Page 2 | Clothes for after Breast Surgery

Octopus45 · 2023-10-22T08:41:11+00:00

Hi, I'm probably being a bit premature with this, cause I dont know yet whether I will be having a lumpectomy or mastectomy. I've got bc and the lump is very near to my nipple, so I've been told a mastectomy might be the best cosmetic solution. I'm someone (like many women) who just wants to feel normal when I'm recovering and afterwards, so will be going for the surgery that gives me the best cosmetic outcome. I'm trying to work out what clothes I will need for after the operation, bearing in mind I'm not going to be able to lift my right arm up very much for ages (so I've read). So far ideas I have include shirt dresses, wrap dresses, leggings and a button through blouse all with a long cardigan over, which I have already bought. For context I'm 48, love bright colours and prints, clothes that are a bit out there. I dye my hair bright colours etc. So far, I've found a shirt dress on ebay that I ordered. Size wise I'm 5ft5 and a size 10 in dresses and tops, occasionally need a 12 for my bottom half. Also, I'm looking to not spend much, unless the clothes end up being things that I can wear afterwards.

Original poster

Octopus45 · 22/10/2023 15:27

Thanks @doublec.

OP posts:

BarryKentPoet · 22/10/2023 15:32

HRT isnt always possible, you won't be allowed it if your cancer is hormone positive (mine was)

TheFormidableMrsC · 22/10/2023 18:14

Octopus45 · 22/10/2023 15:08

@doublec thanks for the advice re VAT. Did you use wipes and stuff when you couldn't have a bath or shower? Were you able to use deodorant, wear make up? I realise I am sounding really vain.

In the early days after surgery, I used to run a shallow bath and sit in it with a towel draped over my shoulder. I was able to have a good wash and keep the dressings dry. I washed my hair over the bath which my friend helped me with initially but I was able to do it myself within a few days.

TheFormidableMrsC · 22/10/2023 18:15

Muddle2000 · 22/10/2023 15:14

You will be given exercises to do if you have surgery With radiotherapy do not tinker about with creams The staff will give you the stuff depending on your reactions etc

The advice I gave about creams was directly from my breast care nurse and seemed to be pretty standard.

TheFormidableMrsC · 22/10/2023 22:39

@doublec Have you got access to a cooling cap at your unit? I had chemo and used it, felt it was worth a go. I kept almost all of my hair which made a big difference to how I felt going through treatment. Not everybody can tolerate it but it's definitely worth a try!

doublec · 22/10/2023 22:53

@TheFormidableMrsC

Am at Bart's, so yes, they have them. I was asked if I wanted it during my initial oncology appointment, and again last week when I started treatment. However, in both instances, declined as I have zero interest in using it. Like having a mastectomy, I knew cold cap wasn't for me.

Firstly, I do not want to add additional time sitting round in the hospital, I find being on the chemo floor the most upsetting aspect of this.

There is no guarantee it will work anyway, something the chemo nurses were very upfront about. I also do not want to cut my hair just to see if it helps the process, only to lose some anyway. Also, and most pertinently, I have thick, naturally very curly hair that I straighten to within an inch of its life. I will be unable to care for my hair, straighten it/put heat on it, or even detangle it several times a day etc etc, so letting it go with good grace and excitement as to how it will grow back is by far and away the sanest way for me to handle this.

The pandemic afford me time and space to finally stop dying my hair. The result is that my hair is now a beautiful and striking streaky mass of white, silver, ash blonde and brown. Chemo will give me the unique opportunity to regrow my hair. I have chosen to embrace this, and I hope I will be rewarded with my whites and silvers. Who knows, maybe my hair will finally grow back straight. Here's hoping! 🙏🏻

doublec · 22/10/2023 22:57

TheFormidableMrsC · 22/10/2023 18:14

In the early days after surgery, I used to run a shallow bath and sit in it with a towel draped over my shoulder. I was able to have a good wash and keep the dressings dry. I washed my hair over the bath which my friend helped me with initially but I was able to do it myself within a few days.

Show quote history

Really dry hair, so did it a few days before my op, and went to a blow dry bar about ten days later! My hair is bloody hard work. I'll enjoy the holiday from it.

Re. bathing, I leant how to lay in the bath without getting my scar wet, and often, if a friend was round, would make them wash my back. I rather miss the latter. For a time, I also sealed the scar with cling film and micropore!

I really rather liked how it made me really figure things out and work out practical solutions so I got do what I want, particularly re. laying in the bath!

TheFormidableMrsC · 23/10/2023 14:33

doublec · 22/10/2023 22:53

@TheFormidableMrsC

Am at Bart's, so yes, they have them. I was asked if I wanted it during my initial oncology appointment, and again last week when I started treatment. However, in both instances, declined as I have zero interest in using it. Like having a mastectomy, I knew cold cap wasn't for me.

Firstly, I do not want to add additional time sitting round in the hospital, I find being on the chemo floor the most upsetting aspect of this.

There is no guarantee it will work anyway, something the chemo nurses were very upfront about. I also do not want to cut my hair just to see if it helps the process, only to lose some anyway. Also, and most pertinently, I have thick, naturally very curly hair that I straighten to within an inch of its life. I will be unable to care for my hair, straighten it/put heat on it, or even detangle it several times a day etc etc, so letting it go with good grace and excitement as to how it will grow back is by far and away the sanest way for me to handle this.

The pandemic afford me time and space to finally stop dying my hair. The result is that my hair is now a beautiful and striking streaky mass of white, silver, ash blonde and brown. Chemo will give me the unique opportunity to regrow my hair. I have chosen to embrace this, and I hope I will be rewarded with my whites and silvers. Who knows, maybe my hair will finally grow back straight. Here's hoping! 🙏🏻

That's fair enough! You do what's right for you. I always feel I should mention it as it made such a huge psychological difference to me. A couple of my friends didn't know about it either and used it with success. Good luck with it your treatment.

Muddle2000 · 25/10/2023 06:43

I brought my own cream but they said unsuitable as I had burns

TheFormidableMrsC · 25/10/2023 13:14

Muddle2000 · 25/10/2023 06:43

I brought my own cream but they said unsuitable as I had burns

Yes that would be correct. You need something like Flamazene for burns which are prescribed by the unit. However, post treatment topical advice was pure Aloe Vera and E45 lotion.