Hi Diamondlady
How are you feeling today?
I got home yesterday afternoon. All went well, just bruised and battered now.
Let me know how you are doing.
Naz xxx
Dear Lois,
I have successfully used Bio-oil for previous (substantial) surgical wounds. I had a mastectomy a couple of weeks ago and intend to use Bio-oil again in due course. You need to wait a few weeks for the scar to heal to prevent it becoming “water-logged” – say 5 or 6 weeks, it just depends on how fast you heal.
I’m having on-going problems with retained fluid and have had to have my wound aspirated 3 times already, so may hold-off on the Bio-oil longer than my normal 5-6 weeks. That aside, I am a firm believer in the use of Bio-oil.
Hi Poemsgalore and Naz, hope you are feeling as well as I am physically. Had 3 visitors an hour after I came home and still ongoing visitors. Visiting another lady in similar circumstances shortly. Been out 3 times. People could not believe I have just had MX. Still got drain 6 days after operation 59mm today so on way out. Wound looks ugly. I wore bra when I left hospital and has been since but bliss to take the bra off around bedtime. Still ‘hiding’ my body from my husband though he has had a glimpse. Showering is a real hassle, he stands holding my drain bag whilst I shower trying to avoid the affected area.
I purchased silicone bust enhancer from M & S (£16) to use with my comfie to weigh it down otherwise the bra tends to ride up.Have asked the ‘stick on’ prothesis from my BCN if not will buy one myself. Have also purchased a light prothesis with silicone centre for weight from Nucola Jane (£26.50) waiting for its arrival. I am trying hard to adjust.
Best wishes to all
Diamondlady
Hi Diamondlady, it’s early days for you; the wound will settle over time and actually takes a few months to do this. I’m meeting my BCN soon to get a contact prosthesis but I know it isn’t advised until around 6 months after your op to allow the wound to heal and the sensitivity to settle. I couldn’t wear a bra properly for a good few weeks after my op as the area was just too sensitive.
Personally speaking I think my drain was taken out too soon so don’t rush this. I developed a seroma (collection of fluid) which needed draining a few times before it finally went.
I found that the emotional recovery takes far longer than the physical recovery and even now there are days when I just have to let it all out! Go easy on yourself; time is a great healer 
Jane x
Hi Diamondlady
How are you doing?
Glad all went well for you last week, has your drain been removed now?
Take it easy over the coming days and weeks, I think Elsa has hit the nail on the head in that the Emotional healing can sometimes take longer than the physical, so give yourself plenty of time should you need it .
Best wishes
Naz
Hi Naz, physically recovering real well - been out on shopping trips etc. although I try to have an hour’s rest mid afternoon. Unfortunately drain is still in - District Nurse said it could come out today but the output has increased so not likely. Told me to take painkillers before drain is taken out. Have you had yours out and does it hurt?? I am not a patient person and having to wait indefinitely stresses me. Seeing Consultant 17th July - surely with the breast out there cannot be more BAD news??
You take care too. Are you pleased with your reconstruction now??
Diamondlady
Diamondlady, I’d just like to thank you for your tip about the M&S silicone enhancers!
I had an mx six weeks ago and ANC a month later, and have been getting frustrated by the way my softie looked and felt. The ‘chicken fillet’ has made all the difference - took out a bit of the stuffing and inserted enhancer at the bottom of the softie bag and it now sits much better in my bra. The added weight means that side no longer rides up and I feel much better about myself!
Thanks again,
Annie x
Hi Diamondlady, just catching up on the posts…when I had my drain removed it was a strange sensation but it didn’t hurt from what I remember. You say you’re seeing the consultant on the 17th July; at my first post-op appointment I was told that they checked the removed breast to see if there were any abnormal cells near the chest wall in which case I would have needed radiotherapy but luckily I didn’t. Hope your appointment goes well. Jane x
Thanks Elsa/Jane. Anxious about result and hope got good news to report.
Keep smiling …
Diamondlady
Hi Diamond
How are you doing?
I take it the drain is out now? It is a funny sensation isn’t it?
My reconstruction is good as it is going to get and i can accept it now.
Best of luck with your appointment with the consultant on the 17th , i so hope this is the end for you now.
Keep us posted on how you are.
Naz xxx
Hi Naz - yes I am fine. Just posted an Update. Was so nervous when the drain had to come out after 9 days - District Nurse told me to take a painkiller and I did. N]Not felt a thing, in fact when I enquired if she had started she showed me the whole lot out!!
Yes I am relieved all is over (I hope for good). Still unsure of how happy I am with my body. Got all clear but got to follow the Gylcemic Index Diet. Never heard of this before or on the Forum. Still small price to pay. Mammogram in Feb and back to Consultant in March to discuss reconstruction.
You sound positive about your reconstruction. I know finally it is my decision but would you recommend it wholeheartedly? My ‘boob’ looks good though sometimes it slips or don’t look quite right. Not shown myself to my husband yet although he has assurred me constantly it makes no difference whatsoever.
Thanks for your concern. Take care
Diamondlady
Hi Diamond
How are you doing - good i hope?
You asked me whether i would recommend recon wholeheartedly and my answer is still yes, even though i have encountered some problems along the way.
However, as others will tell you, it is very much a personal decision and one which should not, in my view, be taken lightly.
There are many differerent approaches to recon, so if you do ever consider going down that route in the future, do find a good PS to consult you.
Maybe think about why you want recon. Is it for some shape, to feel whole again or something which you think may aid your long term recovery?. Perhaps you feel recovered already and don’t feel the need for a shape to be present?
Recon is not a replacement breast, but lots of ladies do feel that their new addition/s feel part of them from early on. For others (like me) it has taken much longer to acccept my new body.
I do hope you are recovering well.
NAZ XXX
Thank you NAZ. I am real good and outwardly in great shape. I am wearing full bust enhancers under my ordinary bra but seeing the BCN for a prothesis fitting tomorrow. Am seriously thinking of a reconstruction as I miss wearing the clothes I like. My husband has still not seen my ‘new’ body which makes me think that perhaps I should have opted for recon. Apart from that I feel great. I am not being funny but I still tend to look at other ladies boobs and how I wish I could put the clock back but without DCIS.
Take care - best wishes,
Diamondlady
So glad you are doing okay.
I totally get you, when you say you look at other ladies and wish for the clock to be turned back. It is totally natural to think this way, mainly because it is such early days for you. Saying that, I still look at other women and wish the same as you!
BUT we are where we are and there is no going back now.
When you feel ready, why not have a chat with a Ps and see what your options are for reconstruction? You have nothing to lose and it might the the right thing to do given time?
Take care
Naz xx