I had a lumpectomy through the nipple for 2 different 9mm lumps and a sentinel biopsy, these seem to be doing pretty good after 2 weeks, but my underarm are and in side of my forearm and towards the shoulder blade are very sore no evidence of any redness I have a 2 inch long slightly raised area going from edge of arm pit towards the forearm , you would think this is the area that was operated on, any suggestions please would E45 massaged in help? I have been doing my gentle exercises and and can move my all ok it just feels like the arm is stuck to the armpit and i have to peel it away to move it not sure this makes sense thank for taking the time to read my message and hope you can give me some idea what it is , I know it’s early days , I have another 2 weeks before I see my oncologist .
I had a lumpectomy on the upper outer quadrant and 5 lymph nodes taken for biopsy through the same incision in December 2025. I had the soreness that you describe (it felt like a very severe sunburn but with no redness!) but this did ease off and although I still have some soreness of the skin of the arm now, it’s at a much lower level and very manageable.
As someone who is not a doctor, the other sensation you describe sounds to me very similar to cording. I haven’t experienced this myself but have read many forum posts from women describing the same. Hopefully you will get a reply from a nurse here soon, but in the meantime here is some info on potential surgery side effects from the BCN website and you can, of course, contact your breast cancer nurse.
All the best with your recovery and further treatment. x
Thank you masterly for replying,I do not have a BCN I live in Spain and was not given any contact numbers for after surgery, I have got everything from the computer and that’s not the best thing to do, but I have been doing the exercises that I read about, I just needed to reach out to someone that would understand what I was feeling as I only speak a little Spanish and when your having treatment like this it is hard even with a Translater as you forget to ask questions, but o have a book load for my results thank you again letting me know this soreness will start to get less. I hope very much your recovery is going well x
It is understandable you are asking what to do following your surgery for breast cancer, there is a lot to take onboard after a diagnosis of breast cancer and it sounds like you are away from the UK having treatment. You mention you are experiencing some soreness, feel like your arm is stuck to your armpit and are trying to do some arm exercises. Most people recover well after breast surgery with few major side effects but like yourself need some help to reduce some of the side effects as you have described, also it’s a really good question as to when to start some massage and what product to use.
We’re a national organisation providing information and support to anyone living in the UK and from your post it looks like you are currently living in Spain which as you mentioned you have everything on the computer but only speak a little Spanish this must be difficult .The information we offer is specific to what is currently available in the UK. As treatments and healthcare services vary so much in different countries, it’s difficult for us to answer queries from outside of the UK.
It is best to contact your surgeon in Spain as you do not have a breast care nurse and not wait till you see the oncologist to talk through what you are experiencing. They will be able to assess your symptoms and give you advice about how to alleviate your discomfort and should be able to tell you when you can start moisturising your scars to help them heal.
You might find this link helpful in finding a cancer organisation in Spain.
As you live in Spain our overseas phone number is (+44) 20 3553 2277, this is not a free number.
Best wishes,
Helen
Breast Care Nurse
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, any suggestions please would E45 massaged in help? I have been doing my gentle exercises and and can move my all ok it just feels like the arm is stuck to the armpit and i have to peel it away to move it not sure this makes sense thank for taking the time to read my message and hope you can give me some idea what it is , I know it’s early days , I have another 2 weeks before I see my oncologist .
thank you again letting me know this soreness will start to get less. I hope very much your recovery is going well x