I was advised to wear a post mastectomy bra with the softie they gave me 24/7 for 2 weeks to put soft pressure on the wound while it heals. I managed about 10 days before ditching it at night. I think it was worth it. I have a flat scar and apart from a couple of small surface bubbles of blood which the echo cardiogramist managed to burst trying to find my heart before I started chemo I had no bleeding x
Morning!
I phoned 111, but they were not much help and they didn’t call back with advice
So I’ll speak to the breast nurse this morning to see if she can have a look, clean it up and re-apply dressing.
It’s not painful but it’s on the edge of my inside right breast and movement must of just triggered it and made it bleed.
I’m wearing a surgical soft bra all the time.
How you feeling this morning @casey4jc
Xxx
Morning positivepants and all you wonderful women.
I’m ok. You sound like you’re having a bit of a rough time though. So sorry to hear that! It’s rubbish.
My surgeon called yesterday morning to ask how much fluid was in my drain. There was hardly any so he said he thought was blocked. We had to hotfoot to the hospital where they decided it was ok. The nurse changed the dressing so I had a good look. As I expected, but weird when it’s you. The rollercoaster continues. Can’t wait to get the drain out. It’s so restrictive. That should be happening tomorrow.
Other than that, I actually slept a bit last night. The night of the surgery I was too wired to sleep. Oddly I have a sore back on the other side when I lay down which seems to be more troublesome. Go figure I’m also wearing a post surgery bra and softie all the time. I’d love to not have to! Always in a rush, that’s me.
Would love a shower too. Have been told not to for 2 weeks. I’ll be a smelly Grinch by Christmas. Actually, I think I already am
Emotionally, I’ve been swaying between relief and weepiness/feeling sorry for myself. What about you?
Lots of love
Good morning everyone!!
@casey4jc Hang in there you are doing great. It’s early days! Xxx
After my little bleeding episode the first night, I spoke to the breast nurse and she said it’s pretty common and I can come in and get it looked at and re-dressed.
I went for tea and cake first then went in.
All cleaned up, no pain. Had a good look when she took bandages off.
The stitches are all done on the inside…so clever. Apparently it was the size of a squashed golf ball that they took out.
I’m so impatient too!
Did my exercises yesterday and did have a “Nanna nap” in the afternoon but was fine to go for a walk and a soft drink in the evening.
I had a bad dream last night that my results were really bad and terminal, I suppose this all on my mind and my life feels so surreal.
@casey4jc I hope you get your drain out so you can sleep and move a bit more.
You’ve got this!!
Xxxx
Bad dreams are the worst.
First night I had a dream that I hadn’t had the mastectomy yet and I woke up with a start and was so relieved that I had.
I’m hoping for no horrible surprises when they give me the results. They did so many tests beforehand and I saw the surgeon yesterday because of the drain and he said he’d ‘got everything’. It’s just whether chemo plus radiotherapy, or just radiotherapy. Suspect will be both.
Impressed by you eating cake. Still have no appetite here. Eat some for me
Hope your op goes well today xx
Hope all are doing well post op & after results
Had my surgery yesterday & feel much calmer now it’s done. Didn’t get the amazing sleep all say after general anaesthetic though - only 20mins to come round in recovery & disturbed sleep last night. Struggling sleeping on my back
Hiker50 it’s so good to hear you’ve had your surgery. I was like you & thought I’d have a lovely long sleep the night after surgery, it was far from it!
Take it slowly & gently, don’t rush recovery & do the exercises.
Ask question’s of the nurses, doctors & all of us on the forum, no question is a silly question
I hope your recovery goes well x x
Good morning ladies!
How are we all doing ?
I had an early night and woke up several times, so aware of the restriction in my armpit when I move about. I’m not good at sleeping on my back, even with a V cushion.
I really need to get this smelly armpit in the shower.
The nurse said I can have a shower but keep bandage dry.
I’m going to clingfilm up this morning.
Can I use deodorant on my armpit ? Roll on ?
Xxxx
Hi Positive Pants
I used a small cushion under my arm to help me sleep and a v cushion, it seemed to help me.
I was told I couldn’t shower for two weeks until my dressings were removed and no deodrant, just to use wet wipes, but every area seems to give different advice. I also had to keep stockings on for the two weeks, four with the second op.
Good to hear you’re sounding brighter and doing things, how are the exercises going?
Best wishes
Jackie
X
Morning!
How is everyone?
@casey4jc @hiker50 hope you are recovering from surgery well.
I’ve had issues with high BP for a few months since my original diagnosis and I take BP meds.
Yesterday I felt a bit dizzy and took my BP and it was 168/94, so I phoned gp.
Started another tablet and hopefully that’ll sort it.
I think stopping my HRT has caused my anxiety to rise and going through this has sent my brain into overdrive.
Had my shower, washed my hair and that has definitely helped.
I’ve got some wrapping to do today whilst watching tv.
Xxx
Good morning
Hope you’re all ok this morning
I’m doing ok except for sleep - less than 3hrs again last night as struggling to sleep on my back (not great for sleep even before diagnosis) Tried cushions at my side to stop me turning onto my side in my sleep, propped up on settee etc but nothing seems to help
@positivepants1 I had raised blood pressure with stress a while ago but no meds needed - I was so paranoid anxiety over op would send it soaring again/ they’d refuse on day of op. Surgeon moved me up the list when I told her so I wasn’t sitting stressing over it all day
Ref washing, I was told best to sit with bottom half in shallow bath & just wash top half with a cloth.
Take care all xx
Hi all
Yes, I was told no shower for 2 weeks so I’ve been having flannel washes. Had a shallow bath this morning and my son helped wash my hair. Made me feel more human, if somewhat lobsided.
Paracetamol, ibuprofen and occasional codeine is managing the pain, but I wish there was something stronger! It’s all the soreness from the axillary node clearance that’s the worst, but now the nerve block has completely worn off the wound is making itself known.
Had my drain out yesterday, so sleeping is easier, such as it is. Still waking for some pain relief in the night.
BP: mine is usually so low, but before the op it was crazy high. I was also worried they’d not do the op! I know how you felt😊
Tiny steps forward each day, but I’m usually such a leaper about, so taking it easy is hard! Especially this time of year
Xxx
Good evening everyone!
These in between days used to be enjoyable over Xmas, but today I’ve had to go to the emergency dentist to get a baby tooth removed as it was killing me the last few days. Massive gap and no adult tooth to fill the hole
I tell ya, surely that’s it now…I’m falling apart!!!
My mouth pain is worse than my armpit pain I don’t know if to laugh or cry!
Hope you are all doing ok ?
Post surgery recovery is going well ?
Xxxx
Definitely laugh xx. I went for my results today and thankfully wasn’t in any more of the nodes that were removed on the 2nd op. Now going to have oncotype score to see if I will benefit from chemo or straight on to radiotherapy, our choices are so exciting aren’t they
Hope the painkillers might help the tooth
Xx
That’s good news!
I’m sure you feel so relieved. The waiting and anticipation is a killer.
How long do you have to wait to hear about the Onco score ?
Xxx
3 weeks apparently it gets sent to California for scoring
X
That is correct. Another agonising wait, but it is for the best x
Sorry to hear youve had more hardship positive pants, hope you are feeling ok.
I also got my results today chillout365…clear margins and clear nodes thankfully. Ive a 2 week wait for oncotype score … we must have a quicker delivery guy . So yes… will find out if I need chemo or if its straight onto hormone treatment and radiotherapy. I hope its clear cut and im not given a choice … that its either a definite yes or no to chemo… its not a decision i want to make. Anyway ladies hopefully the worst of the suprises are behind us…and a happier new year awaits. X
Hi, all this waiting is awful. I am so impressed he with how everyone stays so positive. I really struggle. I had my lumpectomy results last week. They saidI my tumor was 12 mm and they also removed another small precancerous lump/ area ( I think that was 4mm) They said the margins and sentinel node were clear. They also said it was grade 2 er+pr+ and her-The surgeon said I would need radiotherapy’ and hormone tablets. I was just wondering if they always do an oncotype score or do you have to request this. I am questioning whether I should have chemo as well. I have just turned 42 and really want to make sure I am doing everything I can. Still can’t quite believe this is real.