Self care after SLNB (groin) and WLE (upper thigh)

I would be careful about a cold pack so soon. Ibuprofen can be taken alongside paracetamol. Are you taking that as well? Keep taking them as the leaflet says. Try to keep on top of it. Were you told to elevate the leg. Are you getting lots of rest. May be worth dropping the cancer team a call if you are concerned. Or they can prescribe something stronger if needed. 

Thank you - the pain has got better - just the swelling now that is uncomfortable more than anything. I haven’t tried ibuprofen so I will check on that. I am resting and have had my leg raised. I’ve just got to be a patient patient I suppose! Thank you for responding. 

Yes, you can take paracetamol and ibuprofen together. Just check the leaflet about how often you can take them. For the first week or so I was taking both. They say to take even if you feel you don't need it and it just keeps on top of it. Hopefully you have someone available to help with cooking and meals etc and can rest as much as possible. And not having to move around too much. I had a skin graft and literally didn't move for the first few days after surgery. I was surprised at the slnb, mine was a little bumpy and bruised. More than I had anticipated. I didn't have too much pain or swelling. But I did have discomfort. Getting comfortable was difficult at night. It didn't last too long. Sending love xx

Thank you - I am so lucky to have my husband taking care of me and I’m trying to just rest as much as possible. It helps so much when you hear other people have (sadly) gone through it but come out the other side! Thank you so much x 

I realise I was banging on about ibuprofen. Not everyone can take this and it can interfere with other meds. So it's worth checking. At my 1 week wound check the stitches for the slnb were quite lumpy and then I realised there was a lump under the skin. I'm nearly 8 weeks post surgery now. The stitches look amazing, just a straight line and the lumps have dramatically reduced. But it is a big operation. I was massaging the area last night and I had a little niggle this morning - it's obviously still healing. It takes time. Hopefully you don't have to wait too long for the results x

That’s good to know. My first scar healed quite nicely after 6 weeks but of course now it’s been opened up again and is much longer. I had 3 lymph nodes taken so I have 2-3 wounds from that from what I can tell. I’m going to the wound check on Thursday so I guess I’ll see then what it’s like under the dressings. 
mice been told 6 weeks for the results - feels like a very long time. I’ll just have to be patient! X

Oh wow. 3 lymph nodes. I didn't realise they did multiple cuts for multiple lymph nodes. I had 1 removed and one scar. Yes, I can imagine that's not nice. I was told 4-6weeks for results. I found out in 3 weeks. I emailed the cancer nurse chasing for the next appointment and they told me over the phone. 

I know - I was surprised. I thought if they were going to take more than one that it would be one incision but they are quite far apart! One is right at the top of my thigh near my knicker line and the other 2 are on my pubic area. 
From your experience, it sounds like it might be worth me chasing up an appointment in a few weeks time. I hope it was good news for you x 

They did tell me the slnb was the difficult bit and not very nice and the main reason they give you general anaesthetic. 

Yes, my initial excision had clear margins and the wle and slnb were also clear. Thanks xx

So pleased to hear that x