Spring Cleaning: Breast Cancer Self-Care Edition
DISCLAIMER: All information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or treatment. Always consult your healthcare team before beginning any new self-care activity or practice.
It’s officially spring in the northern hemisphere, and whether you are enjoying sunshine and abundant blooms, or the last ditch efforts of winter to chill your excitement (like here in Buffalo), it’s a great time to do a little spring cleaning.
Most people recognize spring cleaning as a time to wash the windows and vacuum the baseboards after a long winter indoors, but it’s also a great time to clean up your personal belongings and self-care routines!
This is especially helpful when you are living with a breast cancer diagnosis or history, because if you’re like me, it probably takes more than it used to keep you functioning at your best.
Ready to channel this fresh spring energy into refreshing more than just your home?
Where to begin?
It’s entirely up to you what you start with but there are a few key points to remember when tackling any kind of decluttering or organizational project:
You don’t have to do it all at once.
This reminder is crucial for our community, given that fatigue can be a common and lasting effect, decreasing energy and stamina even in those years out from diagnosis.
Whether you are undergoing active treatment, recovering from surgery, or experiencing long-term survivorship with accompanying joint pain and fatigue from necessary but frustrating aromatase inhibitors, it's wiser to tackle tasks gradually.
Pushing through can lead to exhaustion and overwhelm, benefiting no one, especially yourself.
Focus on one area or topic, committing only to what you have the energy for, and celebrate your accomplishments rather than fixating on what remains undone.
Approach your cleaning with curiosity.
A cancer diagnosis creates a lot of lasting and unwelcome change in our lives.
This can make us resistant to all kinds of change, especially when it comes to our habits and bodies. We are constantly comparing who we were BEFORE cancer to who we are on this side of our diagnosis and treatment.
But seasons are all about change - necessary and important change.
And while it’s likely that you have seasons you look forward to more than others, each of them holds a special purpose with unique opportunities.
Try to approach your self-care spring cleaning with curiosity instead of judgment and you’ll infuse it with hope instead of hesitation.
Keep your financial well-being in mind.
We each have a level of financial ability when it comes to spending at any given time so, just like you need to manage your energy when taking on spring cleaning projects, you need to consider what your wallet will allow.
If you are not in a position to replace or replenish a bunch of items, even if ideal to do so, then prioritize what you need or want the most and start there.
I’ll be referencing brands and products that I love but there are a HUGE number of options at different price points across the categories we’ll cover today, so find the ones that work for you without breaking the bank.
With these things in mind, let’s take a look at some of the categories that might be due for a little spring cleaning in your life.
Personal Care
A lot of people who have experienced a cancer diagnosis begin to take a closer look at what they put in and in their bodies.
I do not advocate for throwing out everything in your medicine cabinet and replacing it all with products that claim to be green, clean, or organic, because often we do this out of fear vs. truly finding a product that is a better fit for us.
But no matter what you’re using when it comes to personal care lotions, potions, et al, spring cleaning is a great time to evaluate what is still serving you and what could use a change.
Skin Care and Make-Up
I was blown away when I learned that my sister buys a new mascara EVERY MONTH because she doesn’t want to take a chance on bacteria that could create an eye infection!
I admit that in the past I have been guilty of milking a mascara for months on end until it’s dried out and clumpy so this really got me thinking.
Even basic drug store moisturizers and mascaras are only meant to last so long and most people don’t replace them with the frequency they should.
Take into consideration products that may use fewer preservatives or chemical stabilizers and it becomes even more important to stay on top of how fresh they are.
Where to start:
Give your cleansers, serums, moisturizers, foundations, mascaras, etc. a good once over.
Look for changes in color, odor, and consistency that may show signs it’s time for a replacement.
It’s also a good idea to read about the brand you are using. Do they recommend replacing certain products on a specific timeline or cycle?
Liquid or cream based products are more likely to develop bacteria than powders but all of them deserve a seasonal inspection.
Clean your brushes and sponges. Replace ones that have lost bristles or seem to have build up that won’t disappear.
In addition to considering if a product is still “good” to use, think about if it is still good for YOU in THIS season.
Our bodies are meant to change and often new seasons bring about different issues or concerns.
Spring is a great time to switch to a lighter moisturizer, add a daily sunscreen, or reconsider your whole multi-product routine.
I used to switch up my products and sometimes even brands as my body’s needs changed both with the seasons and with age.
Currently I am lucky to have a simple routine that works for me year round. I’m addicted to The Outset’s cleanser, prep serum, boost oil, and daily moisturizer. Add in a daily SPF for morning and I’m good to go!
Sex and Intimacy Products
It’s becoming no secret that people who have had a breast cancer diagnosis often deal with emotional, mental, and physical struggles when it comes to sex and intimacy.
And the standard “solution” among the medical community is often “use more lube”.
In my seven years since entering surgical menopause I have personally tried more lubes, suppositories, creams, and serums than I can count. And, to be truthful, a lot of them end up sitting in a drawer or box half used.
Given the extra sensitive nature of our vulvas and vaginas, (and the various genitalia of others if we have a plus one…or two, or three…), it seems a REALLY great idea to pay attention to the products we are using “down there” as well as everywhere else.
Where to start:
Check your lubes, moisturizers, balms, and suppositories. Silicone lubricants tend to have a long and stable shelf-life while something that is plant oil or water-based might start to lose its efficacy or even go bad.
Consider where you store them. Most products like this are best kept in a cool dark area so if your nightstand is over a heating vent or your bathroom tends to stay hot and steamy consider finding a new home where they are still accessible when you want them.
Toss it if you’re uncertain. I hit a point where I had acquired a number of different products that were ok but not great. I also have gone through phases where working on intimacy hasn’t been a priority. So these products sat. And while only you can decide if a product that has been on the shelf for a while is still worth holding onto, treat this part of your body like the gem it is (no matter how well it’s working - or not - these days).
Don’t forget about toys and tools. It’s not just the consumables that deserve a once over. If you use dilators, vibrators, pelvic wands, or other tools for purpose or pleasure, make sure that they are holding up. Check for tears or cracks in the material and make sure you are using the appropriate types of lubricant with them (silicone + silicone = no no) to help them last.
Check in with yourself and then your doctors. How are you doing in this area? Is it time to see a pelvic floor therapist? Are you on localized estrogen to help with vaginal atrophy? Are you ready to consider it? Consider spring as a time for your own sexual reawakening and a conversation with a medical professional is the perfect place to begin.
Sexual health and intimacy is a quality of life issue and you deserve it. If you are struggling in this arena you are not alone.
Miscellaneous Items
I’m sure there are many other personal care items that could use a spring inspection but here are a few more that come to mind:
Razors and blades (especially if you are at risk of lymphedema!). My favorite is the Billie razor - I’ve never had one nick in 7 years!
Personal trimmers, nail clippers, and other grooming tools
Make sure everything is sharp and free of rust to reduce nicks, cuts, and of course, infection.
A product doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective or of good quality, but it should be fresh to ensure your best results and reduce any chances of unintended harm.
Undergarments and Accessories
It’s easy to think about purging clothing when spring roles around. I know I’m excited to put away my heavy sweaters and pull out some airy t-shirts and sandals!
But what about the things that others don’t see?
I know MANY people who admit to wearing ratty underwear under their designer jeans.
Let this spring be a time to not only update your panties (along with what you do in them) but to focus on a few things that are really relevant to a breast cancer experience.
Bras after Breast Cancer Surgery
I remember pulling out the stack of bras in my lingerie drawer as I was still healing from my double mastectomy and direct-to-implant reconstruction.
My surgeon wanted me to be “en plein air” after surgery, meaning I was on a strict no bra policy for several weeks while my breasts healed.
So when the time came to START wearing bras - with NO WIRE and LOTS OF SUPPORT - I was a more than a little unsure where to start.
For most of my life Victoria’s Secret (or at least Target) had been my go to and a wire or push-up was the norm.
I found some companies like Lively and True & Co. to get me started and, as time passed, I got comfortable trying different things until I found ones that I now love (give me a second, I’ll get there!).
And, just like ratty drawers, bras wear out. Faster than you’d expect.
I look back at old underwires poking into my skin and threads starting to fray on bras that I wore for years on end and wonder, why did I treat my breasts so poorly?
After all I’ve been through when it comes to my breasts, I now treat them to the quality and quantity they deserve.
Where to start:
Start with fit. Do the bras you have actually FIT you, as you are now? Are they comfortable? Do they lay nicely? They shouldn’t ride up or cut into your shoulders.
Consider function. It’s ok to have different bras for different purposes. I have every day bras, sports bras, and a couple of bras that are just for fun. You deserve to have underwear that serves you in the ways you need and want.
You don’t need a LOT if you take care of them. I have way less quantity than I used to, partly because I no longer wear bras every day, but also because I now take better care of them. I’m not a hand washer (ain’t nobody got time for that) but I do use a lingerie bag in the wash, put like colors together, and air dry..
Replace when needed not just when you get to it. I am the queen of hard wearing my clothes. I wear things until they are as threadbare and well-loved as the Velveteen Rabbit. But I’ve learned that not everything wears equally. My faded jeans and cozy pullover get softer and cozier with age. My bras just become stretched out and less comfortable. Respond accordingly.
Bra style and comfort preference is nearly as individual as your fingerprints but here are some tried and true options from within our own community. All are designed for comfort AND to be aesthetically appealing.
My go to brand. I am obsessed with the Jamie Lee. Dana Donofree, founder, has been in our shoes and designs for every stage and outcome of a breast cancer experience. Post-surgical, reconstructed, two breasts, one breast, flat closure, breast forms, etc… she’s got you (literally) covered.
I am honored to have been a tiny piece of the development of this amazing brand. Founder Mahwash Bhimjee reached out to me when she was still in the design and development phase and generously sent me bras to try on and offer feedback.
Now she is becoming a staple in the breast cancer community and I have worn The Hero bra hiking in the Alps with absolute comfort!
Here are a couple others that I don’t currently own but am in total awe of:
Everviolet - Soft & sustainable. Bras, tanks, and more.
Skarlette - Beautifully designed for the flat community.
And of course in the spirit of accessibility and affordability, you can find great options these days everywhere from Walmart to Amazon to your local mastectomy boutique!
Me on the Eiger Trail in Grindelwald, Switzerland in my Meadow Hero. Summer 2023.
Compression Bras, Sleeves, and Accessories
Not everyone who goes through a breast cancer experience will need medical compression.
But since almost everyone who goes through breast cancer treatment has some level of breast cancer-related lymphedema risk, understanding the basics of compression is always a good idea.
The exact type of compression garment that you might need will typically be prescribed or ordered by your doctor or physical therapist, or better yet by a Certified Lymphatic Therapist (CLT) after a consultation and evaluation.
Compression Bras
Compression bras are bras that offer a bit more support than even basic sports bras.
They can be used to help reduce swelling after surgery and radiation treatments and they are designed to manage chronic swelling known as lymphedema in the breast and trunk of the body.
In addition to more traditional compression bras, other options like tank tops, short sleeve, and even long sleeve compression shirts offer varying levels of support and comfort.
Just like regular bras, these wear out and it is important to replace them. Especially because the level of compression and the fit is integral to making sure they are helpful and not harmful.
Spring is a perfect time of year to check in with your lymphedema specialist and replace or update your compression bras, tanks, etc as needed.
Compression Sleeves
Most people only wear compression sleeves regularly if they have been diagnosed with lymphedema and are wearing it as a management tool.
Some of us do wear them occasionally, even at stage 0 (the at-risk stage), like when traveling by plane, or doing a lot of heavy lifting or other repetitive activity.
If you are wearing compression daily - or regularly - then it’s a good idea to get your compression sleeve checked for wear and stretching. It may not need to be replaced this often but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Compression Accessories and Other Garments
Devices like “swell spots” or compression pads, night garments, and pumps, should all be checked at least a couple of times a year to make sure that they are not only still in good shape, but still relevant for your needs.
Remember, bodies are meant to change, so fluctuations in weight, increased or decreased swelling, new density or fibrosis, and other factors can all play in to a need for changing out or updating current compression.
Not sure if you should be wearing compression or what type you need? I offer virtual consultations and as a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist specializing in breast cancer recovery and survivorship I can help you identify if you should be working with someone like me and even help you find someone local to you!
My Lymphedivas compression sleeve that I wear when I fly to reduce any risk of triggering lymphedema.
A Note About Waste and Your Wallet
You might be thinking, but I can’t afford to buy new mascara every month or replace all my bras twice a year! And what about the waste of throwing things out all the time?
I hear you. Money is not unlimited in my life and sustainability is one of my core values, so finding a balance that allows me to look out for my health and well-being, without hurting my wallet or the earth, is important to me.
Here are some tips for minimizing the impact to both your savings and Mother Earth as you begin your personal care spring cleaning:
Size matters.
Because I DON’T want to waste money or product, I’ve learned to take advantage of both “mini” and “value” sizes when available.
For example:
I buy the travel size or “mini” mascaras and other beauty products from a few different brands that I like. They are less expensive, don’t dry out, and only last long enough to not go bad after months of use. Plus sometimes I can get them FREE in a gift with purchase or using loyalty membership points (hello, Sephora and Ulta!).
I buy value sizes or refills for products that I know I love and also go through more quickly. Both my shampoo and my skincare offer larger refill pouches that are more cost effective. I go through all of them quickly enough that I know they are not going to turn on me before I need more. They are also more sustainable than constantly replacing bottles and other packaging.
If you aren’t picky about your brands, and/or love to try new things, consider a beauty subscription box like Ipsy or Birchbox. You get a monthly box of beauty care from samples to full size for a reduced price.
Use your insurance when you can.
I know I personally have a love/hate relationship with health insurance but I’m willing to use it whenever I can.
Many things that are relevant specifically to your breast cancer experience, like compression garments and even some bras and breast forms, are actually covered by insurance.
This may mean you need a prescription vs. just picking it up at the store but use what you can to lessen the burden on your out of pocket expenses (and save that money for something else!).
Here are a few things that may be covered by your insurance:
Post-surgical and mastectomy bras. Many plans will cover 4-6 new ones a year making this a great way to fill or supplement your lingerie drawer.
Breast forms and mastectomy swimwear.
Compression sleeves and other medical compression garments and devices.
Vaginal dilators, pelvic wands, and other medical tools designed to support vaginal and pelvic floor health as well as sexual well-being.
Donate, give, and give again.
I hate to throw things out (probably why there always seems to be a LOT to purge during my spring cleaning) but I LOVE to give things away.
Whenever possible I try to find new homes for things that no longer serve me including skin care and make up as long as it’s still usable of course (ok mayyyyybee skip donating that old vibrator...).
Here are some great options for passing your gently used or no-longer-needed items along:
The Buy Nothing Project. This organization is a little know godsend! I became a member of my local Buy Nothing Facebook group a couple of years ago and I have given (and received) SO much. I have given everything from furniture to pet supplies to half-used bottles of body lotion to leftover sandwich wraps from an event. And the best part? These are YOUR neighbors you are sharing with!
Your local shelter or mission. Before you run to your nearest Goodwill or Salvation Army, check to see if you have a local food and resource bank, shelter, or mission that provides clothing and resources to those who may have less than you.
Your local thrift store. My favorite thrift store is Savers. Our local one is huge, is so clean and organized, and they have EVERYTHING! Last week I dropped off a bunch of never used breast forms that had somehow found their way into my hands. I know they will get put out and, with 1 in 8 women facing a breast cancer diagnosis, I am hopeful they will go to good use.
Reuse, recycle, destroy. There are always things that just need to be disposed of but before you simply toss something in the trash make sure that however you dispose of it it’s doing the least damage possible.
I hope you feel inspired to tackle a drawer or two in your home today but more importantly, I hope you see how much you deserve to have nice things.
You deserve to have enough of the quality items you need to make you feel cared for, special, and abundant.
Self-care is more than just about the logistics.
It’s about ensuring that no matter what else is happening in the world around you, you know that you have yourself to lean on.
And remember… I see you, I hear, I am you, and I’m in this with you.
Do you have a favorite spring cleaning strategy? Share it with me and I’ll pass it on!
I hope this post has been helpful!
Any questions? Comment below or shoot me a DM on Instagram and don’t forget to check out my previous posts here on The Sunday Self-Care Chronicles!
NOTE: The Sunday Self-Care Chronicles and all content written for Amy Hartl, LMT and As We Are Now LLC is written from my perspective as a cis-gendered white woman. Because this is my lived experience and what I know and can speak to, and because MOST people diagnosed with breast cancer are assigned female at birth (AFAB), I often use terms like “she, her, woman, etc..” However I recognize that breast cancer does not discriminate by race, by gender assignment or expression, or any other label or identifier that we use in our society. Therefore, this space, my free content, and my online services are all available to you, whoever you are, if you are living with a breast cancer experience.
I am also well aware that many people who are diagnosed with breast cancer will never see an end to treatment. For those still living with breast cancer, especially metastatic breast cancer, life “after” or “beyond” breast cancer may refer to diagnosis vs. an end to treatment but I use this language interchangeably and invite you to apply it how you will to your personal experience.
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