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Breast cancer Surgery and reconstruction Surgery with drainage bulbs only able to sleep on my right side or my back I miss sleeping on my left side and I miss drinking coffee with cream only no sugar before BC I am living being HIV positive, but I am still alive.

September 18, 2025
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A MyBCTeam Member

And don't forget, there are some teas that are naturally caffeine free! Hugs!

September 19, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

I agree- the recliner was the only way I could do it- and I had to have pillows on either side to keep me from trying to side sleep (the only way I can manage a decent night's sleep!) Once the drains were out, I tried the bed again- but it was still too sore, so a few more nights in the recliner! Sounds like you are healing up wonderfully!! Hugs!

September 19, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

Welcome to the MyBCTeam!

I had lumpectomy (3 small tumors in one region) with oncoplastic reduction, and reduction on the other side so I will match. πŸ˜‰ I'm starting my radiation on Monday.

This part doesn't last forever! I think you're actually doing pretty well if you can lie down in your bed! I had to sleep in my recliner until I got my drains removed, and then a few more nights until I was comfortable enough to lie down in my bed. I still had to sleep on my back for another week or two and even when I could turn onto my side, my breasts hurt.

I have been able to sleep on either side now for a while without discomfort. I'm 8 weeks post-op. It's hard sometimes to determine if I am "already" 8 weeks out, or "only" 8 weeks out. The days fill up with appointments, and it's hard to keep track of time.

I started back to my part-time job 2 weeks ago. I only work 2 days a week, 4 hours a day, but that's enough for now.

September 19, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

Yes! I was a mess! It got better after I met my team and had a plan. For me, physical activity helps. Some days my poor dogs got 3 walks. I started yoga, and that helped my stress too.
Wishing you well!

September 20, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

Hello!
You are here with us! Yes, we still drink our coffee... we talk to each other and we continue to question the answers we get from some of our Medical Team. If our gut doesn't feel right. You are your own best advocate and we are here to support you.
You'll need to figure out what brings you peace of mind and how to center yourself and calm your thoughts to get your sleep. Many have tried multiple things to figure out what works for them, you'll need to do the same. My brain gets going later in the evening and I typically fall asleep after midnight and get up around 0700 and go for my walk before it gets to warm. I fall asleep to "Air Disasters" it's what my husband falls asleep to so, I do as well.
I do sequential muscle tightening and relaxing from from toes to the top of my head. This typically does the trick! Just sharing how I get my mind and body ready for sleep.
Sending positive vibes out to you.

September 19, 2025

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