16 Comments
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Greta Moode's avatar

Wishing you all the best for this little trip. Sending lots of love xxx

Marcia Francois's avatar

My breast cancer surgery was 18 months ago so I honestly can’t remember but I know I packed a very loose top because I worried about being able to get into it with both breasts being operated on.

I always have a notebook and pen with me and my Kindle!

Alison's avatar

Ooh a notebook and pen is a good one!

Jenni Majumdar's avatar

Thank you for sharing these practical tips! There is so much out of one’s control with disease, cancer, or really any kind of surgery and giving people a list of things that they can do and bring to the hospital really helps!

I would like to add that I hope you tell your anesthesia provider about the sore throat! This might mean you were a difficult intubation the first time around and they can prepare for it better if they know this! Even if you weren’t a difficult intubation there is a lot of things they can do to reduce your chances of a sore throat this time!! Hoping you have a smooth surgery and quick recovery!!

Alison's avatar

Thanks so much for the tip, Jenni. It hadn’t occurred to me to tell my anesthesiologist about the sore throat. I just assumed it happened to everyone. I’ll definitely mention it!

Karen Gammon's avatar

Best wishes to you to get this behind you and begin recovery. I would bring a plastic garbage bag and an inexpensive neck bolster style pillow for behind uour neck in that flat bed. Playlist?

Alison's avatar

I hadn’t thought to bring a garbage bag, that’s a great tip! As is the neck pillow. Thanks, Karen!

Karen Gammon's avatar

The bag can be used to bag up any hospital cootie items to be sani washed when (oh happy day!) you get to go home. Sending you all my determined energy that all will be as good, smooth, comfortable and swift as it can possibly be!♥️

Karen Gammon's avatar

Great curated collection.

Joan Haig's avatar

Amazing bumper pack here. I’d throw in Vaseline lip balm with your toiletries - lips can chap with dehydration during surgery or if you struggle to stay hydrated afterwards (though your electrolytes will help with that - great idea!).

I always pack my journal and pencil case, and my juju bag of lucky stuff 😊

Alison's avatar

Vaseline’s a great idea, Joan. It reminds me that I did get dry lips last time!

Catherine's avatar

The power strip and table lamp are such pro moves! A really good hand cream and Loop earplugs have been my saviours the past two hospital stays. Wishing you smooth sailing and a speedy recovery this time round ❤️‍🩹

Alison's avatar

Thanks, Catherine! Thanks for the hand cream reminder, going to throw that in too!

Lee Riggs's avatar

Sounds like you are super well prepared and everything you've included should make your hospital stay cozy and comfortable. Enjoy all that time for reading, TV shows, etc. Sending hugs and healing energy your way.

Nini's avatar

Thanks for this! My surgery is this Wednesday so this is super helpful. Best wishes to you!!!

Alison's avatar

Thinking of you, Nini! Mine is also on Wednesday🥰