Forum Discussion
Pillow Talk
Hi, I am fairly new to BCNA. I was diagnosed in late July with a BRCA1 mutation, had my first ever mammogram and U/S which showed a mass on the U/S but not the mammogram, had a needle biopsy which confirmed IDC and adjacent DCIS in my L breast. MRI showed some more suspect areas of potential DCIS in both breasts. After a lot of anxiety, reading, and extremely helpful advice and support from the women in the breast reconstruction group (and I should add my BS & PS), I am scheduled to have a bilateral mastectomy with expanders on 5th September.
It is strange how leading up to my operation I am fixated on what seems to me to be very small and trivial things. I suspect my subconscious is doing this to prevent me from thinking too hard about the actual procedure. It also in some way makes me feel like I have some control in the planning of a process that seems to be largely out of my control.
So, finally getting to the point of this thread, I have read lots of your comments about the use of pillows post-op to help get comfortable and improve the chances of getting some sleep. Several of the American sites I have come across talk about systems of wedges, and pillow set-ups that sound extraordinarily complicated. Does anyone out there have any suggestion for a side-sleeper that detests sleeping on her back? Did any of you use a special pillow or just have a few extra pillows on hand?
Sharyn
16 Replies
- Oh my that's fantastic @Jameela! Up already, well done! K xox
- Thanks everyone for your thoughts and best wishes. Op went well yesterday. Ive got a bit of pain and nausea but otherwise doing well. Been doing my exercises from the physio and done a couple of short walks.
- Hope you're feeling okay.
- @Jameela I hope all went well today and your recovery goes smoothly
- Hi @Jameela, i hope your surgery went well today and that your feeling as well as can be expected. I had a double mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction in March 2017 so similar to your surgery. I had two drain tubes under each arm for 2 weeks after surgery so had to sleep on my back. Two tips I wanted to mention was a pair of headphones for talking on the phone and a lambs wool seatbelt cover that came from super cheap auto from memory that helped when travelling in the car. Best wishes, Kate
- All the very best S, hope it all goes smoothly. K xox
- Hi @Jameela, thinking if you today.xxx Hope all goes well as it can for you. Sending hugs, love and light.xoxo
- Thanks @Eastmum sounds like its just good ol’ trial and error. At least everyone here has given me some great tips to experiment with while I find what works for me. Thanks again everyone. xoxo
- Hi @Jameela - I hated sleeping on my back and after my double mastectomy into air expanders I had no choice but to do that. I have to be honest, it took me ages to find a comfortable way to sleep after I came home from hospital. Now, I'm really comfy and converted! I use three pillows - one big european pillow at the back, a memory foam pillow in the middle, and an old squishy pillow at the front. It makes me sleep quite propped up but I'm sleeping really well. You will find what's right for you - promise! xxx
- Thank you everyone for your feedback and suggestions - they are a great help. I'll ask my breast nurse about the zonta pillow and look at getting a v pillow - I always prop myself up on my arm too @Zoffiel. Thank you @kmakm for your very kind offer, I'll send you a PM. Sxx
