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Post Mastectomy Itching

sb
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Can someone help me please. I had a mastectomy 10 days ago and the drain out two days ago. Im being driven demented with itching. Ive reached the stage that i just dont know what to do with myself. Ive tried constant baths, massaign the area but thats incredibly painful, cold packs these helped a little, leaving the are open to the air. Pain killers on the 8 a day paracetamol. My cancer nurse wont be in until Monday so any tips would be appreciated. Thank you.

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    I'm sorry to see that nobody has replied to you and I'm sorry that I can't help you at this time.  I am booked in for a mastecomy on 28th so hope that I don't feel the same way.  Keep talking as I'm finding it helps xxx

     

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    Hello sb,

    I am so sorry to hear you have been suffering from post mastectomy itching. It must be terribly uncomfortable for you. Unfortunately our own nurses are not around over the weekend to respond to your message but perhaps you could give them a call first thing tomorrow? Their number is free if you are ringing from a UK mobile and they are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040.

    If you can't wait until you get to see your nurse tomorrow, you could also perhaps ring 111 tonight and explain your situation to them on the phone.

    I do hope that someone on our forum who has had a mastectomy will be along soon with some useful tips for you!

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hello sb and thanks for posting,

    Itching can occur when tissue is healing, so this is normal but I am not sure if the amount of pain you are having is to be expected. Increasing pain can be due to an infection.  Others signs of infection include throbbing, heat or redness in the area around the wound, oozing from the wound and feeling unwell with a fever. So it is a good idea to ask your breast care nurse about this and I hope you are able to get hold of them today. If you can’t get hold of the breast cancer, your GP or practice nurse should be able to help. It is probably a good idea to get this checked out soon in case there is an infection and anything needs to be done.

    I hope you feel more comfortable soon,

    Take care

    Julia

     

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