I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2015. After the initial shock, the first thing I did was make a breast cancer heart pillow for myself. In Germany, many groups create these pillows for hospitals, and they are given to patients before surgery. The pillow helps soothe both physical and emotional pain and can be used in various ways:
- Placed under the arm after surgery, it keeps the arm away from the lymph node incision and relaxes the shoulder. It also helps relieve skin irritation and discomfort during radiation.
- In the car, it keeps the seatbelt away from the surgical site.
- It provides padding and support at night, which is especially helpful for side sleepers.
- It serves as an armrest for comfort during chemotherapy.
- Patients with lymphedema can use the pillow to prop up their arm for relief from swelling and tenderness.
I completed my chemotherapy and radiation treatments in December 2015. After taking some time to recover, I felt ready to introduce the breast cancer heart pillows in Chilliwack in September 2016. The following groups support the project and make pillows:
- Chilliwack Quilters Guild
- Chilliwack Piecemakers Quilting Guild
- Chilliwack Rhythm Reelers Square and Round Dance Club
A special thank you to Westland Insurance for their generous donation of fibrefill.
I have collected and donated over 500 pillows since the beginning of this project to two different surgeons in Chilliwack who treat the majority of breast cancer cases. They estimate that between 100 and 150 pillows are needed per year. I continue to collect pillows to ensure that every woman diagnosed with breast cancer in Chilliwack receives one.
How can you help?
There are many ways to support the Chilliwack Heart Pillow Project:
- If you know how to sew, download the pattern and make a pillow — or even two.
- Donate supplies. We can always use cotton fabrics and fibrefill. The fabrics do not need to be pink; any cheerful colour or pattern is welcome. It should also be noted that men can get breast cancer, so some of the pillows need fabric suitable for male patients.
- Spread the word. Even if you cannot sew or donate supplies, you can help by sharing information about this project with others.
What to consider
The pillows are quick and easy to make, but there are a few important points to keep in mind:
- Use only cotton fabrics. Flannels or brushed cotton are acceptable, but please avoid poly blends.
- Use washable fibrefill. The pillows receive a lot of use and need to withstand frequent washing. The most economical way to stuff the pillows is to buy an inexpensive pillow and use the filling for the heart pillows.
- Ensure that the pillows are adequately stuffed. They should be firm to provide the necessary support, not soft and cozy. The pattern calls for 170g of fibrefill, equivalent to 6oz in imperial measurements. This is a significant amount. The best approach is to weigh the fibrefill before stuffing the pillow. If you do not have a kitchen scale, stuff the pillow to the best of your ability and leave the final part of the seam open. I weigh them all before passing them on; an open seam makes it easier to add extra filling if needed.
I am grateful for your support of this project. If you have pillows or supplies to donate, please contact me, and I would be happy to pick them up.
