Welcome to the first post of Pink Ribbon Projects, a new blog series here at Sparkles of Sunshine that is focused on Breast Cancer Awareness. Since both my mother and grandmother were diagnosed with breast cancer, this series really comes from the heart. Each week throughout the month of October I’ll be sharing a project that is helpful for those battling breast cancer. Today I’m sharing a great gift idea that you can make for someone facing an upcoming mastectomy. This mastectomy comfort pillow will certainly come in handy for your friend or loved one post surgery!
When my mother had a double mastectomy two years ago, ones of the greatest gifts she received was a set of mastectomy pillows. Once she was taken to her hospital room after surgery, the nurse brought her two small pillows to place underneath her arms. These pillows gave the proper support that she needed during recovery, and rarely left her side in the days that followed. We discovered that a group of ladies make the pillows and donate them to the hospital for mastectomy patients. What a neat idea! We were so appreciative of their thoughtfulness and regretted we had no way to thank them. So today I’ve decided to pass it on and share how you can make a mastectomy comfort pillow to give someone else who needs one. I used my mother’s pillows as a template to create my own to donate to someone in need. Now you can, too!
Here is what I used for this project:
- Fabric
- Thread
- Sewing Machine
- Poly-Fil
- Needle
- Scissors and/or rotary cutter with cutting mat
I first cut two pieces of fabric sized 8.5 inches x 13 inches. I measured and marked the fabric 3.5 in. from each side at the top, then 3 inches down from the middle. I then drew a semi-circle shape connecting those markings and cut it out using the scissors. I folded the fabric in half to make sure the fabric lined up and was even before moving on. I’m sure a more seasoned sewer would have made a pattern for this part, but not me. Connecting the dots worked just fine for me, but feel free to make a pattern if you’d like.
With right sides facing in, I stitched around the pillow, leaving a 1 inch opening. I turned the fabric right side out and stuffed the pillow with Poly-fil.
Once the pillow was full, I stitched up the opening with a needle and thread.
Then my mastectomy comfort pillow was complete! Now YOU can make one for someone you love, or bless someone with a donation to your local hospital today.
Why are these mastectomy comfort pillows so helpful to a recovering patient? They fit perfectly underneath the arm, stay in place with a snug fit, and provide support to the arm and chest area. These pillows take pressure off the sensitive areas of the arm and chest after surgery, easing pain and discomfort. They also provide excellent support when lying on your side.
Stay tuned and come back each Monday throughout October for more Pink Ribbon Projects in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You can also check out my previous posts:
- Bring on the pink! It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
- 10 Essential Items to Include in a Mastectomy Care Kit
- Mammogram, anyone?
- 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
Thank you soooo much. Our printer was down and I was in a hurry. I hope I never have to make another for anyone! But your design was a life savor.
These are amazing. I received two from my cancer center for my upcoming double mastectomies. My only comment is the fabric can be a little scratchy on the sensitive under/inner arm area. washing the fabric first would remove the sizing products they use during manufacturing to make them soft and comfy.
Do you have a pattern for the large double mastectomy pillow I have seen online where it fits smilar to yours only under both arms and the center piece is across the chest to wear under the seat belt or just use for comfort
thank you
Hi Patty, I haven’t seen the double mastectomy pillow. My mother used two of these, but I will have to look into it and see what I can. Thanks for the tip!
Yes, I have and can share when I figure out how to attach it
I’m so excited to have found this site it offers a lot of fun items for cancer patients. I’m five weeks in mastectomy recovery. I’m looking for ideal to help women who are going through cancer and need an uplift. I’m a lover of Christ, a widow, and a mother of one daughter. Thank you for this site. And, I’m a cancer survivor!
Martha
This project will be a blessing for many patients. Thank you and God bless.
I have had one breast removed and soon to have the other. I was given a pillow which felt good briefly, however the fabric was harsh. May I suggest using as soft a fabric as you can find. I also began making pillows for our cancer center and use the very softest throws I find at thrift stores. I shall continue to do so through my own recovery.
Yes, a soft material is a must for this project. Thanks for the reminder!
I’m making these for my daughter’s friend. I read an article somewhere from a breast cancer patient that the pillow shouldn’t be overstuffed, as it will be too hard & uncomfortable. How much poly fill should I use?
Hi Kathy, I would stuff it with the poly until it’s full but still fluffy and soft. Good luck!