I’m a lawyer, marathon runner, and metastatic breast cancer patient. I received my initial diagnosis of stage IIIA estrogen receptor positive breast cancer in February 2019. I underwent a modified radical mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction, as well as 16 rounds of chemo and 25 sessions of radiation. A routine surveillance scan in December 2021 found the cancer recurred as one lesion on my liver. I underwent four more rounds of chemo and a liver resection. I have had no evidence of disease since August 2022.
1 U-shaped pregnancy pillow
This kept me from rolling over onto my drains after my mastectomy and reconstruction. I’m not normally a back sleeper, so I needed something to keep me on my back and off my drains and incisions.
2 Zip-front sports bras
My surgical team sent me to a lingerie shop to get a post-mastectomy garment that was tight, difficult to put on, and uncomfortable. Zip front sports bras were easy to take on and off and comfortable to wear. I cut notches in the bands to accommodate my drains.
3 Lanyards
My plastic surgeon tipped me off that the best way to manage surgical drains was to safety pin them to a lanyard around my neck. It keeps the drains and tubing as out of the way as possible, and works even in the shower.
“Extra points for a big one you can wrap your arms around.”
4 Natural fiber clothing
During radiation, I had to wear natural fiber clothing on my torso. No one mentioned this to me until my radiation planning appointment right before treatment started, so I had to scramble to put a basic wardrobe together. Cotton, bamboo, modal, and merino wool are all good options.
5 Lotions
My skin became so dry during chemo. I needed face and body lotions that were much more moisturizing than my typical products.
