After mastectomy

Hi, do you have one of those pillows people bring on flights?  If you do put it upside down under your arm.  I actually thought my sentinel node gave me more jip.  It was especially annoying after 10 days but using that pillow eases it for you day and night.  Best wishes for your results.  I still had some cancer in my margins so don’t be too alarmed.    Treat it as another step in the journey if you do.  You will get there 

Hi, I have a heart pillow for under my arm as lymph nodes removed. Its just lying in one position as I love to lay on either side. Hopefully won't be long before I get back to a normal sleeping position  xx

Hi Musicmumma 

Glad to see you back on forum after your mastectomy.  

Was you told not to sleep on your side? I really struggled sleeping on my back, I also the night of my right breast mastectomy had awful burning and pain down that side and around my back so I slept upright on my left side with the pillow they give you under my right arm and continued to do this every night at home. I then used to lie on my back for a while then move on to my side again. When I started to.feel with fluid on my chest it became more sore as the fluid would make my chest hang down so I was back on my back more until I got it drained again. 

The waiting once again is one of the worst parts of all this I feel. My advice is to rest, watch TV, I also do lots of puzzles and knit. I certainly knew i had over done it so do be careful. Walking is great and yes the exercises really helped me, I still fo them now as sometimes if I leave them for a couple of days I can feel my side gets tight. Also I am lucky enough my nodes were clear and my oncotype test low so I do not have to have chemo but start radiotherapy down. Take care of yourself xx

Hi Jenflower, Thankyou,I gave myself a week off of everything just to get used to it all. I was advised back sleeping would be better as it puts less strain on muscle and tissue, its so uncomfortablthough and sleep being part of the recovery process you need to be comfy. My surgeon doesn't believe in having drains so it's just swooshing in my left breast area like a hot water bottle! I'm due to have the dressing off today so will have an idea of the swelling without the dressing, it's not red,hot or painful, other than general surgery aches and pains. 

Yes, this Cancer business is all about waiting and tak8ng every positive from the negatives xxx

They may drain it for you today. I had mine drained 3 times x

Hi Musicmumma, sorry to hear you are finding it difficult to sleep on your back. I found just using one large pillow and 2 soft pillows on top help. I would position them so the were at an angle (propped up like being on an hospital bed) and I sank into the pillows. I’m a side and front sleeper and thought I would never manage on my back. It worked because I think the pillows were soft and I could mould around me. Also i found using them on the sofa worked well too. I could snuggle into the corner. Maybe the pillows are a bit too firm? 
For wind I found lying on the floor/bed and bringing my legs up to my chest as close as possible and holding my arms around then (it’s a yoga pose - Pawanmuktasana) really helped. Obviously I don’t know how this would work for you as you have just had surgery and things maybe to sore/ difficult at the moment. 
Maybe your breast care nurse could prescribe or recommend something to help otherwise.

Wishing you all the best.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x 

I had a hip replacement in 2021 and was advised to sleep on my back for the first few weeks. I found putting a pillow underneath my knees stopped all the backache, and also prevented me from inadvertently rolling over. 

Hi!

I'm happy to hear you doing well and it wasn't as bad as you thought. I had my masectomy and implant on right side on Feb 22nd. Prior to this, I always slept on my right side! I was advised to sleep on my back or sitting up. I slept sitting up for about 2 weeks and am now sleeping on my back. I hated it at first but I make a little nest of pillows, I still sleep with my heart shaped pillow under my arm too. I probably don't need this at this stage but I've grown to love it. I also put a big fat pillow under my knees and that helps me get comfortable. My boyfriend always slept with a pillow under his knees so I tried it and crazy as it sounds it makes a difference. I probably could sleep on my right side now, I tried it the other day and I don't feel like I was 'damaging' anything but if I touch the side of my implant it still feels bruised so although the side position felt comfortable, the bruise pressing annoyed me so I'll stay on my back for another while. All the best for your results and happy sleeping 

When I saw the nurse she said although there was fluid it didn't look like it needed draining yet. I go back for a dressing check next week xx

Hi Cuffcake, thanks for the suggestions. I tried a new set up last night was comfy but still woke through the night with lower back pain and still the damn wind. I don't have it at all all day soon as I lay on my back it starts! Driving me crazy, I have meds for it, think I'll get colic drops like i gave to my babies for colic! No wonder babies cry so much! Xxxxxx