Forum Discussion

mjane1577's avatar
mjane1577
Member
6 months ago

2nd op

Hi, I have early stage breast cancer...I had my 1st surgery on the 18th Sep but have to go back in on the 16th of this month as they didn't get any of my cancer...my wound opened up last weekend & they stitched me up for this yesterday...does any one have any tips for the 2nd time round?? I usually am a side sleeper but with my big boobs I'm worried about the stitches opening up so have been sleeping half sitting up so not much sleep for me...any help on this would be very much appreciated too 🙂 
  • Cath62's avatar
    Cath62
    Member
    6 months ago
    I am not in your situation but there are peanut type pillows that your breast care nurse may be able to access to help.

    Also I can't remember the name of those boomerang type pillows but I slept with one of these and it helped my comfort when I had surgery and I have large breasts. Best wishes 
  • ruralmum2's avatar
    ruralmum2
    Member
    6 months ago
    Sorry you’re going through this!
    I’ve had 2 surgeries in June & July for mine & had a small cavity open after a wound infection & after starting on chemo, so had to deal with delayed healing. I’ve bought myself a body pillow (Kmart) for side sleeping on my good side without putting too much pressure on anything else. I also have a boomerang pillow plus a normal pillow on top under my head. Then I have my little underarm cushion from my McGrath Nurse to support the wound. 
    Previously I only ever used one pillow, but here I am & it’s helping me sleep. 
    I did consider buying a bed wedge from a medical supplies place, but didn’t end up doing that. I’ve also heard of people sleeping in a comfy recliner. 
    Whatever gets you the most sleep. My wound is so close to being healed now. Hoping for a good outcome with your second surgery. Big hugs to you xo
  • Peachy's avatar
    Peachy
    Member
    6 months ago
    I’m also a side sleeper too and of course my cancer is on the side I prefer to sleep on! After my second surgery I ended up putting pillows behind me on that side to stop me rolling over. My surgeon told me pain would wake me before I did any real damage but just in case I found the pillows helpful. Best of luck for the 16th. It’s a hard thing facing a second surgery when you feel like you’ve just started healing properly but in some ways it is easier knowing what to expect. Best wishes to you x