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Post by lisae on Apr 18, 2021 0:40:31 GMT
I have a relative who is having a double mastectomy in a few days. What type of pillow should I make for her?
I've seen patterns that are heart shaped so the dip in the top of the heart fits under one arm.
I've seen other styles on Etsy that have two cutouts and it appears to wrap around the front of the body.
If you have had a mastectomy or made one of these pillows for someone else, I'd appreciate some guidance on what works best.
TIA
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Post by elaine on Apr 18, 2021 3:03:46 GMT
Is she having reconstruction? I’m not sure what the pillow is for. She will be sleeping on her back for the first 4-8 weeks.
The only specialized pillow I used was for yoga, when I was able to get back to the gym, for poses that involved laying on my stomach. But that was only about 5-6 months out and my expanders were so uncomfortable. And in the end, I just didn’t do any poses that involved laying on my stomach, because the pillow didn’t make it any more comfortable.
If you want to sew for her, a belt with holders/pockets for her drains would be awesome. She would need and use it starting immediately, up until she gets her drains out (she’ll probably have 4 of them). With my first surgery, my drains were in for 8 weeks and I wore my belt out. Most people only have their drains in for 1-4 weeks though.
eta: it is very kind of you to think of her and want to do something. ❤️
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TXMary
Pearl Clutcher
And so many nights I just dream of the ocean. God, I wish I was sailin' again.
Posts: 3,410 
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Post by TXMary on Apr 18, 2021 3:13:11 GMT
I didn’t use any special pillows with my mastectomy or my reconstruction. I just used a lot of pillows and lined my whole body so I could sleep on my back without turning over. I was always a stomach sleeper and it was hard for me to adjust to sleeping on my back. After reconstruction I also kept a pillow under my knees.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,366
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Apr 18, 2021 3:52:18 GMT
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Post by momx1 on Apr 18, 2021 5:28:15 GMT
I had a heart shaped pillow they gave me at the hospital to put between me and the shoulder seat belts. I really only used it for the first 3 or 4 weeks.
I like Elaines suggestion for the drainage belt. I kept my drainage bulbs clipped on the inside of my gowns but a special belt would have been nice.
Thank you for thinking of ways to help your friend.
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craftykitten
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,304
Jun 26, 2014 7:39:32 GMT
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Post by craftykitten on Apr 18, 2021 7:49:49 GMT
I used two single pillows after my surgery, I found them helpful for protecting against seat belts or anything else that might rub. I still use one occasionally, I never realised how much your boobs prop you up when you sleep on your side 😂 I used a drain bag not a belt, definitely very useful. Depending on how fancy you want to get with your sewing, loose button-front tops are very useful when you can't wave your arms around much. You are very kind to make something for her  |
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,077
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Apr 18, 2021 10:24:45 GMT
I had a drain bag rather than a belt as well. I couldn't have done without that while I had the drains. They also gave me a heart shaped pillow, but I never worked out a way to use it that helped. I had a single mastectomy though.
Your relative is lucky having you, and you're lovely to think of her.
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Post by lisae on Apr 18, 2021 23:31:02 GMT
Thank you for your input. I will check into making something for the drains. DH had drains after some of his abdominal surgeries and we had to keep pinning them to his clothes.
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Post by Zee on Apr 18, 2021 23:53:19 GMT
My surgeon's office gave me a lanyard that I pinned the drains to. That was pretty simple.
My sister and nieces sent me a big pillow shaped like a giant Peeps bunny. It was surprisingly very useful while trying to get comfortable in my chair. So, I think any large pillow is helpful. Also very helpful were pajamas that buttoned up the front and zippered hoodies, made it much easier to get dressed.
And for sleeping, I used pillows to sort of prop me up and support my arms until I was able to sleep on my side.
What they need to invent are devices to open heavy doors until you get your strength back! That was the hardest thing! Took me a week or more to be able to open the fridge and six weeks to slide the patio door open.
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