Just a quick update today.
Things haven’t changed very much, I’m still sore especially in the armpit, I’m still doing my exercises although I have lots more mobility after taking my meds than before, so I will continue to pop the pills. Oh and my boob still looks like an abstract painting, one of those acrylic pour works.
General advice I was given by the nurses, keep the surgical stockings on for a week, remove the outer dressings after 5 days, leave the steri-tape on for 7 to 10 days.
Its 5 days, its Sunday, and removing the dressings is scary. I’m was going to wait until tomorrow (after-all my op was in the afternoon) and then if I have a problem at least the GP surgery will be open. But this morning, the dressing in my armpit was starting to peel off (must be all those physio exercises). I have doubts about what to do, but I can see everything looks OK under there. there’s a little dried blood on the steri-tape but not scary amounts.
I’ve read and re-read all the information I’ve been given. The text book I call my bible which was provided with at diagnosis, information I was given on being discharged from the hospital on Tuesday and notes I’ve made after speaking to the Breast Care Nurses (BCN team). It all conflicts.
As does the information about wearing the stockings, wear for a week, remove after 48 hours is active. They’re beginning to stink to be honest and its a cardio work out trying to get them on properly.
I believe it is important to consider why these standards are in place – if you understand the reasons you can make more instinctive decisions – the stockings are off. I can’t sit still. I’m not running marathons but I am taking a couple of short strolls (of about 3/4 mile each) a day. Moving around the house too.
The under-arm dressing is off too. I can’t see that much because of the steri-tape. I feel a little better – as this is the most sore of the two wounds, the other can’t be that bad.
I’m leaving the other where it is until tomorrow. I want to speak to the BCN team. This dressing covers my nipple area (although there is a peep hole) which is obviously a little more sensitive than my currently numb armpit. I feel I need to soak this dressing off which means getting the steri-tape wet and I think it needs to stay dry. I just want to be sure.
Another Hug arrived yesterday in the post – a very pink hug – I’m in danger of putting weight on.
Carolyn Trafford is a Creative Life Coach, supporting others in reaching their own goals in a creative way sine 2010. Author of “Don’t Just Dream It – Achieve It!” (A great way to kickstart those goals). This interactive book is available from her online shop: https://carolyntraffordart.ecwid.com/Dont-Just-Dream-It-Achieve-It-Book-p196854491) . She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on the 20th September 2021 following her first routine screening with the NHS at 51.
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