My recovery journey

Enter your surgery date and surgery type to see a personalised, week-by-week checklist of expected milestones, appointments, and self-care goals. Tick items off as you go.

Surgery date

Surgery type

Pick your surgery date above to generate your personalised week-by-week journey.

You can pick a date in the future if surgery is upcoming.

What to pack & prepare

Practical, non-branded list for Lumpectomy / Wide local excision. 0/41 ticked off.

Often a same-day or 1-night stay. You can pack lighter, but still plan to come home in front-opening clothes.

Photo ID, Medicare card, private health card, admission paperwork
A written list of all medications (name, dose, time) — including supplements and herbal remedies
Your current medications in their original boxes (ask your team — some hospitals supply, others don't)
Phone + long charging cable (hospital sockets are often far from the bed)
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant (roll-on, not aerosol), unscented moisturiser
Glasses / contact lens case + solution (you'll be asked to remove contacts for surgery)
Non-slip slippers or flat slip-on shoes (you'll walk to the bathroom on day 1)
A few snacks for after surgery — plain crackers, muesli bars, ginger lollies (anaesthesia can cause nausea)
Refillable water bottle with a straw or sports lid (raising arms can be painful)
A book, downloaded podcasts/shows, headphones — waits before and after surgery can be long
Earplugs and an eye mask — wards are noisy and lights stay on
A small pack of tissues and wet wipes
A small amount of cash for the hospital café / parking machines

3–4 extra pillows (to prop up in bed and support the operated side)
5–7 days of easy meals in the freezer or organised meal-train (soups, casseroles, microwave meals)
Pantry stocked with high-fibre foods + prunes/pear juice — opioids cause constipation
Stool softener (e.g. docusate) and a mild laxative — ask the pharmacist before surgery
Paracetamol and ibuprofen at home (your team will tell you what you can take)
A digital thermometer (you'll be asked to monitor for fever > 38°C)
Two reusable gel ice packs (one in use, one in the freezer) wrapped in a thin cloth
Sports water bottle by the bed and a second on the couch
A weekly pill organiser to track pain meds, antibiotics and stool softeners
Shower stool or non-slip mat — you'll be tired and may feel dizzy
Hand-held shower head if possible (so you don't need to twist or reach overhead)
Set up a "recovery station": charger, tissues, drink bottle, snacks, remote, book — within easy reach
A confirmed driver to take you home + an adult to stay with you for the first 24 hours
Pet care arranged — no walking large dogs or lifting cat litter for several weeks
Small soft ice pack to fit inside a bra cup (frozen peas in a tea towel works)

Two sets of button-up or zip-front pyjamas / shirts (raising arms overhead will be hard)
Loose, soft trousers or trackpants with elastic waistband — nothing that pulls on over the head
A loose cardigan or zip-up hoodie for the trip home (hospitals are cold; cars are colder)
Warm socks (hospital floors and waiting rooms are cold)
Cotton underwear — comfortable, not new
No underwire bras for at least 6 weeks — choose a soft bra or camisole instead (your team will advise on timing)
A soft, well-fitting wireless bra (e.g. crop top / sports bra style) — many surgeons ask you to wear one day and night for 1–2 weeks

Sources: BCNA hospital bag & My Care Kit guidance · McGrath Foundation breast care nurse handouts · Cancer Council patient booklets · NHS pre-operative information. No products or brands endorsed.

A guide only. Recovery is highly individual, so always follow the specific advice from your own surgical team. Data is saved to this device only; clearing browser data will reset your journey. Sources: BCNA (recovery and after surgery), Cancer Australia (treatment and recovery pathways), McGrath Foundation (breast care nurse resources).

Drains & pressure bandages

What to pack & prepare