Posted by CheleC on 01 Aug 2012, 10:00PM
Hi everyone, I am two weeks post lumpectomy & removal of sentinel node.
As the days go by, I am finding I am actually in more pain than straight after surgery. I also still need to wear a bra 24/7. When I remove my bra for showering, I actually need to hold/support my breast while I wash!!
Because I am so well endowed I have not been able to find a post-surgery bra in my size.
Any feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreciated :))
Comments
Much the same
Hi CheleC, at last I can help someone......I too have large breasts, lucky us, we get a lumpectomy! Mmmmm, lucky?
Anyway, my experience is that I was also nursing my breast 2 weeks after the op, then things got better from there. Actually, my hubby enjoyed the first few days holding it up in the shower for me, I felt very sore under the arm and in the breast wound which was deep and long. So he enjoyed 'helping' with that part.
When I felt better, I showered with 1 ahh bra on so I could stand and bend over without stretching the wound. If my breast was unsupported, either in the shower, or if I did not have the right position when lying down or sitting I was really uncomfortable. I hit the pain relief pretty hard, every 2 hrs for pretty much the first few weeks. Nurefen/panadol.
After the actual breast became more comfortable, I found the underarm wound was sore like a bruise, really a large area and numb around the shoulder. This suddenly disappeared after week 3.
Regarding the bra, I am about 4 weeks post first op now ( had second op last week) and still wearing ahh bra 24/7. I am trying to be completely supported till really well healed. Turns out boobs are really heavy!
I bought 12 ahh bras online, 3 for $20, and found wearing 3 at a time was support enough to go walking etc. I also stayed with 3 for night time to avoid the breast moving. I have to say though, and I am sure you would get this, that I found time early morning to have 'nude' time felt great. This was in bed and I supported myself with pillows, but it felt so good to get the gear off after being tightly wrapped for most of the day/ night.
So things will get better...if you are worried though maybe chat to your breast care nurse.
Be really nice to yourself and kind to your breasts. Healing may take time. My recovery from the second surgery has been really quick, good shape etc, but damn it, I need to go again.
In a nutshell.... Go the ahh bras.
PS. I have also started back with my underwire bras for short periods to be less squashed ( if I'm going out), try taking the underwire out of the affected side. I still had 1 or 2 ah bras over the top for support.
Yours in large breast world,
Louie
Hey Louie,
Thanks so much for your response - which I must say made me laugh, like I haven't laughed for a while now!! Not that I was laughing at your situation, but your response to my blog.
Funnily enough, the pain has started to subside since yesterday, although I still get the odd twinge which catches me unawares, but is not unbearable. Conicidentally, my breast care nurse rang me today about an appointment I need to see a gynaecologist & she has reassured me this is quite normal, especially as I'm so well endowed. Lucky me, lucky you too!!
On a more serious note, I hope your most recent surgery will be your last. I actually feel like a bit of a fraud, when I read some of the other stories on here & realise how little I have to put up with, in the scheme of things.
All the best for the rest of your journey, I'll follow your blogs to see how you're doing.
Cheers & warm wishes, BIG TITS!!!! (LOL)
Michele