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DIY & Crafts

Pink Ribbon Projects ~ Mastectomy Comfort Pillow


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!

Learn how to make an easy mastectomy comfort pillow for someone in need at Sparkles of Sunshine. Check out all the Pink Ribbon Projects in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

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!

Learn how to make an easy mastectomy comfort pillow for someone in need at Sparkles of Sunshine. Check out all the Pink Ribbon Projects in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Here is what I used for this project:

  • Fabric
  • Thread
  • Sewing Machine
  • Poly-Fil
  • Needle
  • Scissors and/or rotary cutter with cutting mat

Learn how to make an easy mastectomy comfort pillow for someone in need at Sparkles of Sunshine. Check out all the Pink Ribbon Projects in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

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.

Learn how to make an easy mastectomy comfort pillow for someone in need at Sparkles of Sunshine. Check out all the Pink Ribbon Projects in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

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.

Learn how to make an easy mastectomy comfort pillow for someone in need at Sparkles of Sunshine. Check out all the Pink Ribbon Projects in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Once the pillow was full, I stitched up the opening with a needle and thread.

Learn how to make an easy mastectomy comfort pillow for someone in need at Sparkles of Sunshine. Check out all the Pink Ribbon Projects in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

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.

Learn how to make an easy mastectomy comfort pillow for someone in need at Sparkles of Sunshine. Check out all the Pink Ribbon Projects in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

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.

Learn how to make an easy mastectomy comfort pillow for someone in need at Sparkles of Sunshine. Check out all the Pink Ribbon Projects in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

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
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11 Comments

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Comments

  1. Liz says

    February 28, 2017 at 13:31

    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.

    Reply
  2. Susan says

    July 4, 2017 at 17:55

    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.

    Reply
  3. Patty says

    September 18, 2017 at 13:15

    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

    Reply
    • Christie Selken says

      September 30, 2017 at 09:16

      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!

      Reply
      • Katie says

        October 29, 2018 at 18:10

        Yes, I have and can share when I figure out how to attach it

        Reply
  4. Martha Smsll says

    June 18, 2018 at 16:48

    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

    Reply
  5. Shirley Fenstermaker says

    August 26, 2018 at 22:03

    This project will be a blessing for many patients. Thank you and God bless.

    Reply
  6. Patty K says

    October 3, 2018 at 19:56

    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.

    Reply
    • Christie Selken says

      November 16, 2018 at 11:00

      Yes, a soft material is a must for this project. Thanks for the reminder!

      Reply
  7. Kathy says

    October 24, 2018 at 11:53

    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?

    Reply
    • Christie Selken says

      November 16, 2018 at 10:53

      Hi Kathy, I would stuff it with the poly until it’s full but still fluffy and soft. Good luck!

      Reply

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Hi! I’m Christie...Jesus follower, wife, pet lover, avid crafter and DIY addict. I believe in spending time doing whatever brings sunshine into your life. Welcome to my blog where you will find inspirational tips for DIY projects, crafts, recipes, organizing, household tips and much more. Let’s create some sunshine for your life! Read More…

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