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. 

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.