Cream recommendations please :-)

Thanks for all your replies :-) I use bio oil on my scar, worked wonders when I had my first op back in September. It's a cream for my arm that I'm looking for. I have to massage it nightly with thick cream to push the fluid around but the aqueous cream doesn't sink in. They gave me all the detail of lymphedema, said there's no guarantees I won't get it, but I'll keep massaging in the hope I don't :-( xx 

Hi Rach

I get all sorts of weird feelings!! I had a reaction to my dressing and ended up with a red raw itchy mess, took weeks to clear but still get the odd itch. And obviously as most of my arm pit is numb I have no idea where I'm scratching! Lol! Start my radiotherapy next week, another fun journey no doubt! On the plus side (kind of), I started on Tamoxifen last Monday and no harsh side effects as of yet! Probably spoke too soon now and they'll all kick in tomorrow :-( At least the rest of the treatment will soon be over. You any treatment left? Xxxxx

Hi Louby,

I know what you mean about the weird feelings! My numbness is mainly in my armpit but also down my inner arm in places and on my back passed my armpit. I get pins & needles in my hand sometimes too. I experience pain sometimes in the numb area in my back. 

Sometimes the itch is unbearable because I can't find where it is because of the numbness. I try not to scratch as don't want to injure the skin, so rub & rub the area where I think the itch is. Another good exercise to get your lymph fluid flowing is to hold your arm up high, then open your hand slowly & stretch out your fingers, then close your hand gently to form a fist. 

Good luck with your radiotherapy next week. It's not too bad, maybe a little daunting to start with. 

I was unable to have Tamoxifen as I had a blood clot just before my final chemo, so I take Anastrozole. I take it before bed as I read many stories about having to deal with fewer symptoms. I finished all treatment end of January, just have to take my Anastrozole for 5 years. 

Best wishes to you, Rach xxx

You’re right about aqueous cream not being good as a moisturiser. I have eczema and I found out it contains sodium laureth sulphite, which my dermatologist tells me shouldn’t be in prolonged contact with the skin. But I do use it as a cheap soap substitute and it’s great for that. I use a Waitrose own brand Pure moisturising lotion. I’ve tried everything but I like this the best as it’s unscented, lanolin free (unlike E45 which I’m allergic to) and non greasy, but does absorb really well.