Neck Donut Pillow? And other care package ideas?

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cherrychapstick
cherrychapstick Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer

My sister is about to undergo a double mastectomy + reconstruction and I'd like to put together a little care package for when I visit.  I've heard that a neck pillow (in half moon or donut formation?) would be appreciated, if not necessary while sleeping/lying around in bed?

I've been looking around online and in pharmacies here in town (Ottawa), but can't seem to find anything that looks comfy, practical or of decent quality.

Would anyone have a clue as to where I can find a really great one?

And any other ideas as to what I could add to her package would be appreciated!! (so far I have comfy PJ pants, a large-ish tank top and Tshirt that she can step into, baby wipes, lip balm, books & mags....and bottle of bubbly for when she gets home)

Thanks!

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited June 2013

    It is good to have a portable basket to keep all your stuff in by the bed or recliner - it can hold glasses, phone, remote, tissues, medication, water bottle, etc.  Also, my husband got lamp switches at Home Depot (link below), it is a slide that allows you to turn the lamp off without reaching as far - inexpensive but brilliant!  Also, here is a link for pillows.

    http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Credenza-100-Watt-CFL-LED-Plug-In-Lamp-Dimmer-White-TTCL-100DH-WH/202502171

    http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/search/search.aspx/neck-pillow/?sstr=neck+pillow&grid=20&dim=1&nty=1

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  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited June 2013

    I just had a lumpectomy and in preparation ordered a side sleeper pillow from comfortquest.com . I can't believe how much I love this pillow, it has allowed me to sleep comfortably. I see they are closing at the end of June, I also live in Canada and it was delivered in 2 weeks. It is very soft and squishy and wraps around your body. I used it also to help getting out of bed by supporting the incision. Of all the things I purchased in preparation, that was the best. Second was two pairs of button up pyjamas from winners!

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  • cinnamonsmiles
    cinnamonsmiles Member Posts: 779
    edited June 2013

    Here are some of the things that I found helpful:

    When I was able to bathe, my surgeon told me to use Dove bar soap to wash my chest with.

    I didn't have reconstruction, but the hospital volunteers made me rectangler soft pillows that I still use. I used them in from of my chest with the seatbelt, sometimes under my arms to help pain.

    Soft button up pj tops and shirts because she won't be able to lift her arms until she gets permission from the surgeon.

    Make her microwaveable meals and put them in containers for her if she needs to make a meal if no one is around at first.

    It might be awhile before she can open up the bubbly if she is on pain medications after. 

    Some like wedge pillows to sleep on in bed. I slept in the recliner for quite awhile.

    A small tablet or notebook to write down her daily drain totals that she will need to report to the surgeon.

    Better than things to buy her is make sure that at first there is someone to help her. Have her have everything she needs out on a cupboard like toothpaste/brush,hair brush, towels, drinking glasses, etc. She will not be able to reach.

    You sound like such a wonderfully caring, supportive sister. Your sister is very fortuneate to have you!!!

    I wish you sister a sucessful surgery with quick healing!!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2013

    I also liked the two small pillows a friend made for me - one for each side - to kinda "support" the drains when I was sleeping. ALSO, a GOOD wedge pillow to put under the knees - for comfortable sleeping on your back.  So comfortable, it's become my "sleep position" and I had m BLM 6 years agoSmile

    Keep food very VERY low salt if she has any tendency toward swelling - for the first week or so. NO canned foods - they always have a lot of salt.

    Depending on how organized your sister is - a little pad to "keep track" of the drains, and how much she's draining.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2013

    A ribbon and safety pins to hold the drains while showering.

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  • cherrychapstick
    cherrychapstick Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2013

    Wow you guys, what a response.  I guess the breast cancer community is a tight, affectionate and supportive one.  My sister always told me as much (I think she's a member on here...somewhere), but this is my first time posting (hm, maybe I'm not such a great sister after all).

    Fabulous tips on what to get; I will try to cover most, if not all, of the suggestions....although her surgery is tomorrow at Mt. Sinai so I may not have time to gather everything before I take off for Toronto.

    Godspeed to all you incredibly brave & resilient women; what a great neighbourhood this is.

    Thanks very much.

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  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited June 2013

    Thinking of your sister tomorrow, lots of positive calming thoughts and gentle hugs for both of you, she is lucky to have you! Please let us know how she does.

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