Incision care/showering advice needed

Katie55

Hi All, I had a R full mastectomy on Thurs. Jan. 25. The drain was removed Mon. Jan 29 and everything appears to be healing well. I have had very little pain but a LOT of itching. The nurse replaced my bandage when she removed the drain, but now I have noticed some of the steri-strips are sticking out under the bandage and they are not adhering. I have not had a proper shower yet, and hoped to have one this morning but I am afraid if I do everything will fall off and I don't know if the incision is fully healed yet. I have some steri-strips here, so am wondering whether to go ahead and then replace them after I shower, or see the doctor before I shower?

Lula73

you can shower. Use a soapy washcloth to clean the area but don’t rub. Just kind of pat along the incision line with it. Don’t stress the strips coming off (they’re eventually supposed to-the doc doesn’t remove them). Call your dr if you still have concerns. Good luck!

Katie55

Thanks, I just wasn't sure how long they were supposed to stay on. It will be a week tomorrow- things look mostly healed, I ended up having a shower with the hand-held nozzle and avoiding the area just to be sure. I took the big bandage off and cleaned around it with one of those sponges you use before surgery. Glad to get the bandage off- it was getting very itchy