Is there a thread about shaving underarms?
 

Dumb question time. I have yet to shave under my arms since chemo ended Aug 06. Modified radical Mast on right side and some lymph nodes removed. Simple Mast. on left side. Am I supposed to only use an electric razor under both arms?
How about my legs? I have shaved my legs a few times with a straight bic-type razor. No problems. But now I am thinking maybe I am supposed to use an elec razor on my legs too. Please advise. I know I am to avoid getting cuts in the kitchen or garden. Re: electric razor.... I don't even own an electric razor and I don't think my husband wants me to use his!!!

I tried to find a thread on shaving and could not.
Thanks, Catherine

Catherine,

Yes, you should use an electric razor. The reason is to avoid any cuts or nics under the arm. When you have lymph nodes removed or for that matter a mastectomy there is more of a chance of lymphedema. Using an electric razor is just a precaution. I shaved under my arms once since I had lost all my hair and I notice that the hair under my arms doesn't seem to be growing - what a blessing!

I shave the "good" underarm and my legs with a regular razor. I tried to use an electric razor on my underarm and it pulled and nicked really bad.... SO (you won't beleive this), my hubby shaves my "bad" underarm for me with a razor. The main problem is that I have no feeling and don't know how hard to press and don't want to cut myself. He can do better. Anyways, he has only had to do it twice since my mast. because the hair isn't really growing much there. I figure its payback for all the "neck trims" for the last 17 years! The only place that you need to worry about is the arm where the node removal was. Everywhere else is OK. We probably shouldn't be using the regular razor, but he is very careful and we use a new one each time. My girlfriends all say, "Now THATS a good guy!" Yes, I guess he's passed the test. :-)


Love, Kelly

Oh I think this is such a cute thread and a big testament that we are the source for our issues, regardless of the matter.


I did not get any more hair in my underams under my left breast, the deseaced breast. Felt funny at first but now, alleluia- who needs to shave.

The underam under the prophe mast also is not getting any hair. I wonder if has to do with removal of glands.

Both are smooth as baby skin

I noticed that I also don't sweat as much and it doesn't smell either. I'm using a very mild deodorant called Alvera -aloe and Almonds. Sold at the health food stores and whole foods market. Very natural and smells nice. Target also sells a natural deodorant called Herbal Clear Naturally, a natural dedorant that smells bery fresh and works. I tried the Naturally Fresh Dedorant Crystal Roll on- (they support breast cancer research) but it did not work as well

Some positive things that come out of our mess. Accentuate the positive

Hair on legs is sparse but I don't know is due to chemo, herceptin or age (i'm 51). Don't have to shave as often. I do shave with a regular raxor, not shower electric razor.

XOXO

MCS ( maria)

Since my suregery, chemo and radiation, I have no return of underarm hair and I will second that Halleluah! The hair on my legs is sparse as well and I use a regular razor on them. Sure hope the underarm hair never returns as I haven't had it yet and chemo ended in late July and Radiation ended in late November. This is definitely a positive.

Ladies, you might try a depilatory cream; I use a product made by Sally Hansen called "Sally Hansen Creme Hair Remover Kit" for my Unwanted Facial Hair (HA! Try beard and mustache), and I know the company also makes creams for underarm and leg hair. I recommend this product because I have very sensitive skin and it's never caused a rash, plus each box of the facial product contains a small bottle of aftercare skin conditioner that's very nice...
I've never actually used the underarm or leg hair product, as I shave with a razor very very very carefully, but I'm going to switch over to the cream for my underarms. Will let you know how it works.

<3 Lolly

Lolly,

Be careful with the cremes under the arm- I know that "technically" I'm supposed to wear a glove even when using cleaning supplies, etc. because of certain chemicals potentially creating risk for lymphodema (not that I do that!). Not sure what is in hair removal cremes. Might want to show your doc to make sure. Ridiculous to have to worry about such small things now. OK- we all need to get very rich making a line of products for breast cancer survivors. There are certainly enough of us! Hmmmmm.... underarm cremes, hair stimulator,press-on nipples, fake eyebrows- I'm sure we could think of a lot more!

Love, Kelly