I bought a large wedge pillow from Amazon that I could put in my bed or on the couch. I alternated with the pillow and a recliner. Also bought a travel neck pillow that helped immensely

Same here- I am a serious side sleeper! Moved to the recliner with a pillow on each side to help prevent attempts at moving to a side position!

I am a side sleeper who wakes up at the smallest of uncomfortability. This was a challenge for me. I spent money on a wedge system of 6 pillows that went under my head, back, legs and feet, but for 2 months I slept in a recliner with my arms propped up. I also really loved my mastectomy pillow that went across my chest and around my sides. It make me feel comfy and safe. Hope you the best on your surgery. Keep your mind positive and everything will follow.

Debra, fellow North Carolinian here, I did the same set up as Bridget said except I used smaller pillows under my arms. Small like toddler might use. I found the regular pillows under my arms to be too high and made my shoulders ache (61 years old at the time). I was a stomach sleeper, so I had a big adjustment to make. I had a double Mastectomy and slept in a recliner for 4 or 5 nights after surgery, then switched to the bed. I slept on my back for probably 4 weeks, then slowing starting turning my hips to the side as the tenderness faded. I was most sore where the lymph nodes were removed. That incision site (both sides) was almost under my armpits which made it take longer to be comfortable on either side.