I am 2 weeks 2 days after mast. and node removal… how long until you take off all the steri strips, the bandage, and how soon can u shower and let it get wet…?? thanks (been getting difference of opinion from nurses)
Hi Lee,
My district nurse took my steri strips and dressing off within 7 days, I was able to shower at that time as well - I was very apprehensive but my BC nurse said it was fine, obviously you will be very gentle when washing over the op site and it may be a good idea to use simple soap or shower gel.
Hope this helps and good luck with your recovery, I’ve been off for 8 weeks since my op and am back at work on Monday.
Tracy xx
thanks Tracy., I am going to take some of my strips off and keep dressing off as well… just looks like a fine line of scabbing across chest and under arm. I am still terribly sore under arm and inside of arm feels tender and chaffed.
thanks for replying…
Lee xx
Hi Lee,
Same here, I was encouraged to have a shower everyday and pat the bandage dry. My steristrips were removed on the day I saw the surgeon for my results which one a week after the mastectomy. Maybe you should give the BC nurse a ring to see when she intends to remove them.
Tracy,
I have been off for almost 4 weeks and due to go back on Monday, I am not sure I feel up to it yet. Did the hospitals give you two months off from the onset or did you ask your GP for an extension?
Sophie
It’s over 2 weeks and nurse called me yesterday and said lab wanted to do further “stains” and they would reschedule my appt to meet with surgeon for next week. That will be over 3 weeks… why so long? I am afraid it means there is something wrong.
Lee xx
That’s exactly how my arm felt for a while, like I was carrying a clutch bag is the best way to describe it! That will gradually ease up over time, I did persevere with the exercises although I found them hard going but they definately helped.
Tracy xx
Yes I am doing the exercises…should u do them more than 4 times if u feel u can?
Hi Lee
If your wound is closed and dry, there should be no reason why you need a dressing. 2 weeks seems rather a long time to leave a dressing. My dressings were changed 2 times a week in clinic and I would have a shower in the morning so that the damp dressing was removed. If you are in doubt make an appointment with your Practice Nurse at your GP surgery. You certainly do not want to leave it 3 weeks, old damp dressings will encourage infection, plus not very comfortable for you.
Do your exercises as instructed and try to regain normal movements as you feel able, once you can do all the usual things day to day, you need not do the exercises.
I hope everything goes well at your meeting with your surgeon, try not to worry. I know it is easier said than done. Plan some treats for after your appointment and keep talking if it helps.
Sophie
That seems rather soon to be going back to work. I have been off 7 weeks and have another 2 weeks left on my current certificate. I may even ask for more. See your GP if you dont feel ready or your surgeon will be able to certificate you but may be harder for you to get an appointment.
Best wishes
Jackie.
Thanks Jakie,
I think I will talk to my GP. I was wondering whether I was a slow healer. Seems to me that the mastectomy drains your energy. I hate that clutch bag feeling, but it is the numbness that gets to me.
Need to go and do my exercises. Stretching up to reach on shelves is still hard…
Sophie
Hi Sophie I came home after 5 days and was quite scared about taking the strips off I was also scared about my husband seeing me with one boob. So on the third night home I was up in the bathroom and was so scared of peeling them off I called him up and he done it for me and that was my way of showing him my scar he never even blinked an eyelid I was so pleased I had done that. I know what you mean with the numbness you are scared to touch it I hardly went near it as it didnt feel right but now after 12 months I just wash it just like my other arm I still have no feeling in it after 12 months but the tightness has gone I did find it hard like you reaching up I was so scared something was going to burst but it does get better with time I promise you. I am now back at work full time now and I do forget I have breast cancer I do hope in time you will feel the same Take Care Linda xxx
Hi
I have just gone back to work five months after my mast and snb but I am finding it very hard. Am only doing part time but I am exhausted after it. Still in a lot of pain and have virtually no feeling in my upper arm and arm pit which is very scarey as it is my right side and I am right handed . See consultant about this on the 16th April. But I worry that I am never going to be able to use my right hand properly again.
My dressing was left on for 10 days and was taken of by the bcn on the day of my return for results.
Could shower or bath with it on.
Heather
They took my dressing off after 7 days along with my drains, and I took the steristrips off after 10 as the nurse said I could.
Saw surgeon after 14 and he said was healing well and to keep the surgery area clean and dry.
I took to daily excersise before the op and was determined to get back to normal as fast as possible and have been luck that I got full range of motion back within a week of getting drains out and have found that the numbness and clutching feeling is going down quickly now. Still fairly numb under the armpit but not totally now so that’s not so bad. It’s only been 3 weeks since my op but I did only have a sample of nodes taken so that probably helps with recovery times.
I’m back at work now, was 3 days after I got home but then I do work from home and I love my job, so nothing was going to stop me 
Thanks Linda,
I know what you mean by being scared about your husband seeing you. It took me two weeks to look at myself in a mirror… I am fine now.
I need to be patient, which is not one of my forte. I think as Vertangie did, I will exercise more. I have started walking, and hope to do the “race for life” in Oxford in June. Let’s see if I can actually make it.
Have a great week end everyone.
Sophie
hi everyone,
my first time on here,had dble mastectomy 8 weeks ago am doing well hope to go back to work next week.
cant find any comfortable bras tho.any ideas?
zsazsa
Hi zsazsa
Welcome to the forums. I am sure that you will receive lots of support and information from your fellow forum members.
You may find our helpline useful to call during this time, they can give you further information and talk to you about our other support services and also offer support and a ‘listening ear’. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm, Saturday, 9am - 2pm. I hope you find this helpful.
Best wishes
Lucy
Hello,
I had a double masectomy with immediate reconstruction. I’m almost 3 weeks out and I’m still very sore and my implants are very saggy. Does anyone know if I should be feeling better soon and will my breasts ever look half way descent? Thank you and I hope all is feeling well.
Best,
Jbaby