Hello there

I am sorry to hear about your recent surgery and hope you are recovering well.

Usually the steri strips will start lifting when they are ready to be removed and this can be as soon as 5 days up to 2 weeks in some cases. As long as the scar underneath is looking good this should be fine.

Be kind to yourself, it is still very early days and it can take a while for the body and the mind to catch up with what you have been through, and being tearful is very normal. I do hope you are taking it easy and looking after yourself with friends and family around to support you when needed.

Do let your breast care team know if you have any other concerns about your recovery.

Do get back in touch with any more questions and remember out helpline is open weekdays 9-5 on 0808 800 4040 if you prefer to talk over the phone. 

All the best to you

Naomi

Thank you for getting back to me Naomi ,much appreciated.

The scars look ok for what I can see so I will be having a soak in the bath tonight, I hoping by removing the strips will ease the pressure / pain a little.  

 

Take care.

Angel 

I had this surgery in July I went back to the clinic the week after and they removed the dressing for me .

good luck I wish you a speedy recovery xx

Hi Angel47

I also had a lumpectomy 2 weeks ago and have just had the dressing removed by the nurse.

if your unsure call your BC nurse and they can advise.

How are you managing? I found the under arm cut the worse but feel like I'm slowly getting there although still a little uncomfortable and swollen.

it's such an emotional journey isn't it...sometimes I'm brave and positive and other times I'm crying! We just have to be strong as we can and get through...we've got this sending you love xx

Deedot & angie 

I had this operation 15 th July then unfortunately had to have full node clearance operation 2 weeks later that one was a lot worse with having a drain ect .

but honestly November I finished radiotherapy that went well too I'm now living back to my normal life like it never happened I take tamoxifen for 5 years now .

you will both be doing fabulous soon honestly land back to your normal life stay positive stay upbeat don't let it get you for one minute you are strong you are beautiful big hugs love Lara

Hi Lara

oh I'm pleased your doing so well, its always good to hear good positive news on here.

im awaiting my full results from surgery on Monday and hoping I won't need more but who knows it's a waiting game. I have already been told I'll need chemo as I'm HER2+ so hoping to just get on and get it done...what a roller coaster and it helps to hear from everyone who's been there, done it and got through so thank u xxx

Hi Angel47

I had the same operation 4 weeks ago for the same diagnosis as you. I felt more comfortable when the steristrips were off.  I had some stabbing pain under my arm but not near the wounds  during the second and third week post op. I had no signs of infection so the nurse advised me to continue with the exercises and to gently massage the area. That worked and I just get the odd nippy soreness now. I'm slmost back to normal physically. My surgeon advised that i massage my breast and axilla with aveeno to keep the skin healthy. Its an emotional roller coaster so be gentle with yourself and know that we have all felt the same as you but it does get a whole lot better over time.  I hope you continue to recover well and take it easy too.

Mx

Glad your doing well M, I'll try that to as I'm getting similar pains! Thank you.

Have they said what and when your next steps are? 
xx

I got good results at my post op appointment, glands clear and no more surgery needed. I don't need chemo so I'm  getting a week of radiotherapy and then starting endocrine tablets.  Physically doing well but emotionally it's been tough.  I'm still a bit up and down and I have poor concentration but it gets a little better every day.

M x

That all sounds so positive M, just keep that in mind...you'll be back to your happy self in no time I'm sure. I totally get it though, emotionally it's torture, I've had ups and downs every day!! I'm just hoping to get through all this treatment and focus on living again...everything feels on hold. I am trying to be as positive as possible!

I was diagnosed in Nov and it's IDC stage 1 grade 2, but as it's HER2+ so seems chemo is a must! My main thing is waiting on results as I'm hoping I don't need anymore surgery...

Anyhow, hope your radiotherapy goes well and sending love xxx