I have just had a lumpectomy plus several nymph nodes removed. The consultant plans to see me in 2 weeks time. Do I need to wait this long before changing the dressings, the one around my breast is fine but the one under my arm looks like it could do with a change of plaster. Also what do women use to clean the area, I have been using baby wipes and wondering if this is ok.
Thanks
Jackie
Hi Jackie!
I had a lumpectomy in December (without the lymph node removal), but also had a dressing where the drain had been. The advice I received was to keep the larger dressing on the wound for a few days (the bigger plaster) and the plasters covering the surgical cut (which were thinner) for 8 days. So I would say it is OK to change it and when you shower, to put a surgical waterproof plaster on the wounds, and after the shower, remove that and put a fresh plaster on. (I was told it was OK to shower once the drains were removed).
In the shower, make sure that you don't get the jet directly on your breast (you won't want to anyway - I basically covered my breast with my hand and let the gentle jet run down like that).
I don't think that you need to keep the dressings on for the full fortnight. After about 8 days you should be fine to remove the plaster.
If you are concerned about taking a shower, you can just wet a flannel and wipe yourself with that 
Sending many healing wishes! xx
