After op

Hi, 

you poor lovey! It’s miserable for the first wee while till you find a way to get some of that essential rest. A bit of padding is maybe what you need, perhaps a rolled up towel or two? In earlier times you’d maybe have been given a heart shaped small pillow/cushion. 

Your BCN should be available by phone even if not in person? Ask for advice? They know the specific surgery you’ve had of course while we don’t. 

Another idea is to check you are taking regular pain relief, as taking it after you’re in pain doesn’t work as well, but don’t exceed the stated dose. 

Surprisingly, too, a bit of gentle exercise like. a short walk outside will help take you to a sleepier state. Take naps as and when you need them, as well. But do do those shoulder exercises, the one thing you don’t want tv is to get a stiff shoulder on top! 

About the appearance after your surgery; soft tissue takes an inordinate time to resolve from the bruising after any surgery, my boob is still changing a little (after Mx and implant) even after 2 years! 

Gentle hugs xxx

Hi , sorry you're feeling so exhausted and in pain. As it's a week since your op, I'm thinking your pain should have eased a bit by now, unless it's from the sore on your leg. If it's pain from the operation site then maybe it needs to be looked at in case of infection? And indeed maybe the sore needs looked at too? I felt very tender and vulnerable at your stage but don't recall a lot of pain, I'm sure I'd stopped taking any painkillers several days before. So a call to the breast clinic or GP sounds necessary. Re sleeping positions, we all seem to report different things here but in my case I have not found it comfortable to go back to sleeping on my side, having been a side sleeper all my life. I have gradually got used to sleeping on my back but I do remember thinking I'd never sleep well again. But I do! I use more pillows than before as I hate lying flat, and I include one under my knees as otherwise I find my heels get uncomfortable. Back sleeping is apparently better for your back, I've read, so I take that as a bit of consolation. But others here have returned to side sleeping so I'm sure someone will pop in to give an idea how long it took. I was very nervous that I'd turn in my sleep so I also used a flattish pillow under my 'bad' arm for a few days but I think I ended up more comfortable without. And now I'm just used to being on my back. I've tried both sides from time to time, but on the good side I feel like 'bad' boob is dangling, so definitely a no no, and if I lie on the bad side I feel too much pressure, even though it's now over 18 months since my op. 

I hope you feel better soon, do think about getting on the phone to the clinic or your GP as I don't think you should be in such pain. And it also sounds like you could do with some emotional support, it's all a shock to both mind and body. Don't forget the helpline here at Macmillan as well. Sending love and gentle hugs, HFxx

Hello @Ed48,So sorry to hear that you are distressed and in pain .Have you been prescribed painkillers if so please take them as instructed to relieve the pain -that's what they are for and there are no prizes for witholding them.Sorry don't mean to be brusque! You may find that a "Vee " pillow will help you be more comfortable in bed, failing that can you put 2 pillows like an upside down "V" to mimic one. I found previously that if I lay on the unaffected side with a soft pillow to support the affected side that this helped. I would strongly suggest you contact your breast care nurse and ask her advice too as soon as possible- she may well have better solutions than I have! It is very early days yet and your wound will settle and heal  honestly.the healing both physical and mental takes a while.The main thing is that the cancer has gone and now you just have to be kind to yourself  and listen to your body. Cancer of any type is a major shock to your system and honestly you will get through this. Maybe your gp can help with the sleeping problem. Sending very gentle hugs and hope you feel better very soon xx  Kwissy