Secondary breast cancer both breasts removed years ago. Chest red an swollen bra's are so painful any ideas for bra replacement would be very helpful desperate
i don't have a breast care nurse. Only a district nurse who rings me every few weeks she suggested water tablets for the swelling which does not work on lymphoedema so she's hasn't got a grip on the subject at all
I am surprized that you do not have a breast care nurse. Possibly this is because you are a few years post-surgery? Your district nurse obviously doesn’t know much about cancer when she is expecting diuretics to reduce your lymphoedema.
It sounds as if you might benefit from having a specialist nurse who can point you in the right direction to try and reduce your lymphoedema and, point you in the right direction to get some lymphoedema sleeves. Why not phone your hospital and ask if they have one? I have had 2 BC nurses in each of the hospitals that I have attended and they have been able to give me some very good pointers.
My lymphoedema clinic is not in the hospital and is more local to me. It might be worth seeing if you have one near you too. The manual lymphatic drainage is really quite relaxing.
If a swimming suit is out because of the difficulty in getting it on and off, have you tried a bikini top? I use a normal one, which has to be lined and there need to be 2 separate compartments to pop your prosthesis into(post-surgery prostheses are far too expensive and the colour choices are limited). I usually cut a slit in the lining, which allows you to insert the prostheses.
bikini tops very similar to bras I'd need to go shopping and try on not possible
i have found some fabric in my sewing that might do very well Weeding to do first now weather is good then buckle down to sewing. If my clothes are tight on my arms it's very uncomfortable so don't fancy the sleeves at all the worst bit is under my chin so not much can b done there. I'm a bit odd (so my friends say) as I do not like massage or any sort of pampering I cut my own hair and do my own nails as I hate being messed about with by strangers I will live with it while I live Doc says 3-4 months but we will. See how it goes
Good point. I have bought swimwear by post before and it was a disaster. Your'e doing well if you can still do your weeding. I love my garden, but find weeding really difficult to do now.
I am glad to hear that that you have found some fabric that might suit, so shall wait and see how you get on with this. I must confess that it has taken me a few years to find some sleeves that are not too tight, but still tight enough to reduce the swelling. My arms are always very tight in any sleeved garment and are worse for 2 weeks in every 12 when I get my arms bandaged after MLD. There's only certain coats that I can wear at this time.
It is unusual to find someone who doesn't like massage, so this would definately be out for you. I doubt that anything would help your chin except massage. How are you feeling in general?
I am hoping that the doc is wrong and that you manage to get longer than 3-4 months. We hear of so many people who outlive doctors' guesstimates by quite a time.
and he returned a week later with his partner Jen and their daughter Sasha with a mobility scooter for me ,such fun . I'v got some freedom back I have bought 2long line bras that do up in front. Have wide straps I leave top 2-3 hooks undone so loose under arms work a treat at last sorted Cannot think why didn't get them before probably couldn't find front fastening
how are you doing My latest problem is intense itching caused by cancer in lymph nodes solved by taking antihistamine latest project is writing down all the info my boys will need nat health number nat ins number etc so all address and ph numbers of doc. hospital financial stuff all in one folder got a booklet from age uk called life book used the idea but not the booklet great idea for anyone terminal to help relatives I will put envelopes addressed to pension service etc with list of what's needed to be sent to them after I die. List of who gets what , copies of list will go to all family members
It's good to hear from you again. You haven't heard from me about the new bras that I was getting because they have delivered the wrong bras three times now. I am glad to hear that you have found some to suit you, as you'd be in a bad way waiting for my input.
I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying getting out and about with your scooter. I have one and it is my lifeline. It's great to have a little bit of independence, isn't it?
How are you keeping in general? Sorry to hear about the itching. Antihistamines do help, but if you are still having problems ask your GP to prescribe Eurax cream. I find this very helpful.
It sounds as if you are super-organised, right down to having your envelopes addressed and ready to go. I have just arranged a dear friend's funeral. She thought that she was well organised and she was to a point. She wasn't a rich lady, but we found all sorts of shares, insurance policies, jewellery which she had overlooked and, which we very nearly overlooked too. The booklet you mention sounds like a very handy booklet to have when arranging these matters.
I am doing ok. I had a couple of scares earlier in the year. The first was my breast, but all seems ok. Then my lymphoedema nurse noticed a lesion on my back. I had a long wait to see a dermatologist, but again she wasn't too worried about it. So that's me, back on an even keel until the next scare.
glad health back on even keel what a pain waiting for the bras hope they are worth the wait
i love my scooter used it for first time Fri and again Saturday been too tired to go out since but should be fine soon Thanks for heads up on itch cream will look it up
