It’s 8 weeks now since I had my mastectomy and lymph nodes removed. Everything seems to be healing well but I wondered what the rest of you use by way of cleansing (shower gel, soaps, moisturiser, etc). I also wondered whether I could now remove the hair grown under my affected arm (can I use an electric shaver maybe?). I feel a bit like a gorrilla!
Hi Babuscha
Wish I could help! I want the answer too. I was too scared to do anything until chemo came along and removed the lot for me thank god. I washed normally but didn’t dare use deodorant or any sort of hair remover. Wait with baited breath for the answers!
Much love
Dilys
xx
hi Babuscha,
I was told not to use a normal razor, but an electric one is OK. So I went straight out to Boots and treated myself. Have to say that it didn’t get much use as chemo has now done the job for me!
As for moisturiser, I use aqueous cream every day on my scar and all up my affected arm. I have read that it is important to keep your affected arm moisturised as then the skin is less likely to break and let in infection. Unfortunately this is then a life long activity to try to prevent lymphodema.
Thanks Dilys & Roadrunner. I have Chemo number 2 next week, so I guess that will do the trick soon enough anyway…
You can get a deodorant called “PitRoK” (I got mine in Waitrose). It’s a natural crystal anti-bacterial with no aluminium stuff in it.
Thanks Justme - I’ll get some of that.
Dear Justme and Babuscha -
Just to let you know that PitRok deodorant does contain some aluminium according to an article in the Daily Mail a couple of weeks ago. I was very surprised by this as I have used it since being diagnosed four and a half years ago. However I did find that it worked very well for me - I used it all the way through my radiotherapy with no problems. However if you prefer to use a deodorant without aluminium there is a thread on Current Issues and Hot Topics that gives a list of aluminium free ones.
Best wishes
Anne
I now use a good quality ladies razor with the aloe vera strip and wires across the blade. I think it is Wilkinson Sword. I use a lot of shaving foam and go slowly. I have used this method for years and never cut myself. During radiotherapy, I dusted my underarm with baby talc and used a battery razor. I used the aqueous cream during radiotherapy too but you have to be careful with this cream. I have used it for about 20 years to control psoriasis. Every now and again you get a batch which stings. In the press recently, there was an article about the cream saying that the cream actually worsens the symptoms of eczema in some children due to the ingredients. I have only ever used this cream as a soap substitute and it removes waterproof mascara really easily so imagine what it could do to sensitive skin. I know it is recommended, but be careful if you get a batch which stings…
One year on, I still moisturise my arm and do shoulder exercise but I use my favourite brand of moisuriser now and keep the aqueous cream for make up removal…
Love
Debbie
Hi Babuscha,
I had my right mastectomy and total axillary clearance in March. I used bio-oil on my scar once it had healed properly initially, but now I just use E45 cream twice a day. I have used a deodarant from day 1 post-op, but now I use a cream roll-on as opposed to an aerosol. As many others have said, an electric razor is a great investment! I treated myself to one, and whilst it doesn’t give as close a shave as a wet razor at least there’s no risk of me cutting myself.
Take care,
Kelly
-x-
I think I’ll be asking Santa for an electric razor this Christmas (and some bio-oil in my stocking)! Thanks.x