It's not easy is it ..... paracetamol, try and keep off that side when sleeping, (easier said than done) and a soft non wired bra to sleep in. I had two front zip up bras from primark, didn't plan on using them as they had no support, but they are brilliant for sleeping in. Day times I wear a lovely support bra from matalan but can't wait to get into the matalan ones. Sadly it's just a waiting game. I'm on my third week post surgery and only just starting to be more comfortable in bed, i have a fair bit of swelling though. Try extra pillows beside you to stop rolling over ? Good luck on your journey !
When did you have your surgery? It can take some time to be able to sleep comfortably after a lumpectomy. I used a small heart shaped cushion, which I placed under my arm on the affected side. I found this helpful, as it dispersed some of the pressure from the site.
I hope that you feel more comfortable soon. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.
I'm 8 weeks post lumpectomy and lymph node removal and it does get easier. The heart shaped cushion Jolamine mentioned has been a godsend for comfort and the soft front fastening bra has helped too. Putting lots of cushions or pillows around me to support me when I turn on the affected side has helped too.
Hi Bonnie I am typing this at 4am in the morning as I am awake due to not being comfortable in bed. Had a mastectomy and reconstruction 4 weeks ago. Also had lymph nodes removed. I agree with you that it is difficult sleeping due to the discomfort. I don’t like sleeping on my back at all and long to sleep on my side again. I bought a V shaped pillow which I prop myself up with and have a heart shaped cushion to place under my arm. I tend to sleep in short bursts and am awake quite a bit. Taking paracetamol and ibuprofen regularly too and things are starting to improve pain wise. Have to wear a firm bra night and day for 6 weeks due to reconstruction and find it a bit constricting at night.
Hope you soon start to feel better and good luck in your journey
Useful information as this is what is planned for me. Going ghrough brutal chemo at the moment to shrink cancer, treatment will last until November. All depends on response to chemo and genetics test Scans in August. Not a pleasant time of my life but determined to beat it! thank you x
Good luck in your journey Val and sending you all best wishes for your treatment. I am waiting for results of Oncotype DX tests to see if I will need chemotherapy. You sound a positive and determined person and I’m sure you will beat this. This is my second time with breast cancer in 5 years but as with the last time I am keeping positive, just would like to sleep comfortably at the moment
I'm also waiting for my oncotype DX results. Praying that I score low and don't need chemo. But, if I do, then going to suck it up, anything to stop it coming back. I'm sorry you're having to do this again.
Hi there got my Oncotype results on Friday, low score of 22 so chemotherapy not required Got to start exemestane and have dexascan. Good luck to you with your results. Keep in touch x
I have a 3 week wait I think. Every time I go to an appointment I get another stressful 3 week wait. I can't complain, mammogram late April where they saw something suspicious and it's been non stop since then. So, can't fault my hospital, they've been on the ball since the start. These waits are terrible though. 22 !! Lucky you, hope I get similar results.
I was about 4 weeks waiting. Apparently it goes to California It was such a relief when the nurse rang me. They had just had the MDT meeting and she wanted me to know straight away so I wouldn’t be worrying over the weekend. I was in tears by the end of the conversation. I have had such brilliant care from start to finish.
I am almost pain free now just over 4 weeks from mastectomy, reconstruction and sentinel node biopsies. It’s great to feel as though things are getting back to normal again.
