Jolamine

I started off with the sock which helped, this I used when I went for a walk.

But I found a small heart shaped cushion (it was part of a teddy given by the grandchildren) this I could put in my bra and this was more comfortable when sitting down.

Heidi

Welcome to the club no one wants to join.

I had the same operation on the same day as you. I already have my results. Another operation then  chemo and radiotherapy. I've not put any creams on yet so if anyone has any suggestions or also be grateful.

Take care everyone 

Litchielou x

Hi all,

I've just joined the forum after reading these replies as they're exactly what I was looking for! Had my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy (right side) on January 7th and I have my post-op appointment on the 27th, which feels like miles away :/ I feel like I've now found the 3 sleep positions I can manage to stay in but everything just feels so stiff and sensitive. Regaining sensation in my armpit has been such a strange feeling! Like many of you, I've found skin to skin contact under my arm so so sore. I've got a reusable makeup pads made of very soft fleece that I've been tucking under the edge of my bra as a liner to prevent skin-to-skin and it's helped a little.

If anyone is needing super soft bras, I can't recommend the Sloggi "zero feel" line enough. They're seamless and really soft and silky. I have one that pulls over my head, but it stretches enough for me to step into it and pull it up. Somehow doesn't get too smelly despite wearing it for a few days straight either! I've ordered more now.

Hope everyone's having a relatively pain-free day x

[@LunaKC]‍ 

I will try the sloggi bras. The ones I'm using are from Asda but back fasten. I was wondering whether it might be helpful to have a front fastening one.

I also find that my boob really aches I it's cold. Especially if I've been outside for a walk. I don't know if that's the metal work inside.

Take care

Litchielou x

Litchielou

Sorry to hear you have to have further surgery and chemo.

I've just spoken to a friend who had surgery two years ago and she recommends Childsfarm cream, it's designed to be sensitive for babies and children.

I'm pleased to say my results came back positive, I don't need further surgery or chemotherapy, just radiotherapy and hormone treatment.

Like others have asked, I'd also love to find out about a comfy bra. I've bought several of the pull-on type, which just give a bit of support but they hurt under my arm.  It's mainly the seams that hurt. I've gone back to using my sock to put a barrier between the bra and my skin.  

By the way, anyone reading my earlier post, the pain of skin touching skin under the arm has improved over the last week (almost three weeks after surgery) and so no longer need the sock, but the same type of pain has moved down into the breast area. I'm now using the sock to put a barrier between the bra and my skin.

Any more tips would be welcome.

Susan-P - I really recommend the Sloggi bras if it's the seams that are bothering you most. I have pull on ones, but like I mentioned in my last post, I can step into them and pull them up over my hips instead of pulling them on over my head. They sell some with a back clasp and I've ordered one of those, though I think my partner will have to do it up for me for now!

I'm glad to hear the pain of skin-to-skin under your arm has decreased, I hope that's a sign that the same thing will happen with the pain that's moved farther down your breast! I've found an old silk scarf and am using that as light padding and that's helping a wee bit.

Hi Luna

Thanks for your advice.  I've order some Sloggi bras today, hopefully will arrive tomorrow!  In the meantime, I've cut off the seams around the armpit on two bras, the first one not so successful but the second one has worked.  I also tried a silk handkerchief but it kept bunching up; I think I need a longer piece of fabric.  The pain is definitely settling in the arm pit.

Hello

I had the same procedures just over three weeks. Week 2 was difficult and frustrating .

I was advised to keep the pain relief going which helped. Sleeping was tricky but I found a propped up position with pillows helped.

small arm exercise helped every couple of hours. I was concerned about lymphodema.

My consultation said three weeks to a good recovery. This weekend just over three weeks I felt much better and managed a yoga class & walk.

Gentle massage around nerve area helped though I felt light headed bit sick after the first time but worth it. I can now raise my arm above my head which I couldn't do a week ago.

physio suggested simple exercise.

Keep positive 

Music and chilling out helped. Immune boosting goods too.

I couldn't wear a bra for almost three weeks. I wore vests instead. I couldn't bear anything touching the area. I now wear a sport bra.

The whole area was swollen for three weeks

loose fleece tops helped.

lucky for me it was over the Christmas period so I could relax and not work. Slept a lot 

I would get signed off for another week if you can 

Good luck it does get easier each day.

Hi AGrace

That's really helpful to know the timeline.  I wasn't told how long to expect the recovery to take and I understand that everyone is different.  It's three weeks today since my suregery and it is getting better but still very sore and agitated.

I've massaged a little and it's a very strange sensation and hurts.  I will give it another try.  I've not even been out of the house yet as working from home but I hope to get out for a walk soon.

@Susan-P

I had my operation 29th December not had too much pain. What I now find painful is the cold feeling in my boob it's as though I've got ice cubes inside. 

My under armpit isn't sore now as I've been putting baby lotion along the skin. I was quite lucky in the fact I had full movement in my arm from day one. What it's going to be like when I have more nodes removed, that seems more scary.

Got a little annoyed today we pay monthly for our dental care. As I'm supposedly having chemo after my operation I phoned and asked for a checkup and hygienist appointment one month early. Told that I would have to pay full price for both services. I explained that I wouldn't be able to come for a few months you would of thought I'd asked for the moon. After a lot of tooing and froing with the practice manager someone finally  after 40 minutes on the asked the actual dentist and he was fine with me coming early. He phoned me back and apologised and confirmed that I don't have to pay again.

Take care

Litchielou x