just had surgery

cfrank
cfrank Member Posts: 16
edited August 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I just had a mastectomy without reconstruction. My scar is so large and really hurts where it goes under my arm!! Also I was wondering why my arm hurts where my muscle is....How long does it take the ugly scar to heal before you can get fitted for a prostetic. I am also waiting for results of an onca test to know whether I need chemotherapy or not..its been 2 weeks already!!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2018

    Hi cfrank, and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

    We're so very sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but we're really glad you found us. We're sure others will be by shortly to weigh in with their experiences with mastectomy and the side effects. You're sure to find great support here!

    Thinking of you and hoping your pain gets better soon!

    --The Mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited August 2018

    Hi there and best of luck with the healing process, cfrank. Til someone smarter comes along I just wanted to share that I believe a fitting is six weeks post-op. You might be able to get something temporary from the hospital to wear til then. And for sure, the wait for Oncotype DX results is awful. Hope you have someone you love nearby to help you out in these early days.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BellasMomToo
    BellasMomToo Member Posts: 305
    edited August 2018

    cfrank: Did you have any nodes removed? If so, that area may hurt more than the actual MX scar area. At least it did for me.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Snickersmom
    Snickersmom Member Posts: 926
    edited August 2018

    I had a BMX last year. I did not have reconstruction and because my tumor was pretty small, I didn't need radiation or chemo, but am on Arimidex for at least 5 years. They gave me exercises hen I left the hospital and also had me meet with a lymphodema specialist just in case I had any problems.

    My scars run from way in back under each arm to the front of my chest. I had a ton of stitches and then glue on top of the stitches. I really wasn't in any pain, just uncomfortable for a week or two. I did have a drain in each side. I had no bandages or anything and my incisions did heal pretty quickly. I know I got a special camisole with drain pockets when I left the hospital and I also had a terrycloth belt for the drains. I think I bought the camisole when I had my post-op visit a week after surgery. My insurance paid for it. I think it was about 6 weeks before I was able to be fitted for a prosthetic bra. My insurance pays for 9 a year but I don't find any bra comfortable at all. I had to have surgery this February to relieve some fluid build-up under one arm and got so used to wearing no bra that I rarely wear one now unless I have to. Most of my tops don'ted anything under them. If I need to, I wear a cami or sports bra with knitted knockers.

    Your arms/shoulders will be stiff because of cording of the muscles. Ask for exercises to help stretch the muscles out and you will be much more comfortable.

    In the meantime, rest and let yourself heal. You have just had major surgery!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cfrank
    cfrank Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2018

    thanks for the reply, yes I had 5 lymph nodes removed ..that must be the tenderness I get on my arm

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cfrank
    cfrank Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2018

    thanks so much for all the information. sounds like you have an incision like mine. where they used the glue under my arms is always feeling sticky. Its very annoying. One thing I wondered....are you supposed to wash it?? when I shower I just let the water spray on it, I cant imagine using soap on it...yet

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cfrank
    cfrank Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2018

    thanks for your reply!!! I was very lucky my onca type test came back low risk so I do not need chemo. I am very happy about that. I dont go back to the oncologist for a month to find out what hormonal pill I will be taking. funny how under my arm where the incision is doesnt seem to be healing as fast ...its also very sore..

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories