If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you’re preparing to have a mastectomy or are recovering from one. The experience of having a mastectomy can bring rise to a roller coaster of emotions and much of that carries over into navigating life on the other side of it. Something as seemingly simple as taking a shower can feel new, hard and complicated. And it doesn’t help that there’s lot of confusing information out there.
That’s why Rethink is here to help with real advice informed by fellow breast cancer community members so you can feel empowered with your first shower post-mastectomy.
When Can You Take a Shower After a Mastectomy?
Before we dive into things, we want to emphasize you are unique and so is your experience with breast cancer. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions as there may be considerations specific to your situation.
In general, timelines for first showers after a mastectomy vary depending on the type of surgery you have had. For example, whether you had a single or double mastectomy or a mastectomy with or without immediate reconstruction will contribute to your timeline. Most people can shower 48-72 hours after surgery. If you are unsure about your surgeon’s instructions, please reach out to your healthcare team to ensure you have the accurate information for your unique case.
After your surgery, you will likely have drains and/or bandages. Your healthcare team may recommend taking a sponge bath until your drains and bandages are removed, which is a helpful alternative to showering that can help you feel a little more like you during this time. Dry shampoo also works wonders here!
We know the waiting game is always hard in the context of cancer, especially when you feel gross, but rushing this process can increase your risk of complications, infections and general discomfort. So, we know it’s easier said than done but try to be patient with yourself.
How to Prepare for Your First Shower
As exciting as the idea of being clean after not showering in days may sound, the reality is you might be feeling a whole range of emotions. If you cry, know that’s ok. If you feel disconnected from your body, know you’re not alone. If you feel joy knowing you’re on the other side of this, you deserve that! You’ve been through so much. Whatever it is, know what you are feeling right now is completely valid and you are not alone.
Here are some tips to help you prepare.
Gather your supplies ahead of time. Your healthcare team may give you a list of things to help, but just in case, here’s our round-up of useful things:
- Mild, unscented soap and a clean washcloth or sponge to help clean your surgical areas gently
- Handheld shower head, if you have one, is helpful to control the water pressure around sensitive areas and help avoid your incisions. Plus, your range of motion will likely be limited, so this can help eliminate the need for you to reach overhead to adjust water pressure.
- A waterproof lanyard or belt for your surgical drains, if you have them.
- If applicable, cover any areas that must stay dry, like incision sites or bandages, with plastic wrap or waterproof dressings.
- Clean towels for drying after
- Loose, clean clothes that are easy to get in, like button-up jammies, zip-up hoodies, front-closing surgical bras, etc.
- If standing still feels a bit tiring to you, use a shower chair or stool to make your shower more comfortable. This can also be helpful in case you do feel a bit dizzy and need to sit down safely.
Have someone you are comfortable with nearby in case you feel weak or dizzy at any point. Remember, your body has just been through major surgery. This person doesn’t need to be in the bathroom with you necessarily, but close by to help if you need a hand.
What to Expect Physically
Having just gone through a major surgery with your mastectomy, you may feel a range of physical impacts in your recovery.
- It might feel strange or emotional to look at or touch your chest. And it’s ok if you don’t want to yet. Take your time with this.
- Some areas may be completely numb, swollen, sore, tender or just overall uncomfortable.
- To help with healing, try to avoid spraying hot water directly on your incisions. Instead, use warm water with a mild, unscented soap and pat dry with a clean towel. Use lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Avoid scrubbing or using scented products as both can irritate your incisions, causing even more discomfort.
Emotional Recovery and Body Image
Remember, it’s ok to feel whatever you’re feeling after your first shower. This whole experience is hard, and it likely feels like a bit of a whirlwind. Whether you feel disconnected, upset, relieve or confused, it’s all valid.
Some people avoid mirrors at first; others feel empowered seeing their body after surgery. Take it one day at a time and do what you are comfortable with. There’s no timeline for this. You’re not alone.
If you’re feeling isolated and want to connect with other people with breast cancer who have been there, the Rethink Network is a great place for this. We also recommend speaking with your healthcare team so they are aware of how you’re feeling and can offer available supports.
Shower Tips from The Rethink Network (People Who Have Been There!)
- “A post-surgery shower can feel wonderful (because, surgeon dependent, it can be weeks before you’re allowed). And also, how weird it can feel, to not feel. The water on the chest, your own hand washing your new chest. Painfully numb. Sometimes washing with a cloth was easier, because touching my body and not ‘feeling it’ was just too much. Almost like I had to work up to it. Coming out of the shower directly in front of the mirror was hard. No matter how hard I tried not to look, there I was. The first shower is hard and wonderful.”
- “Treat yourself to some luxurious products to wash and moisturize with (I mean ingredient wise, not scent. Rethink’s Give-A-Care body moisturizer is fantastic!). Soft cotton camis felt nicer against my skin than just throwing a shirt on. Button-up jammies and zip-up hoodies made life easier.”
- “Antibacterial soap to clean the drains/tubes regularly and hands is also a must. I got a really bad surgical infection on one side and managed to avoid further infection during the reconstruction by being diligent with the antibacterial which was a relief.”
- “A hair wash helper, because it’s hard to raise your arms to do that yourself (hair washes in the sink, while a pain in the ass, can be easier).”
- “One of the very best things someone did for me post-surgery was took me to a hair salon to have my hair washed and blow dried and put in nice braids. It felt like heaven.”
- “It’s jarring to be confronted with a new reality with so little mental health supports. I didn’t realize how much I linked my breasts with my own femininity. A lot of these mastectomy tips are mostly community sourced. It made me further appreciate the power of community. My first shower was amazing. I used a shower stool.”
- “It’s going to be hard, and range of motion will be limited but go slow and it’ll feel amazing after regardless. Get the clear waterproof bandage/tape to go over your bandages so they don’t get wet.”
Your first shower after a mastectomy is a huge step in your recovery, even when it feels really hard. Remember to take things one step, one day at a time. You’ve gone through a major surgery and post-operative self-care is important. You deserve rest, care and support as you recover and heal. You’ve got this and we’re here for you.