Mastectomy - does the area affected ever feel normal again?

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no idea with me but the sooner the better as far as I’m concerned just want to get on with it xx

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Hi girls I have been following the July junkies but have just seen onc today and I will start chemo on the 2nd of August so will need to join the August group if that’s ok? Do we have a name yet?

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Perhaps there isn’t one for August - may have been just mentioned in passing. I’m finding it difficult to negotiate this site - posts about various things all over the place, it’s hard to keep track! It seems to be pot luck whether I ever catch up with others I’ve ‘spoken’ to or not on here…

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I know I probably should have posted this under chemo but I was interested in the numbness as mine is still totally numb as well 4 weeks on! I have read quite a lot of your posts Lols but more by good luck as you say Annie.

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Hi ladies April chemo group called angels, any suggestioXxxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxx

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Don’t know what happened then only typed one x

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Cant find an august one for 2013
August is really pants for names cos of the sound - maybe August orchids???
come on who is gonna be brave and start the post???

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I will have a think!! Xx keep posting all ideas good x

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2 suggestions so far , August orchids, ace august avengers.

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See what I mean? The ideas for August chemo ladies shouldn’t be in the ‘Mastectomy - does it ever feel normal’ section! And probably tomorrow I’ll never find it again unless I make a note of it…

August…awesomes, alkies ( ) - can’t think of any more at the mo!

Annie x

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I have same problem Annie, that’s why I pm you. I spend ages looking for replies xx have good sleep x

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Thanks, Lois - probably will as BCCN gave arm a good massage today after fluid drain and some of the cords popped! Feels a lot easier now…sorry, off-topic again! xx

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Hi Ladies. Go to ‘undergoing treatment - chemotherapy’ and at the top click on New Post. Then you can start an August Group. Its great having the support from others going through the same thing. Feel free to pop into June Jewels anytime if you need advice, we’re becoming old hats now ;)) Good luck all xx

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Can I ask those that’s have had ANC. What is it like after? How big is the scar? will I have a drain and hw long for?
i was going to visit family in Scotland, driving from Manchester, this may be a few days after surgery, even though date isn’t confirmed yet.
is this a silly idea, or should I just crack on with it?
any advice with ANC would be great.
thanks
Claire x

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Hi Clare, awake at mo cos ANC causes my arm to hurt in bed. Having ANC for me was the harder part the lumpectomy x 2 was easy. You have a drain approxaimetly from 7 To 9 days depends on your output from it, normally when under 50 mls a day thwill ill consider taking it out. I couldn’t have drivennsafelybfor perhaps first 2 and a half weeks. Or maybe more. It’s quite a sore feeling, completely numb under arm with a strong sunburn feeling on inside and back of arm, basically a nerve or two are cut to remove lymph nodes and it takes sometime to repair. Your shoulder , quite stiff and you have exercises to do as you will find it difficult to reach up as you used to. Also they advise you don’t overuse arm in first few weeks and monitor for swelling, once you’ve had ANC arm care becomes everybody important as high risk of lymphodema. I was due to drive approx 300 miles few days after and glad I cancelled. Have plenty of pillows to get comfy in bed, v pillow good, also moisturiser for arm keep skin supple, cut free. It’s not the pleasantest of procedures but worth it for some piece of mind and although takes a awhile my arms feeling loads better than it did. Other people might have felt a lot better than me we are all different. Good luck hope it goes ok, I found the worst thing was the drain, big relief when that was removed. Take care xx ps it’s Scotland I was due to go to but from Swansea x

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Hi Claire. I had an mx with ANC so I might be different. I agree with Lols, although the first few days were fine as everything was still numb it isn’t a comfortable procedure. I only had drains for 3 days, each hospital is different, some you have none. Definately take all your pain killers, a v pillow to rest your arm on, keeping it raised helps both in bed and sitting, and some comfortable loose botton through tops and stretchy vest tops. You may find another small cushion handy to put under the seatbelt too. Good luck and enjoy your trip. ( Although like Lols id have been happier at home ;))
emma x

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Hi Claire,

I was driving a week after my mx but it was about a fortnight before I felt safe after ANC.

There’s the insurance aspect as well - you may not be covered in the event of an accident if you haven’t been declared fit to drive by your consultant or GP.

Annie x

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Hi have taken Emma’s advice and started new topic for August chemo starters.
Ref driving post mx and anc I found I could be a passenger more comfortably than driving as seat belt hurt on my right operated side. As far as I know you have to be able to do an emergency stop without hesitation so as our legs and stomachs aren’t affected your insurance will be valid. After hysterectomy you can’t drive for 6 weeks if you have an abdominal wound. I was fine after 2 weeks to drive without pain so maybe delay your trip just for a bit?

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It was the physiotherapist at the hospital who told me my insurance wouldn’t be valid until a certain time after my ANC. I know I found it painful to yank the gear stick up, as you’d have to do in an emergency stop, but perhaps it depends which side you’ve been operated on.

Annie x

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Sorry! I meant the hand brake - what was I thinking? I seem to have chemo brain before I’ve even started it…

Annie x