Post mastectomy
I had a mastectomy of the left breast 3 weeks ago. It went well. The drain was removed on day 11. The scar is fine. There is no lymphodema. However, I now feel as though I have a concrete block under ...
Forum Discussion
Thanks Tennille and Iserbrown. This afternoon I very, very gently massaged some bio oil above and below the suture line (I still have stitches). The oil slips over the skin much better than lanolin cream and I felt better. I think if I work on coaxing these muscles and nerves and treat them with respect that the self massage will work fine for me. I'm hoping that the lymph 'sac' will slowly re-absorb. Will keep you posted on progress. I must say that as I do any exercises or massage I concentrate on slowly breathing in and out. It distracts me and I actually feel better.
Tennille, our symptoms sound very similar. I'm fortunate that it's the left breast that's gone awal and I'm right handed. I agree about hanging out the clothes - it's a big stretch. I've resorted to using a clothes airer as I then don't have a high lift. Hopeless even trying to hang out sheets. The good thing is that this is a positive challenge to our ingenuity - we just have to find new ways to do/use normal things (if nothing else it should improve brain power!)
I've been super positive about this whole experience but had a crying meltdown last Thursday - not blaming myself, others or the universe. It was just not my day. I kept saying to myself that I couldn't see any joy in my life. Our young pup came up and gave me some eager licks, the weather improved and I decided there was joy and I needed to be kinder to myself. I have been good since then. Wrote my list of 7 things to get done today. Did 3 - and you know what? The others are going to have to wait until tomorrow! Be kind to yourselves and the rest will sort itself out with time (the great healer). All the best to you wonderful women. Thanks for listening and the all important feedback. Cheers.
Tennille, our symptoms sound very similar. I'm fortunate that it's the left breast that's gone awal and I'm right handed. I agree about hanging out the clothes - it's a big stretch. I've resorted to using a clothes airer as I then don't have a high lift. Hopeless even trying to hang out sheets. The good thing is that this is a positive challenge to our ingenuity - we just have to find new ways to do/use normal things (if nothing else it should improve brain power!)
I've been super positive about this whole experience but had a crying meltdown last Thursday - not blaming myself, others or the universe. It was just not my day. I kept saying to myself that I couldn't see any joy in my life. Our young pup came up and gave me some eager licks, the weather improved and I decided there was joy and I needed to be kinder to myself. I have been good since then. Wrote my list of 7 things to get done today. Did 3 - and you know what? The others are going to have to wait until tomorrow! Be kind to yourselves and the rest will sort itself out with time (the great healer). All the best to you wonderful women. Thanks for listening and the all important feedback. Cheers.