Heart Pillows for Breast Center

This gift comes from the heart. At the beginning of December, Petra Ernstberger from the Adventist congregation in Wunsiedel, Germany, again handed over 72 heart pillows for breast cancer patients to the Breast Center at the Fichtelgebirge Hospital. "The campaign is really great," says Dr. Maria Dietrich, chief physician of gynecology and obstetrics at Klinikum Fichtelgebirge. "This loving commitment always touches us all anew."
Before Corona, up to ten seamstresses met regularly to sew and fill the pillows. Currently, the group of seamstresses is much smaller and most of the pillows are sewn at home. But even during the Corona restrictions, the hospital could rely on the support of the women of the Adventist church in Wunsiedel.
Against all odds, the Breast Center has received a total of 184 lovingly sewn pillows donated and distributed to patients this year. In addition, a personal message from the volunteer seamstresses is attached to each pillow. Petra Ernstberger is pleased that with this they can make yet another personal contribution to the recovery of the women who have undergone surgery.
For breast cancer patients, a donated heart pillow is more than just a symbol. It relieves the pressure on the wound and thus eases the pain. Placed under the arm as a pillow, it helps breast cancer patients after surgery. It relieves the lymphatic drainage pathways at the armpit level, helps decongest the operated side, and causes better blood circulation. Lying on the side in particular is made much easier by the pillow.
The heart pillows are placed at the bedside of patients immediately after surgery with a get-well card. "Our patients are always very happy about it," reports Dr. Dietrich. "For many, it is a gesture that gives them the feeling that they are not alone with their illness.