Hi, I had my mx on 15th April and have a tissue expander. I was given a “softie” which is filled with polyester and you can remove the filling as your expander is inflated.
As soon as my dressings were removed and I started wearing it for long periods my wound site became very red and hot and I feared I had an infection. This was confirmed by the doctor and the hospital and I was admitted and given iv antibiotics for 3 days. On the 3rd day I wore the softie again as I had an appointment with the oncologist. It started to get sore again almost immediately and a chance remark from my friend who said jokingly “Your not allergic to it are you?” made me think about when it had flared up most and it all fitted in. I mentioned it to the nurses who thought I was mad because they said if it was an allergic reaction it would itch and it didn’t. However, they discharged me and told me not to wear it for a week and see how it goes.
I’ve not worn it for 2 days now and things are much improved although still a bit sore so i think my theory was correct.
I’m not normally allergic to polyester and I wondered if anyone else has had this problem.
HI Buzzy, don’t worry what others think it is or it isn’t - as my friend julia darling used to say to her oncologist " I know my body better than you do". If thats what you think it is I guess most likely you are right.
So I havent had same reaction but mine did make me a bit itchy and (all I can describe it as is) skin sensitive…could it be the cover or is it the form itself, maybe it doesn’t have a cover, just that mine has.
To be honest at your stage I couldn’t wear a bra so didn’t bother with prosthesis after i realised how much the bra hurt…
hope the week off helps, hope you find clothes to wear that you feel OK in,
very best wishes Nicola
Hi Buzzy
Yes me too! I’ve got very sensitive skin so what I found helpful in the early days was to wear a cotton vest or vest top underneath my bra so the softie doesn’t touch your skin.
I’ve also bought some tops from M & S with a built in bra and put my own pockets in - worked well last week when we were in Majorca as my skin is still sore and blistered from the rads - and yes I got an infection too. The other thing I still do is wear a cotton support top inside out and stuff the softie in it, the elastic isn’t next to your skin and if you wear a loose blouse over the top you can’t tell it’s inside out.
… and allergies don’t always itch - mine didn’t just went like yours all red and sore.
Dee x
Thanks for your replies and tips. Glad I’m not the only one but it still seems quite rare. Just my luck!
Bumping up. Just in case there is anyone else who’s odd like me!