Post Lumpectomy Aches & Pains

Options
artsymom
artsymom Member Posts: 61
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
Post Lumpectomy Aches & Pains
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • artsymom
    artsymom Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2010

    Hi Everyone, Wanted to let you know the surgery went well.  Only one incision to remove the lump and ten lymph nodes.  Have home care coming in to change the dressing but all stitches are internal only steri-strips on the outside.  Feeling like I am dropped in a new world of aches, pains, wierd sensations down my arm, etc.  Mood swings when I got home, nothing at all like I expected but then really had no frame of reference to build upon.  My husband is taking good care of me and my MIL is helping out with the kids and our dog.  Unfortunately my own mother has decided that selling real-estate prioritizes helping her daughter.  Oh well, that is unfortunately one of the only things that wasn't a surprise this week.  Any tips on simple hygiene tricks. Feeling kind of grungy. Here's to the first day of spring and being lump-free & happ-eee.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LINDAGARSIDE
    LINDAGARSIDE Member Posts: 345
    edited March 2010

    Hi and welcome home.  I too get some wierd sensations in my hand and thumb.  Feels like electricity.  I'm putting everything down to sentinal node stuff.  

    Like you, I had the steri-strips on the outside and they worked very well.  Hardly can see the scar and it was done 11 weeks ago.  Quite amazing. 

    My moods did swing but I didn't realize I was a bit depressed and somewhat angry as well.  It doesn't seem and isn't "fair" at all that we're in this situation and according to my cancer counsellor, it is normal to feel that way (angry/moody).

    You are having quite a week, aren't you?  So sorry your mom isn't as supportive as what she could be.  I wonder what she's so afraid of? 

    Hygiene tricks:  I was able to have a shower every day...but had to turn around so my back took the full shower pressure. I also covered my incision by holding a dry cloth over it and made sure the shower was directed low so not too much came immediately in the front.  It worked out very well.  I got two bras that were comfortable and did up in the front...that also helped.  I kept ice packs under my arm (covered with a sock or cloth) and this kept the swelling down.  Make sure you keep your incision area nice and dry.  I was very sensitive to the tape (not the steri-strips) that the gauze was held in place by so I ended up taking it right off.   Make sure you keep your feet up and don't do too much.  Let your son paint your toe nails shiny red and let him see you smile....take good care sis.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GryffinSong
    GryffinSong Member Posts: 439
    edited March 2010

    Sounds like you're doing very well, considering! As for hygiene, if you don't feel up to a shower, for whatever reason, scent-free baby wipes are a good short-term solution. ;)

    Hugs and good luck!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • crazy4carrots
    crazy4carrots Member Posts: 5,324
    edited March 2010

    Hi Artsymom - So glad I found you on this thread!  Happy to know you are being pampered and that dear MIL is taking charge of the kids.

    As for the weird feelings down your arms:  while the surgeon was digging around for, and disconnecting those lymph nodes, some nerves were also disturbed and probably severed.  It will take several months for the nerves to "straighten themselves out", and you'll be feeling odd pains at odd times while that happens.  Perfectly normal!

    You probably won't have the dressing on very long.  I remember that I took baths (with water just to tummy level) after my lumpectomy.  A washcloth -- judiciously used! -- can keep the rest of you squeaky clean.  And yes, baby wipes are a good idea too.

    Meantime, don't worry about your mood swings -- good grief, why shouldn't you have mood swings?  Your life is kind of different now.  But keep taking the ativan while you wait for your path report.  We're all pulling for you!

    Many hugs,  Linda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ananda8
    ananda8 Member Posts: 2,755
    edited March 2010

    I had very sharp pain in my breast 3-4 times a day for about 6 months after my partial mastectomy.  Thank goodness my doctor warned me or I would have been certain that something was wrong.  When the pain began, I pressed down firmly on the area.  It helped reduce the pain until it passed. 

    Eventually the pain stopped coming and I haven't had any for over a year.

    Best wishes for you, artsymom,  as your body adjusts.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories