Kathaleen’s breast cancer story began with a whirlwind of life-changing events. Just months after her father’s unexpected death, she received her own cancer diagnosis. The side effects of breast cancer treatment, along with grief and anxiety, made it difficult to sleep in the days following lumpectomy surgery. Despite it all, Kathaleen found ways to reclaim her rest and focus on recovery.

Kathaleen is a retired human resources (HR) director and wife, mother, and grandmother. Here’s her story and her tips on how she managed to improve her sleep after lumpectomy.

A Tumultuous Journey

Kathaleen’s breast cancer journey began just months after her father’s sudden passing in December 2023. He died only two weeks after completing his lung cancer treatment. Shortly after that, her brother survived a heart attack. In February 2024, Kathaleen went for routine imaging, which revealed a mass in her left breast. “I was in shock,” she said. “I didn’t feel anything and wasn’t sick or in pain at all.”

Diagnosed with breast cancer, she underwent a lumpectomy (also known as breast-conserving surgery) the day before her 63rd birthday.

Her breast cancer treatment regimen also included 14 weeks of chemotherapy and 21 days of radiation therapy, which she completed the day after Christmas. “It’s been a long road, but I’m still recovering and doing well,” Kathaleen shared.

Sleep Struggles After Breast Cancer Surgery

For Kathaleen, sleep was a significant challenge during recovery. “I struggled with being able to sleep for many reasons,” she explained.

Anxiety about her diagnosis, grief for the loss of her father, and the fear of not surviving weighed heavily on her. Compounding this were the physical effects of surgery, including pain and discomfort that made it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.

“The pain was intense,” Kathaleen recalled. “The nerve endings made my breast so sensitive that anything and everything irritated me.”

She tried sleeping upright in a recliner and relied on post-surgery bras, ACE bandages, and eventually sports bras to support her healing.

Pain medications offered some relief, but Kathaleen disliked the “drugged” feeling. To cope with the emotional toll of her diagnosis and treatment, she sought therapy for mental support and tools to manage her anxiety.

Finding Solutions for Better Rest

Kathaleen’s sleep improved as she discovered strategies and products that worked for her. She eliminated all caffeine and listened to calming music or sounds, such as ocean waves or rainfall, to relax her mind before bed. “The calm music on YouTube really helped me get my mind off the pain and discomfort so I could sleep,” she noted.

Specialized products also played a key role. A wedge pillow provided back support, while mini ice packs offered comfort and relief for her sensitive breast. “Use small ice packs that fit into a bra,” she suggested. “You can freeze them, or you can heat them in the microwave if you do better with heat.”

Kathaleen emphasized the importance of listening to her body and sleeping on her own schedule. “When I was tired, I slept, and I didn’t worry about anything else,” she said.

7 Tips for Better Sleep After Lumpectomy

Kathaleen’s tips for those facing or recovering from a lumpectomy are rooted in wellness and self-care. She recommends:

1. Prioritize your needs. “This is your time. Don’t worry about others. Listen to your body.”
2. Sleep when you’re tired and where you feel most comfortable, no matter when or where.
3. Avoid caffeine.
4. Take meds to help with pain, as recommended by your cancer care team.
5. Seek mental health therapy if anxiety or depression are making it harder to sleep.
6. Try tools and products to help with discomfort, such as special pillows or ice packs.
7. Find your calm. Whether it’s music, nature, sounds, or reading, surround yourself with restful sensations.

Above all, Kathaleen encourages others to embrace rest as a vital part of the healing process. “Sleep however and wherever you feel most comfortable,” she said. “Relax, and let go.”

Moving Forward

Today, Kathaleen is focused on the recovery process and cherishing time with her family, including her small granddaughter. Her journey as a cancer survivor serves as a testament to the power of finding small but meaningful ways to heal. “It’s been a tough year, but I’m grateful for every moment,” she said.

Find Your Team

MyBCTeam is the social network for people with breast cancer and their loved ones. On MyBCTeam, more than 76,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with breast cancer.

Did you have trouble sleeping after undergoing a lumpectomy? Did you find any ways to get better sleep during recovery? Share your experience and tips in the comments below or by posting on your Activities page.