Experience with suction/negative pressure dressings
So last Thursday I had a bilateral "Goldilocks" mastectomy - it's Tuesday now, so today is the fifth day post-op. I had three nights in hospital and was discharged on Sunday, and every day has felt like a battle with these dressings. It's a system called Prevena that puts a foam layer over the sutures, and then a plastic dressing over that so that the attached pump can then apply a gentle vacuum. Even in hospital, every day has brought patches to the edges to try and maintain a seal. It holds if I'm sitting down but the moment I stand up, the pump goes off, and I hear a little whistle from a new leak somewhere in the dressing. It's getting pretty frustrating - I can't shower without it going off and even just doing a wash at the basin triggers leaks. And forget going for 'gentle walks' - I want to, but not if the dressing's going to leak the whole damn way. I'm due to have them removed on 9 December, so six more days with them. If I thought I was happy to have drains removed, that'll probably be nothing compared to the joy of getting rid of these dressings. Has anyone else had experience with suction/negative pressure dressings like this?
Preparing for surgery
Moderator moved @m_m11 post from activity section to main 'Discussion' page: m_m11 Good morning lovely ladies, I have finished my chemos and surgery is on 4th of June which is lumpectomy and breast size reduction. I’m very nervous and anxious about it, my surgeon said 6 weeks for recovery. Please share how recovery will be and recovery tips and thing I need to careful, is recovery will be painful? I’m very very anxious because never had surgery before. TIA
Slow Down Project
Hiya, I am starting a new creative project, thought it might be good place to show my efforts. With a lot of wait time coming up with appointments and treatments I was looking at a portable time fill option - so hand embroidery it is! I just wanted a small, achievable, positive to not need to think too much but focus on. Starting with straight lines (oops maybe will not do it all in 24hrs...remember the slow down being the aim 😉). Then a cross stitch, then a bigger challenge. Three simple kits to start while I learn some needlework. If I am happy with my efforts, I then have a bigger free hand in mind, using some quilting project fabric I keep not having time for.... but now do for a bit. Watch this space 🙂🩷.
About to have double mastectomy no reconstruction - any tips?
Hi All, I have finished 5 months of chemo and next step on 1st November is a double mastectomy and R lymph node clearance, I have chosen no reconstruction. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for the hospital visit and recovery time? Anything you would have liked to know beforehand? I have just gone and bought a couple of button up PJ tops and a few button shirts for home. Thanks :)
Healing Time
Hi everyone. I am new to this group. I had mastectomy around two weeks back. It's really sore and I have limited arm movement. It feels like my skin is glued to my chest wall. Any movement cause uncomfortable stretch. I would like to know how it has been with other group members. How long does it take for inner stitches to heal? When were you able to move your arm and body like normal without pain? I also have like balls under my arm which is really annoying. Can anyone suggest what they have done for that. Has any one taken any special food to heal faster? I have so many questions. Please help. ThanksPost surgery
I’m 66 and a paraplegic. Just been diagnosed and having a mastectomy in 2 days time. I’ve decided to go for bilateral if she agrees and there’s enough time in the theatre but I want to know how much can you use your arms after surgery? I’ve got good support and want to get it over and done with. Love to hear from anyone how much you are allowed to move your arms
Dont follow me Im lost too
Im about a year out of active treatment and I seem to be in a slump. I experienced euphoria and gratefulness for being alive following treatment and some days since Ive felt genuinely happy but more recently a less light feeling is emerging. I had a coffee with a friend today and found myself saying " when will i get over this?". How long is it reasonable to talk about this experience with friends (those that didnt keave) and the enormity of it to my life? I feel like ive just returned to a slightly different life grind and im struggling to see the wood for the trees. I work less, see people less and health practitioners more. I exercise 3 or 4 times a week and do crafts things. I have children to look after. Im thinking of buying a graditude journal to try to pull myself out of the blues. Is this common? What have other people done? Are there any good books I can read?
What 'new hobby' did you take up after your diagnosis/treatments?
Part of our 'general recovery' is getting back into things that we 'love doing' ..... My favourite 'things' are playing ukulele and kayak fishing! I've thought about taking up a new hobby - but I really suck at art & chess and couldn't sew or knit to save my life ...... What are YOUR favourite hobbies - and did you take up any NEW ones, post diagnosis/treatment?
