axillary node clearance

Public Archive
1

Hi everyone
I’m new to this forum as unfortunatly joined “the club” in Jan.10
and had a skin sparing mastectomy and reconstruction 4 weeks ago.
Due to have axillary node clearance next week and wondered if anyone else out there can tell me what to expect ?? Also on a practical note advised to only use an electric razor now — any recomendations ??
Lindy - Lou.

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Hi lindy-lou

Welcome to the forums, I’m sure other users will be along to support you soon.
In the meantime you may find it useful to contact our free helpline on 0808 800 6000, opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.00 – 5.00 and Saturday 9.00 – 2.00

Best wishes
June, moderator

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Hi Lindylou,

I had a node clearance two years ago. You’ll feel a bit sore and have a drain for a few days. It wasn’t as horrible as I imagined. I think the main thing that surprised me was the heavy feeling in my upper arm and the numbness. Even now, I still have some numbness and could easily stick pins into my arm and not feel a thing! (Not to be recommended lol) What it is really important to remember is that with a node clearance there is a danger of developing lymphodema so you must avoid breaking the skin on that arm and upper quadrant. This means treat that arm as a ‘no go’ area!

DON’T:

Have injections
Have blood samples taken
Shave hair
Have blood pressure taken

DO:

Avoid sunburn
Avoid insect bites

Anything that breaks the skin on the affected arm can let in an infection (which the lymph nodes normally take care of) is to be avoided.

I don’t want to scare you but better safe than sorry.

The scar is a straight line which easily fades.

Good luck,
AlexG

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Religiously do the post op exercises. At first, I found I could hardly move the arm and had a cringy tightening sort of pain down the arm and seriously thought I would have to contact the hospital physio, but by about 5 weeks post op everything was fine and now I have full range of movement with no pain, but numbness persists and will do forever I think as nerves been cut.

Watch out for a seroma too that may have to be drained.

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I agree with Steph - do the exercises! I could have strangled the physio when she came bouncing into the ward and ordered me about but I did buckle down and do all the stretches.

Another thing I forgot to add is - avoid carrying anything heavy with the affected arm.

Cheers,
AlexG