9. 23rd April - 12th May 2021 Healing and Wound Checks

I have been signed off work for 2 weeks initially and advised not to drive - my instructions are to rest, heal and exercise my arm daily.

A few days after my operation I became concerned with the wound under my arm. The dressing was quite blood stained and I was worried about infection setting in - this was when I was still overly concerned about Lymphodema and was probably being over cautious! I called the Breast Care Nurses who said I could come in at any time and they would find time to check the dressing for me. They did this on 3 occasions and they couldn't have been kinder or more efficient.

I can't reiterate enough how wonderful the Breast Care Nurses are - they really are at the end of a phone ready and prepared to help in any way. All they want to do is keep you safe and positive - nothing is too much trouble - they will ALWAYS get back to you and they always reassured me that what I was feeling was normal, and made me feel safe and cared for.

My final wound check was on 12th May with Miss D. My daughter came with me for this one as she wanted to meet he team that had looked after me so well. We were welcomed into the consultation room and Miss D removed the tape to look at the wound. Sophie was watching intently, and neither of us could believe what we saw. You could hardly tell I have had surgery! The cut around my areola is so fine and the one under my arm so small it's mind blowing! It is so neat and minimal - Miss D is a superstar surgeon! She once again complements me on my youthful breasts - so satisfaction and congratulations all round!

I have been doing my arm exercises and I have good movement in my arm but Miss D is not happy for me to return to work and signs me off for a further week. She also says she will write to Oncology to hand me over to their care for the rest of my treatment. This is a sobering thought - I obviously hadn't forgotten that I needed chemotherapy but I guess I had put it to the back of my mind.

I am due to go on a little holiday to Cornwall, which has been postponed twice due to the pandemic, and Miss D says she will ask Oncology to arrange for my initial appointment to be prior to this so that I can have everything in place before I go. She says that I will be seen in her clinic again towards the end of the year, when my treatment should be well advanced but until then she would always be available if I had any questions or concerns. This was reflected by the Breast Care Nurses who also told me to call any time with any concerns - I was under their care now and for as long as I needed. Knowing and believing this is very comforting - I do not feel alone at all. And life carries on.