When to start moisturising?

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Good Morning Ladies,

I had a WLE (& sentinel nodes) last Weds 27th July and I’m doing well. At the moment, just a scar under my armpit (seeing consultant on Thurs 4th Aug).

Can anyone tell me when it’s safe to start moisturising the area and what’s best to use? I’m doing my exercises and have a good range of movement, but feel my skin is pulling a little? I have massaged Aloe Vera (99.9%) Gel on my boob cleavage and undersides. However, I’m keeping away from my scar site? Do I have to leave it until I see my BCN on Thursday or can I be doing anything now?

Many thanks

Anne x

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I used bio oil on the scar but check with your bcn when its ok to use it … would’ve thought this week sometime if scar is healing…

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Thanks Angie - I think it’s healing, I’ve got sensitive skin so would hate to undo all the good work so far! I am going to treat myself to a proper bath in a moment though!

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i am a fan of emu oil now and am using that on the scar instead of bio oil. I read that it also works as a deodorant, but will wait for a day when i am not going to see anyone to check it out.

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I’d give your breast care nurse a ring and ask… I didn’t want to put anything on mine until it was well-healed and then I used a normal body lotion. Vit E oil is probably good as well for scars…

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Thanks All - I had my bath and moisturised everywhere except around my scar and I feel so much better! I think I will last until Thursday now!!

OAL - I’m going to look into the Emu Oil - it sounds interesting!

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Hi Anne,
Like yourself I also used Aloe Vera. It has been just over 5 weeks since my WLE (& sentinel nodes) and I can JUST now with cotton wool wipe over the scar tissue under the arm, without any worry, healed really well, little red scar that looks ‘nice’.
I wanted to wait and just bathed it with water with a bit of dove in it after the 2 weeks when I felt I could move it freely.

Unfortunately the WLE showed marginal cancer so I am back in again 25th August for 2nd WLE (and leaving with half a boob!).
Luckly though at the present time it is not in Lymph nodes so this is good news.

The scaring on the breast is also healing well, but hard around the scar, McMillian Nurse said it was scar tissue, but that’s going in next op.

Hope all is well with yourself.

Wendy x

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Hi Wendy,

I went to see my consultant yesterday and she said, yes I could go ahead and moisturise it now. I asked about Aloe Vera Gel and she said yes that’s perfect.

I like you didn’t get enough clearance in one small area, so I’m in next Weds for another WLE. Unfortunately, have been told it was a grade 3 tumour but 5 nodes were clear. In a fortnight, I will meet up with the oncologist to discuss pro’s and cons of chemo - that’s the bit I’m now concerned about!

No-one said it was going to be easy did they?

Ax