taking care after core biopsy

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ravdeb
ravdeb Member Posts: 3,116
edited August 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

well..here I go again. Second core biopsy for the year 2010. I'm on a roll. This time it was my onc who felt something different by my scar and sent me for an ultrasound with possible biopsy. (Last time radiologist saw a spot on my good side!) the radiologist (best in the country here) decided to do a core biopsy because she really trusts my onc's opinion even though she is quite sure it's scar tissue. it'll be 5 years in Sept since my diagnosis.

 Anyways..the question is... I have those sterile strips on. had the biopsy on July 12th (Monday). Sterile strips are on good and tight except for one corner. But..can I go swimming on Tuesday July 20th? It will be a week and I may still have those strips stuck tight?

 What's the verdict? I fly for my summer trip to the States on Monday the 19th and I really want to start swimming!!!!! I've read different opinions on this.

Be well everybody!

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited July 2010

    I would say the chemicals in the water would be good for the wound. It's long enough out...go for it! And good luck with the results, too.

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  • ravdeb
    ravdeb Member Posts: 3,116
    edited July 2010

    thanks barbe. I read somewhere on line that you aren't supposed to get in a pool or bath for THREE WEEKS! I will not follow THAT rule because that's insane. And I'll be next to a swimming pool for 3 weeks and don't want to miss out on that!

     But the stuff in the pool would be good for this? hmmm...not sure I agree with that. I am sure that if the strips fall off by then it should be okay. Just don't want any problems while abroad... Frown

    It's my second core biopsy. In 2005 I had an excisional and was told not to go in a pool I went on vacation and made sure that the scar was covered and I didn't go all the way in the water. But I think that is different..stitches and so on. This is just a tiny HOLE! Laughing

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  • squidwitch42
    squidwitch42 Member Posts: 2,228
    edited July 2010

    ravdeb,

    Hello!  fellow swimmer here...so much so that one of the last things I always ask before I go under for surgery is "when can I get in the pool again?"  It's become my calling card so to speak.  I am not clear if you intend to swim in a pool vs lake vs ocean? 

    My sincere advice is to call your MD who did the biopsy and get their final say.  I believe it was one week when I had mine last October. 

    Lake and Ocean water carry their own risks as well as pool water.  My steri strips always seem to stay on well past their "let them fall off naturally" date.  I am not sure if they ever have come off without my intervention, :) 

    so my advice is to follow their instructions to the letter, while letting them know how important swimming is to your healing.  They will usually give you the first absolute safe date to go in.

    and there is always the up to the ribs, jogging around...not great I know, but you can get in safely and protect the site.

     best wishes for a beautiful swim and negative biopsy!

    traci

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  • squidwitch42
    squidwitch42 Member Posts: 2,228
    edited July 2010

    oh whoops...you are going to be near a pool for three weeks..I bet they will give you the go ahead, so you will get more than a few swims in!

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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited July 2010
    Hi Ravdeb - like squidwitch42, I always ask my surgeons "how long before I can get back into the pool?" In your case, be sure to ask your doctor - and ask if you can use a waterproof bandage to cover the little incision - maybe double-up on the bandage. I've been know to even cover my wound with Saran-wrap, lol! Good luck with the results on your biopsy - here's praying it's B9 - and I hope you have a safe and happy vacation! Cool
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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited July 2010

    I would think the chlorine in a pool would be good for a wound! A lake or ocean would have bacteria and "live" thingies in it....

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited July 2010

    I would suggest until the wound has healed over nicely, no water sports. :(  Any open wound can be susceptable to infection.  It's not worth taking any chances.  As suggested a few posts above, ask the Dr. who installed your port.  Some people heal more quickly than others.  I hope you are a quick healer.  I was.  And I must admit to peeling off the steri strips after about 3 days.  A nice scab had formed and a quick daily shower didn't dislodge it.   

    Anyway, I would definitely not assume that pool water would be healing. 

    Gentle hugs. 

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited July 2010
    Okay, I'll hand back my doctor degree...sigh. Frown
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  • ravdeb
    ravdeb Member Posts: 3,116
    edited July 2010

    okay...that's what my daughter told me..ask the doctor!

    Sorry barbe!

    I love the seran wrap idea! I could do that!!! My bathing suit covers my entire breasts because I had bought it back in 2005 to cover my lumpectomy scar. This is just next to that. I could cover the area with something waterproof. But I'm going to ask my doctor before I leave and see what they tell me...

     Thanks everyone!

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited July 2010

    I heard a podcast recently about the yucky things that are in chlorinated pools...people excrete in pools because 'no one will know', and they combine with chlorine.  The reseacher thought even if the pools don't use straight chlorine, they use some kind of salt, which gets turned into chlorine.  They were advising people shower before they go into a pool. I'll see if I can get a reference.

    Maybe the major risk was respiratory.

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited July 2010

    Well there's your e-Coli then!!!

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited July 2010

    Here's a transcript of the podcast http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128410569

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  • ravdeb
    ravdeb Member Posts: 3,116
    edited July 2010

    thanks leaf..

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited July 2010

    Enjoy your trip. Here's hoping for B9 results.

    Sent you a PM.

    Leah

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2010

    I was able to shower after 2 days with the steri strips on after my lumpectomy, but I don't know about swimming. I was told not to pull them off, but to let them fall off by themselves, which usually happens after 7 or 8 days. My son recently had stitches in his leg (laceration) and was told no swimming for  2 weeks.

    Anne

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  • fishfish
    fishfish Member Posts: 32
    edited August 2018

    I love shower and love going to the pool. My first question after my excisional biospy is when can I shower and when can I swim.

    I was shocked that the nurse told me I can shower anytime I want because the dressing is waterproof so you should be find so I did. In fact I had two showers on the day of my sugery. I am fine.

    As for swimming the nurse said as long as the wound is closed you can go.

    But in your case it is a core needle so the wound is not as big as excisional you should be able to go in 1 week. I went after one week when I had my core needle. Doesn't cause me any problems

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