Finding comfort after surgery and cancer treatment

Ying Liu
3 days ago
3 min read

An anonymous patient’s experience of Restore Scar Therapy

Shared with permission. Details have been anonymised.

I’m sharing this anonymously because I still haven’t told some friends that I’ve been having cancer treatment. I wanted to share my experience in case it helps someone else feel less alone, or more informed about what scar support can look like.

My diagnosis and treatment (in brief)

In early 2025 I had a lumpectomy, followed by several further similar procedures through the same incision to achieve clear margins, as well as removal of some axillary lymph nodes. During this time I also had two fat-grafting procedures from my legs to replace the loss of breast tissue, and finally five days of radiotherapy near the end of 2025.

What I was struggling with afterwards

Even though I was doing the exercises I was given, I was still worried about what I was feeling in my body.

My main concerns were:

lumpiness in the breast tissue
numbness
tightness and pulling sensations
restricted arm movement on the left side
swelling and discomfort around the scar area

I found it difficult to get clear information about scar healing and what could help. I read a lot, but I couldn’t find much practical guidance that matched what I was experiencing, and I felt increasingly anxious.

Seeking scar support

I had my first appointment with Ying at Aromatic Droplets in early February 2026 and attended four more appointments after that.

The sessions were Restore Scar Therapy, combined with Ying’s clinical aromatherapy expertise. What I appreciated most was that the work felt gentle, respectful, and specific to the areas that were troubling me. It wasn’t rushed, and I felt listened to.

What helped most

The scar massage techniques and the stretching exercises used in the appointments were really effective for me. Over time they helped to soften many of the lumps in my breast tissue.

I also appreciated:

clear explanations of scar fibrosis and why the area can feel tight, lumpy, numb, or “stuck”
practical guidance I could use between sessions
being shown specific arm exercises that supported mobility and comfort
using tape (6D tape) and learning how to apply it safely at home

Some of these supports weren’t available to me post-operatively through the NHS. Being able to do self-massage and exercises at home in between appointments helped me feel more confident and less helpless.

The difference it made

The scar area improved so much.

The lumpiness, swelling, and pain reduced significantly, and the underarm tightness became almost minimal over time. I also felt much less anxious because I finally had someone knowledgeable to talk to, and I understood that the tissue was slowly healing, rather than assuming the worst.

What I’d want others to know

If you’re feeling worried about tightness, pulling, numbness, or “lumpy” changes around a scar, you’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone. For me, having gentle scar support and practical home guidance made a real difference.

I’m grateful I found someone who could explain what was happening, work safely with the scar area, and help me feel more at ease in my body again.

Gentle note: This is one person’s experience. If you have new, worsening, or worrying symptoms, it’s always important to check in with your clinical team.