Hi everyone,
The discoveruy of a dimple in April resulted in a mastectomy & lumpectomy in June'21 followed by a further mastectomy in August.'21 & 3 lymph nodes removed either side. (No reconstruction). I've been in a whirlwind of shock for the last 4 months but I'm so lucky to have caught it early . I'm about to start Letrozole thereapy for the next 10 years so no chemo or radiotherapy.
This 2nd mastectomy was carried out by a different surgeon & wasn't as plain sailing i.e. needed a drain for 2 weeks,additional dressings applied & the incision was not as sympathtically made. I had to stay in overnight due to high blood pressure & huge spikes in sweats. I was discharged with a drain in-situ & with additional dressing applied (for presssure) on top of the originals.
I quickly started to react to the dressings which caused a severe rash extending beyon the edges. 2 weeks later dressings were removed to investigate, my drain fell out. I needed a seroma draining , a number of stitiches had opened up & had to be re-sealed .& there was extensive trauma around the area from the allergic reaction. . I still can't wear a bra or prosthetics. I did advise them at the start that I was allergic to plasters but obviously I also reacted to the ones they hoped would be ok but my skin has become hypersensitive now.
Due to the lypmh node removal I have to carry out daily lympthatic drainage massage using cream on my skin but yes you've guessed it (!) I'm reacting to this too. Cream is too heavy & creates too much of a seal on the skin & I was using Aveeno lotion but had to stop as that too is causing a rash!
PLEASE, please can anyone recommend a very light lotion or where I could get some sample lotion sachets from? I've already spent a fortune on stuff that has only been used a few times & am not comfortable with trawling the shop shelves yet..
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
