Advice please

Hi

In terms of physical stuff a V pillow would be a great idea or a small pillow to put under the arm/use under seat belts (often in the shape of a heart).  But having had this last year the best thing you may be able to do is be there, niot sure of your pal's set-up but I live alone and having someone pop round to do stuff that I couldn't or shouldn't was the best present ever.

Sam

Hi Swanie, 

I’ll second what Yorkshire_defector said. I had a lumpectomy on Monday so not as invasive but having someone to wash my hair as I can’t shower yet, cook, walk the dog, tidy etc is a godsend. Xx

Thanks so much for your quick reply. She lives with her hubby and has 3 adult children so she will be ok for help at home, I will look on Etsy for the pillow ( great idea thanks for that ) and will viously visit and call her, I just felt that I could help by getting things to make her recovery abit easier. Thankfully we are all rather scatty so that helps

I could wash her hair !!!!!!

Hi Swanie,

I’m sure your friend will appreciate having a great  friend for support.

My daughter got me a chemo box. You could maybe get a mastectomy one. I think you can buy them already completed but my daughter looked at the ready made box for inspiration then made up her own.

Lots of moisturisers, lip balm, fluffy socks, fleecy blanket, ginger sweets, bath/shower cream etc. It’s been so useful.

I don’t know if your friend will be having chemo too. 

Might give you some ideas.

Bluebell xx

Hi Swanie

I'm so sorry to hear this.  I've been given a booklet (amongst others) titled "When your partner has breast cancer" from Breast Cancer Care.  Your friend may well have been given similar.  The 'partner' booklet may be of use to you, as her friend.  They are usually freely given at clinic, or available at the various treatment centres.  If you like, I could scan the booklet and send to you?

Also, I enjoy sewing (although lost my mojo at the moment, surprise) but would happily make your friend a pillow to support her underarm, or under boob.  The pattern I've got is heart-shaped and should be easy enough to do.  I'd do a removeable cover too.  If you'd like me to do this, I'll be happy to and it will give me the 'push' I need to get back into sewing.

I'd just post it on to you, assuming you let me have your address (via PM, of course).  Don't worry about costs etc - there'll be no charge.  As I said, I'd be happy to do it for you and your friend ;)

If your friend has hormone receptive cancer (er+) depending on her age, she may be given drugs to block the production of oestrogen.  In which case, she will probably experience hot flushes and I found a Chillmax pillow by JML great for cooling me down in the middle of the night.  They don't need to be put in the fridge and can be used a couple of times in the night if they are left to one side to cool down again.  Dry skin can also be a problem so perfume free moisturisers will be very useful.  If you put 'chemo friendly skin care' into google there will be lots of suggestions.  Even if she isn't having chemo, radiotherapy can also dry the skin.

Thanks for the tips re Chillmax pillow.  I've just started (y'day) Letrozole so this is likely to be such a help to me too 

I just leave mine draped over the headboard ready for use and put it back there when I have cooled down, ready for the next time.

That sounds a great idea.  My bedroom is always cool/cold as windows open, even in Winter, so pillow should chill off nicely.

Thanks very much

Wishing you great recovery :)