I’m 3 weeks post surgery and my abdomen is still so sore. It’s extremely tight. I just wondered how others felt after this procedure. I’d be most grateful of any info. Thank you!
Hi littlesedum, I had surgery last year early August, mastectomy with immediate reconstruction of one breast. When tested, the cancer was found to be worse than expected, so I underwent chemotherapy followed by Herceptin injections every three weeks for all of this year. I’m still having these. The wounds healed really well, I used the scar gel I was given, but even now, after all this time, it still feels tight and sometimes, feels uncomfortable inside under the scar. I think it has healed slowly inside due to the chemotherapy killing off the cells, but it does get better, just maybe not as fast as you would like. At least I have a flat tummy now and feel smug about that! One less thing to worry over. I do hope things improve soon for you, as you are just starting out on your recovery journey, but believe me when I say, time heals and it goes, too fast for my liking, looking back now, so,bear with it and things will get better for you soon. I hope my words help you. Good luck.
It's good to hear that you are doing well. It sounds like an exhausting process. My stomach is also very tight and I can relate to Littlesedum - it's good to hear that it eases up a bit in time.
Did you have any problems with your tummy scar healing? Mine started to widen and it was closed again under a general anaesthetic last week but I notice that the new scar is lowly starting to widen again. I do not yet know if I will need chemotherapy.
Thank you for your reply and positive words. Yes it’s early days, almost 4 weeks. It just feels so debilitating but small steps to recovery I know! I know if I could do more psychically it would help me emotionally. I must try not to get too frustrated! I’ve had radiotherapy confirmed and await the Oncotype results too. I hope you’re on the road to recovery now.
Sorry to hear you’ve had some issues with your scar. Fortunately mine have been fine so far. They do palpate and sting and throb internally especially at night. I presume you’re keeping in touch with with your consultant/BCN regarding the wounds?
Lizabee, thanks for your comments. I had no problems whatsoever from my scars, so I’m lucky in that respect. Be kind to yourself and believe me when I say take baby steps to recovery. I had a terrible job on chemo, couldn’t run for the free hospital shuttle, even though I didn’t actually miss it, couldn’t do anything that I would normally for a long time, but you know you’re on the right road, just be kind to your body and give in to its demands. I craved sugar and normally, I hate sugar, but it’s your bodies way of telling you what it needs, so if you’re tired, rest and if you want to go for a walk, go for a short one to see how you go, before committing to a long trek. If anyone needs advice about chemo, I can try to help. My recovery has been slow, probably due to husband also going down with cancer just as I started my chemo last October and he was in hospital for four months, all over Christmas last. He came home end of February, just in time for the lockdown and we’ve not seen any family or friends since then. So we plan a better Christmas for this year and keep our fingers crossed, as his prognosis is not good. Take care.
It sounds as though you and your husband have really had a tough time. Well done for having such a positive attitude. I wish you both a wonderful Christmas for 2020.
I don't know yet if I will be having chemotherapy. I would be hugely grateful for advice if I do need it. I will find you here.
I had mastectomy and immediate reconstruction by DIEP two and half years ago. 3 weeks post op is really very early days!!!! My stomach was extremely tight after surgery - I couldn't straighten up for weeks. I felt as if there was a tight band round my middle. My stomach was so tight I ate lot less and lost weight in other areas. The abdominal surgery is quite extensive and really takes quite a lot of recovering from. . But, with me, it all passed with time. My stomach was still very tight at my 3 month post op appointment and on examination they said all was well. The scar will also feel sore for a while especially if we have some cold weather. The only thing I would suggest is, when you are allowed, (not yet) massage the scar with Bio Oil and is now just a thin white line. At 3 weeks I was still hobbling around, going up and down stairs sideways and unable to pick up anything from the floor. Each week you will see a huge improvement - be patient with yourself, it does take a while. Xxxx
Many thanks for your response. My stomach tightness has improved a lot but it is still as tight a drum. I have been told today that I need to have chemotherapy and feel quite nervous about that. Did you have chemotherapy? x
