The scar!

If it’s of any comfort Silverberg my scar seems as if it’s two, there’s a significant adhesion below the surgery scar, both look a bit tight even though I’ve been working on them quite firmly (with cream, as advised) and have had a sports massage therapist who is doing an oncology massage course, who is still helping me out every few weeks as there are still tight areas I find it hard to reach. That was suggested by the radiotherapy late effects specialist. 
I guess what I’m saying is, it’s still quite early days for you but I’d suggest you ask to see a BCN who has experience in scar management. I hope you can get some helpful advice. 

Hugs xxx

Hey Silverberg 

I've not been in your position but have previously spoken to a lady who was experiencing the same issue. She was able to get a scar revision done and was much happier with the result. I'd definitely contact your BCN about your concerns and see where you go from there.

All the best. x

It is quite early days, and whilst I had a lumpectomy and re-excision and not a mastectomy-my consultant did say that because I have had breast cancer -then cosmetic surgery would be available to me on  the NHS.

My scar after the re-excision is quite indented, but my personal choice is not to have what I would consider as elective surgery. The lumpectomy and  margin clearance were necessities.   But its about being happy with what you can live with, as an individual.  X

The first time I had BC I got an infection and the scar was a mess. That never bothered me as it was inside my bra. I suppose it is another thing I have to consider when buying clothes and that's why it bothers me. I will get it sorted I think eventually however I am still working on movement and strength from this surgery. 

I'm definitely going to be getting an electric shaver or using cream for the few hairs I have left after radiotherapy on both sides. Using an ordinary razor will be impossible.

 Silverberg  I didn’t have as much bother with seroma as yourself but in the early days my scar area was a long lump with lots of vertical creases. After time, and self massage it’s now flat. No creases. I do have fat pad under arm  and a little raised area at end of scar sternal end.  I could have requested to have it neatened but haven’t bother. 

My armpit hair is still much less after radiotherapy.  It's hardly come back.

Hi, I had a single flat mastectomy 2 weeks ago, with no choice for recon, due to further treatment. Im not phased by the scar, but at my ex cleavage end there is a large, hard, raised knuckle like bulge. I know it’s early days, but there’s no way that can lie anywhere near flat. I was coping ok until I saw it. It’s made me cry so much, I think it looks grotesque, I feel undone by it. Has anyone else had that kind of wound end?

You have my sympathies. It's so hard dealing with these things. It is early days things do change and swelling does decrease a lot over time. It's too early for you to start using lotions and potions but when you do it does seem to help. I'm not convinced it's the fancy creams I think it's more likely to be the massage but why stop someone becoming rich by preying on our insecurity and misery. Whoops that sounds a little bitter.

As for the tears you've been through a very tough time physically and mentally and they are a release valve. They have to fall so you can recover. The best thing for them is a hug. So sending hugs. 

P.S. If you have no one to hug the BC nurse give great hugs when you need them.

Thank you, those are kind words. I have lots of huggers, so I’ll hug. I don’t mind a good cry, but it’s the unpredictability of crying I find disconcerting….ahh well!

Celebrating today. I've been discharged from surgery. Surgeon suggested I wait a while before attempting to get ride of the additions that will be sorted by plastic surgeons I'm told. However I think I'll have a break!

If I'm worried about anything I have to ring BC nurses.