| | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) |  "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 | Lisa,
A wedge is too hard. Maybe you could try one of those pillows that looks like an armchair so you can kind of sit up. Use a very soft feather pillow or a small squishy one filled with tiny beads to cushion your face.
Malka
SCC stage II Partial mandibulectomy w. neck dissection- July 2005. Renal cancer w. partial nephrectomy-Jan 2004. Breast cancer discovered in routine mammogram. Successful lumpectomy, sentinal nodes clear, RT only-2008 Reconstruction of mandible w fibula free flap-Jan 09. TORS removal of begnin pappiloma from esophagus-2010. Masectomy,rt breast 2013.
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Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 16 | Malka - I actually just ordered one with beads in it from Avon. I think it's something like 9 x 25 inches. I have tried SO many different pillows, the wedge, a recliner, the couch, even a TempurPedic pillow. I hope this beaded pillow works!! I haven't tried the armchair-type pillow. Maybe I'll give that a shot. Thanks so much for the info.
Lisa - Diagnosed 8/14/07 with Stage 1 metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, unknown primary, most likely nasopharyngeal, status post 2 surgeries, completing 6 weeks IMRT radiation on 11/26/07.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 | Lisa,
You may need a combination of pillows, harder for support and softer for cushioning. If the pillow from Avon is too stiff get one with the tiny beads like in Beanie Babies not the bigger ones like the perlite that goes in potting soil. I have found these pillows at Walgreens. Also the softer and squishier the pillow the better. The 12" to 18" roll or square pillows can be better manipulated. I also used a big European square for support behind me and as "table on my lap for reading and writing. When I had surgery my daughter-in-law brought me a pink satin butterfly in the hospital gift shop until she could bring me the roll from home. In the hospital I was the pillow queen.
Dealing with the comfort issue is like being pregnant. The situation changes from day to day but eventually you will forget the discomfort and enjoy the benefits.
Malka
SCC stage II Partial mandibulectomy w. neck dissection- July 2005. Renal cancer w. partial nephrectomy-Jan 2004. Breast cancer discovered in routine mammogram. Successful lumpectomy, sentinal nodes clear, RT only-2008 Reconstruction of mandible w fibula free flap-Jan 09. TORS removal of begnin pappiloma from esophagus-2010. Masectomy,rt breast 2013.
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| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I always found a nice shoulder to snuggle on much more comfortable LOL Man I miss that. My 4 pillows just don't do it for me.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 16 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 16 | Malka - Thanks again for all the helpful information. Just started on a sleeping pill last night, which helped me at least get to sleep fast and get back to sleep when I woke up in the middle of the night. I definitely need a full night of sleep with starting back to work recently.
Lisa - Diagnosed 8/14/07 with Stage 1 metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, unknown primary, most likely nasopharyngeal, status post 2 surgeries, completing 6 weeks IMRT radiation on 11/26/07.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 | Lisa - How about a water pillow? I noticed that Amazon has a reduced price on it here: http://www.amazon.com/Water-Pillow-Mediflow-Fiber-Padding/dp/B00069TT66Hope you are getting enough sleep - especially with getting back to work. Can you get "power naps" during the day - maybe during your break times?
Anne-Marie
CG to son, Paul (age 33, non-smoker) SCC Stage 2, Surgery 9/21/06, 1/6 tongue Rt.side removed, +48 lymph nodes neck. IMRTx28 completed 12/19/06. CT scan 7/8/10 Cancer-free! ("spot" on lung from scar tissue related to Pneumonia.)
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 16 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 16 | Anne-Marie
I've never heard of a water pillow. Very interesting concept. I might have to try that if my pillow from Avon doesn't work out. Thanks for the tip.
Lisa - Diagnosed 8/14/07 with Stage 1 metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, unknown primary, most likely nasopharyngeal, status post 2 surgeries, completing 6 weeks IMRT radiation on 11/26/07.
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