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[CLKD]

When is your next appt.?  Will you see a physio who can guide you through gentle exercises for that arm?  It will be sore for a while adn you may find that under-arm hair won't grow where the wound is  - I can't remember if they took 7 or 9 nodes 

[grumpy2008]

Hello . Well, the recent sunshine has really helped me feel better! and your good wishes always help too - thank you .

CLKD - my next appt is Tues. I'm trying not to worry .  I've been doing my arm exercises and over the last day or so have felt a definite improvement. It felt so tight at first I was afraid to move it, but it  has possibly helped that it's my left side and I'm left-handed, so automatically reach out with that arm anyway.

One thing I have done is ditch the bra! I'm small chested anyway, so don't need much support, and it feels much more comfortable just wearing a soft vest  .

[CLKD]

I haven't worn a bra for years.  I LOVE those soft lingerie tops in bright colours which can be layered over thermal close-to-the-body long sleeved tops.

Keep doing the exercises to stop any lymphodema forming which can become problematic - hence the reason for the drain  .  I would have come home with mine but the Consultant kept me in for 2 extra days.

[grumpy2008]

I haven't worn a bra for years.

I'm wondering if I'll ever go back to wearing one... perhaps just for certain occasions/outfits. I like the idea of just wearing layers. I found some extremely soft vest tops from a well known shop, and they are doing the job just fine. I bought some large crop tops but they still feel too tight to get on. I'm also wearing my zippy/fleecy tops.

You've reminded me, I need to do those exercises again ;-). Maybe I was lucky not to need a drain? One poor lady on the same ward went home with a drain but i think she had more nodes removed.

[CLKD]

Your Surgeon will know what is the protocol, drain or not to drain.  I found lots of soft tops in a well known shop but damned if I can remember the name of it  ......... COSTCO had lots, I bought 5 packets x 2 from there; also the walking shops have good quality thermal easy-to-wear layering underclothes.

[grumpy2008]

Our local walking shop just closed down, darn it  ... they had some lovely lightweight zip tops... I almost bought a couple but decided to save my pennies at the time. I have a lot of nice tops but they are all cotton and pull over the head, so just not suitable anymore. Yes, I'm going for comfort now!

[CLKD]

Have a look at Kalediscope catalogue on-line, or the Walking Shop at Stoney Stratford, think they call themselves the out-door shop; there is also the Cotswold walking shop chain - probably M&co or M&S ?

[grumpy2008]

Feeling a bit sorry for myself today . My arm etc was feeling better this past few days but yesterday started to swell (again) and is now as sore as it was a few days ago. This has happened before and it went away of it's own accord, so fingers crossed...

I have my follow up appt with the surgeon tomorrow morning so will wait till then, unless it gets really bad.

I knew this wouldn't be a walk in the park but was hoping I was on the better side of it. Ho hum!

[CLKD]

How often do you need to do the exercises? Lymphodema (?) can be a problem, perhaps ring your breast care Nurse today for advice, I am sure she won't mind!

[Rowan]

Grumpy this might be of help

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=panD5S72Tb0

I learned about this when studying therapeutic massage.

[grumpy2008]

Thank you both . I've been doing my exercises (2 or 3 times a day) and mobility is good so I'm pleased in that respect.

I've left a message for the breast care nurse so hopefully she'll get back to me soon. It's actually the area of my breast that is most swollen, now that I've had a proper look, and feels hard to touch. There's a redness to the area and I don't know if it's my mind working overtime, but the area feels warmer to touch. Under my arm is sore too. I hope it's not an infection, or worse! The only way to find out of course, is have someone examine it.

Ho hum 

[CLKD]

Let us know - the Consultant will advise tomorrow.

[grumpy2008]

Just spoke to the breast nurse - she was very reassuring, and reminded that I'm not even 2 weeks post surgery yet. Nothing I told her raised any concerns but she will be there when the consultant checks everything tomorrow.

I feel a little better, but still sore, not to mention frustrated!

[Trey]

Hi Grumpy, I think you are handling this all so well.  Better than I would, for sure.  In US, we have massage therapists and PTs that specialize in lymph drainage following breast surgery.  Are you wrapped with an Ace bandage.  Sorry if I've missed that info.  You are early in recovery, but still they npmamy offer something to speed along improving the drainage.  Sometimes it just takes a few weeks.  Hope you get lots of reassurance at your appt.

[grumpy2008]

No, there's nothing Trey... just my clinic appointment last week when the dressing was removed (what a relief that was!) and then my follow up appointment tomorrow. I had 5 nodes removed (I think) so I guess it will take some time to heal. And because I'm small chested the lumpectomy covers quite a large area. I was sent away with exercises which I've been doing . But the bruising is... scary. And seems to change daily. As well as the recent swelling I'm also getting a lot of tingly feelings which are the nerves settling down.

In one way I wish we had more contact and support from the nurses etc, but in another way it's good to have the break and live normally without appointments and constant reminders.

Sorry, I think I'm on a bit of a downer today...