Newbie questions?

Juli24

Hi everyone! Glad I found you. I had a partial mastectomy 3 days ago with one sentinel node removed. It all went so quickly, from finding lump/diagnosis/to surgery that I feel totally unprepared for all these feelings and changes. I have an 8 plus inch incision on my breast and another about 4 inch under my arm. The smaller incision hurts the worst. Since this all moved so quickly I didn't have time to prepare. My hubby went to Walmart and purchased some totally ugly (says with a smile) sports bras with high cut arms. These have been wonderful as they cover both incision sites helping me feel less vunerable to pulling or rubbing the sites. My question is how long do I need to wear the bras 24 hours a day? I do have the little arm pillows that help a lot comfort wise while sleeping to prop my arm. Due to the holiday weekend I won't get biopsy reports until next week. Scheduled to meet with oncology and radiology June 1st. Am putting off chemo until after a previously planned much anticipated family vacation departing June 20th. Having second thoughts about that but think it will lift my spirits &make starting chemo easier. I look forward to getting to know all of you and appreciate the wisdom and support. Hugs, Juli

Meadow

Hi Juli,glad you found us! I wore a garment/bra thing after surgery, I had a double mastectomy and they put it on me in surgery. I think it is a good idea to wear something for a few days to help with swelling. I wore it until my first follow up a week later, I took it off to bathe and to wash it, but I even slept in it. Does it feel tight or restrictive at all? Again, swelling or lymphedema can start after any surgery and can become quite severe and chronic, so keeping a light compression garment on of some kind while still promoting circulation and fluid flowing is important. Make sure you move around and use your upper body to stimulate fluid movement. Sounds like you are doing great! Tell the hubby nice score on the garments!