Monday Mashup- Post Surgery Tips from Survivors

Wedge Pillow for the win!!! If you listen to this episode you will hear from multiple survivors how a wedge pillow aided in their comfort after have breast surgery.  Lying flat after surgery can be quite uncomfortable.  A wedge pillow helps you sleep at an incline... and we know how important sleep is! 

Some other tips and tricks mentioned in this episode- BUT remember, these are things that worked for other survivors, we are not medical professionals and everyone's journey is different. Listen to your body and if you ever have any questions, contact your Oncologist!

My biggest recommendation is to get some exercise! Start slow, go at your own pace and listen to your body.  Getting outside, breathing in that fresh air and feeling the sun on your face feels so good and can help to aid in your healing process. 

Ashely a 2 time survivor recommends a wedge pillow for sleep and throw blankets or a mastectomy pillow to help put a cushion between you and your kids, so you can still snuggle and be close to them and helps you feel more comfortable and safe doing that.

Anita who had the DIEP flap surgery recommends a lift recliner.  Before surgery she felt that would be overkill, but is so glad she decided to use one.  It really helped her get up from a laying position with more ease and comfort.  She also recommended Arnica Pellets , which are homeopathic and she felt aided in her speedy recovery.

Christy who had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction recommends a wedge pillow and she said she wouldn't go anywhere without her deodorant wipes!

Amanda, who had a single mastectomy with reconstruction used a wedge pillow and was able to pass on to other survivors going through surgery. She also used a lanyard in the shower to hold her drains and a fanny pack to put the drains in when she was out and about. Amanda did not particularly like her implant for many reasons (you will find out in a future episode!) so she decided to opt for a removal of the implant with a flat closure.  She has been dealing with a persistent seroma since her last surgery and has been using a bra-extender (makes your bra into a backless bra)  along with an Athleta Foam Insert to help keep pressure on her chest wall which will aide in the healing of the seroma.   

Julie had a mastectomy followed by immediate reconstruction.  Her go to after surgery were soft pajama bottoms.  With the drains she could not do a top, but once she was drain free she splurged and got an amaizing nightgown at Barefoot Dreams , which she basically lived in for the remaining of her healing process.  

Jess, a 5 year survivor had a lumpectomy and recommends a nice cozy blanket to cuddle up in,  good bralette with support and elasticity,  and a good TV show! (Schitts Creek anyone?!)

Sarah was diagnosed in 2020, she had a double mastectomy with reconstruction and reduction. She recommends a wedge pillow and she got herself a "cancer bed" as she calls it.  She splurged on a comfortable bed because she knew how important sleep was and was tired of trying to get comfortable on the couch! She also recommends a good book.  She read Untamed By Glennon Doyle.  Lastly (which I wish I knew!!) she got 2 free cleaning services through New England Cancer Center where she was receiving her treatment- hint...if your treatment center offers this, wait to get it until after surgery!

Penny Cassleman, BRACA2 Breast Cancer Survivor and the author of How to Get a Free Boob Job  .  She recommends button front pajamas.  They are easy on, easy off, comfortable and she did not have to worry about pulling things over her head.  She also recommends a wedge pillow (told you it was the big winner!) One thing she wished she had during her recovery and her days at the treatment center was noise cancelling headphones.  The hospital and treatment center can be loud and stressful and she feels noise cancelling headphones would have really helped her "check out" and relax more.