ABOUT
What is Necessities Bag Sacramento (NBS)? How does it work?
Necessities Bags are reusable totes filled with wound care, comfort and practical items, which are given to women facing mastectomies through their breast cancer nurses and surgeons, and some breast cancer organizations. The bags are especially useful if given to the patient about a week before surgery. Necessities Bag Sacramento is an affiliate of Necessities Inc., a national organization. We are responsible for our own funding and marketing.
How did NBS get its start?
In August, 2005, new Sacramento resident Ellen Mack underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. The surgery was more traumatic than she ever imagined, and healing time was much longer than anticipated. If only Ellen knew more about what she would feel before, during and after her mastectomies, and was better prepared for the long, uncomfortable healing process, the experience may not have been as arduous as it was.
Ellen wanted to help other women who would face the loss of their own breasts, to comfort them in some small way, to help prepare them for the ordeal In December, 2006, Ellen read an article in the Sacramento Bee about an organization in Connecticut that provided a tote filled with would care, comfort and practical items, and information specific to women facing mastectomies. She thought, “Women need this service in Sacramento.” By April, 2006, NBS was incorporated and shortly thereafter received 501(c)3 non-profit status. The first bags were given out to patients at Sutter General Hospital in May, 2006.
What about your breast cancer experience motivated you to become involved in the cause this way?
No one can truly prepare for a breast cancer diagnosis. When a woman decides that a mastectomy is the choice she must make, that decision is just one in a long succession of agonizing decisions about treatment. I had no idea how traumatic it was going to be to have the surgery, the panic attacks in the days preceding the surgery, and most especially the heartbreak of loss of sensation after surgery and feelings of inadequacy regarding body image. I saw this as an opportunity to help other women through an extremely difficult time in their lives.
What is the purpose for each item in the bag?
The items in the bag were developed by a woman who had had a mastectomy and then realized how unprepared she was for this traumatic and difficult surgery and recuperation. Lots of thought and care went into the selection of items in the bag. They include:
Soft, cotton, men’s A-shirts, which can be pulled on rather than stretched over the head when arms are too sore to lift. The A-shirts keep bandages in place, provide some compression, and provide a place to pin drains. If stained, they are inexpensive and can be tossed, and are great under other clothing.
Two small, cheery, soft, handmade pillows. Women who are recuperating from mastectomies can’t get enough pillows! These are great seat belt barriers, and are used to prop up aching arms. Women find comfort in the fact that the pillows are handmade by other women who care.
Extra bandages, bacitracin and paper tape for homecoming, if not supplied by the hospital and to save a trip to the drug store.
A pop-top water bottle that is kept by one’s side, when reaching for that cup of water on the bedside table is too painful. Lip balm and some sweet candy for dry mouth and cracked lips after surgery and anesthesia. Pocket tissues for tears and personal wipes to help keep fresh until showering is allowed. An emery board just because!
A colorful, two-pocket folder, to organize all of the paperwork the patient will collect. A small notebook and pen to jot down questions for the doctor, doctor’s orders, keep track of fluid amounts from drains, and express feelings and thoughts. A pre-stamped and addressed notecard to Necessities Bag Sacramento, so we can collect feedback from patients to ensure we are doing a good job.
The Woman to Woman Guide for Mastectomy, written from experience in plain language about preparing for and coming to terms with the surgery.
What should we all know about women who have undergone a mastectomy?
That theirs was a decision painfully reached, hopefully with the loving support of family, friends, and other survivors. That it’s one of the scariest times in a woman’s life and there is a certain amount of heroism to this decision. We choose life over vanity and fear.
Why are Necessities Bags distributed by medical professionals?
Surgeons and nurses understand how important it is to help their patients manage the distress and difficulties associated with recovery from major surgery. The information and supplies offered in the Necessities Bag covers aspects of practical preparation that may be overlooked. Medical professionals who have reviewed and approved the contents can better answer questions related to the surgery and recovery. That said and given enough notice, Necessities Bags are sometimes shipped to women in remote areas or hand-brought by friends to women whose surgeons do not give them a Bag.
How can I make a donation and sponsor a Necessities Bag?
The suggested donation for a Necessities Bag is $50. However, contributions of any amount are truly appreciated.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. Necessities Bag Sacramento, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible. All donations are acknowledged in writing for tax purposes.
How do I contact Necessities Bag Sacramento?
