A Breast Cancer Survivor Pays It Forward

Sherri Geschwind was diagnosed with a recurrence of her breast cancer in 2022 and had to undergo a bilateral mastectomy (surgical removal of both breasts).

“My surgeon explained that I’d have drains coming out of the surgical sites for up to three weeks post-op,” she relates. “So I went online and found a shirt that buttoned up the front and had pockets inside to accommodate the drains.” The traditional solution in this situation is to pin the drains to the patient’s bra, which is difficult because patients are unable to lift their arms for at least a month after surgery. She also found a lanyard to accommodate the drains when showering. 

Geschwind brought her “recovery shirt” to the hospital and as the nurse was helping her dress to go home after surgery, she commented that she wished all her post-mastectomy patients had one. 

Geschwind thought that was a wonderful idea. So, with the blessing of the Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center administration, she and her husband set up and funded a foundation to acquire a supply of the “recovery shirts” and lanyards to be given to every patient who undergoes a mastectomy at Eisenhower. She’s about to place her second order of 100. 

Geschwind is also investigating options for men (she knows three men who have undergone mastectomies).

“It felt good to pay it forward after such an emotional experience,” Geschwind says. “I only wore these items for a couple of weeks after surgery, but it was important, getting used to my body being different.

“We welcome contributions to make sure funds are there to keep this going forever,” she adds. 

If you would like to contribute, donate at EisenhowerHealth.org/PMCP. Or call 760.773.1888 and designate your gift to Post-Mastectomy Care.