What should I bring to the hospital for Breast Cancer surgery

What to Bring to Your Breast Cancer Surgery

Great question! Being prepared helps reduce stress and ensures your care team has everything they need. Here's what you should bring:

Essential Documents & Information

[ID removed] & Insurance:

• Insurance card(s) and photo ID
• List of all current medications (including doses and how often you take them)
• List of any allergies or adverse reactions to medications
• Names and contact information for all your doctors
• Recent test results, imaging reports, and pathology reports (especially your breast cancer diagnosis and staging information)

According to the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Invasive Breast Cancer, organizing your medical information is crucial. The guidelines recommend creating a medical binder with copies of your blood tests, imaging results, and cancer-specific reports. Bring this binder to your surgery appointment—your surgical team will want to review your complete medical history.

Practical Items for Hospital Stay

Comfort & Personal Care:

• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for after surgery (button-front shirts work best—avoid pulling anything over your head)
• Slip-on shoes or slippers with non-slip soles
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo)
• Glasses or contacts (if you wear them) in a labeled case
• Phone charger
• Entertainment (books, tablet, headphones—check hospital policies first)

For Support:

• Contact information for your support person (friend, family member, or caregiver)
• A list of people to call with updates after surgery

Important Pre-Surgery Preparation

The Day Before Surgery:

• Follow all fasting instructions your surgical team provided (typically no food or drink after midnight)
• Take only medications your surgeon approved
• Arrange transportation home—you cannot drive after anesthesia

The Morning of Surgery:

• Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing
• Remove jewelry, piercings, nail polish, and makeup
• Leave valuables at home

Questions to Ask Your Surgical Team

The NCCN Guidelines emphasize asking your care team about their experience. Before surgery, consider asking:

1. What should I expect during recovery? (pain management, activity restrictions, when I can shower)
2. Will I have drains after surgery, and how long will they stay in?
3. When can I resume normal activities?
4. What symptoms should I report immediately after going home?
5. Who do I call if I have questions or concerns after discharge?

After You Get Home

Keep your medical binder accessible. You'll likely have follow-up appointments, and having your organized records helps your care team track your progress and plan any additional treatment.

---

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.