Hi, I had the above last Friday. It was explained to me by the nurse the day before that I would have a glue covering that would naturally flake away as time went on. However I’m not sure this is what I have - it looks like a thin plastic film has been put over the wounds (I can see the edges riding up). I don’t know if this is then supposed to flake off or if it will need taking off? I also don’t know if it does need taking off, when it should be done? And flaking off or no flaking off, what am I supposed to do about the steristrips and the blood-soaked padded bits under this covering when it does come off? I’m to wait for a results appointment in 3-4 weeks, there’s nothing about checking wounds or doing anything with dressings. Any advice, info or suggestions welcome, thank you.
I can’t comment on the specific stuff that is flaking off but I was told after surgery to check in with my GP surgery nurse to check the dressings after a week although I saw her five days afterwards. She checked everything thoroughly but the actual surgeon removed everything when I saw her four weeks later. So it might be worth checking with your surgery if you are concerned and requesting an appointment with the nurse. She at least can answer the question about the flaking stuff
My dressings were peeling off after two weeks on their own and I had been told by my surgeon to take them off myself on day 14 prior to my results appointment later that same day. There’s no way that those dressings would have stayed on any longer . If you have a follow up call with your BCN you could ask about your dressing otherwise contact your surgery . Sometimes when glue is used there is no dressing on top but sometimes there are dressings as well and glue can take ages to flake off.It may not sit well with you to leave it alone if you can see blood stains but unless it’s actually leaking fresh blood or there are any changes it’s best to leave it alone for at least a week. Steri strips will loosen on their own in time . Its quite understandable if you are worried about taking the dressing off yourself I think it would be quite reasonable for you to contact your surgery and ask for a wound check via the Practice Nurse - your surgery should have been sent details of your surgery including about your wound and any care required . Hope this was helpful .xx
Thank you - that’s reassuring that they can stay on for that long. Maybe it’s the plan for them to remove the dressings at the follow up in “three to four weeks” then. They definitely didn’t say that though, it just didn’t occur to me until yesterday that no one actually said what I should do other than that the glue will flake off on its own. I like the idea of going to the nurse at the GP, great idea. I’d rather someone professional took them off and not me, they do look mildly disturbing to go near!
Hi floss2
Thank you for your message.
The general purpose of a wound dressing is to cover the wound to protect it and help prevent infection whilst healing takes place. We hear from many people asking for advice on how to manage wounds after surgery for breast cancer. Wound care and dressings vary from hospital to hospital so it’s important you speak to your breast care nurse or treatment team to check if there’s anything specific you need to do with the wounds that have been glued.
As @Tigress and @JoanneN mention it may also be worth checking in with the practice nurse at your GP surgery.
There are exercises that are recommended to help after surgery to regain movement in your shoulder which you can find following the link above. We also have information regarding caring for scars on one of our YouTube videos.
Our booklet your operation and recovery has further information that you may find helpful. We also offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in.
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