green bud......Just kidding.....Send her some flowers and balloons.....Just let her know that you care and that you are there for her.......PEACE

there isn't anything you can do for her to make her more comfortable physically, that is the job of the medical professionals taking care of her. The best you can do is let her know you are thinking of her. Flowers, balloons, a card, a nice newsy letter....all these can cheer someone in hospital up considerably.

A little girl in my son's school cut off her very long hair and donated it for a wig....

How about two nice new pillows with great pillow cases? [ not white if used in the hospital ]
The new pillows will be a great support for her after surgery.It might help her feel more comfortable.
I wish you and your sister the best.

I would say that I would give her a manicure, they have those services at the hospital. It will make her feel pretty and feminine. I know from experience that having such a dramatic surgery can hit the person's self esteem. I would also send a beautiful caftan with bright colors on it. I think bright colors will lift her spirits...I will be praying for her and you... God bless.

When my aunt had her hysterectomy (not the same, I know), my mom and I got her a really cool fruit bouquet and she loved it because it was really unique. It is fruit cut up to look like flowers and they make it look really nice and the fruit is delicious! It was good food for her recovery and a neat gift.

GREETINGS, Krista. I'm sorry your sister is sick, cancer is a nasty condition. She's gonna need alot of support after the surgery, it's major surgery. I would say flowers, a very soft chenille like pillow to lay on, and some sort of really pretty but very loose easy to get on and off nightgown. She's going to have pain and be very sort, hard to move her arms at first, she probably will need some physical therapy if she has a good doctor they will prescribe it.

I also have to caution you and not sure if you want to tell her or not but she should know the after surgery possible effects. Since she is having the axilla nodes removed, those are the underarm nodes, they are main lymph nodes in the body, coupled with the breasts removed, that's alot of lymph nodes. Not sure if she is having radiation or not. But she is at high risk for lymphedema which is swelling of the arms of lymph fluids. Doctors never tell patients this and then the arms swell and you wonder why scared the cancer is back.

I'm going to give you my website, http://www.lymphland.com for you to read about it so you can educate her if it happens to her, and if it does, she is more than welcome to join my support group, just holler.

good luck to your sister.

Send her some flowers along with a nice card. Don't get a depressing card, get one that makes her laugh. If she likes chocolate or candies get her some. Don't feel sorry for her, because that's the last thing she needs right now. Tell her, that everything is over now and she can move on with her life.