Hi Mickey, 

Our cancer nurses don't work at the weekends so unfortunately, they won't be able to get back to you until Monday. If you need an answer today do be sure to get in touch with your breast cancer nurse (if you were assigned one) or your medical team as they should be able to advise.

If you're unable to get through to them then your GP or contacting the NHS on 111 would be your next port of call.

I hope you're able to find out what to do about your bottom dressing soon and all goes well with your recovery.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thanks for getting back to me Steph, I should have thought about it yesterday. 

Hello and thanks for posting,

The small thin white strips are called Steri strips, and aid wound closure. They generally start to peel off themselves around day 3 or 4. 

You are usually advised not to get the biopsy site wet for the first 4 to 5 days. So after then, you can remove the dressing, and the strips, as by then they can become a bit grubby and frayed. They come off easily, but you can gently dampen them then, if needed, to aid removal. 

Keep the site clean, and obviously should there be any new redness or soreness, then let your doctor know. 

Best wishes,

Vanda

Thank you Vanda, it is day 5 today, but I did take them off earlier. Wound looks clean though and I have kept it dry. Thanks MickeyM