Hello! I had a lumpectomy and SLNB 4 weeks ago and full axillary node clearance just over a week ago…I have noticed tonight my breast feels rock hard and lumpy…it doesn’t particularly hurt just feels uncomfortable. I assume this is normal, however wanted to see if anyone else has experienced this?
Thank you! Xx
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I think lumpy is normal - mine was and gradually the lumps disappeared. I seem to remember speaking to my BCN about it and I’m pretty sure she said that was normal. It might be a good idea to speak to your BCN about it particularly the hard ess in case there is any seroma - they may decide to see you and assess it but otherwise it will put you on their radar for if it becomes painful or red / hot which might indicate infection. Xx
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Hi @JoanneN thanks for your reply…I’ll definitely mention it to her, I’m in on Monday morning anyway so I will ask then, thank you. I had my drain removed a few days ago so I did wonder if it could be a build up of fluid or something but I’ve only noticed it tonight xx
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I had this after my lumpectomy. It’s starting to soften (over a month later). If it’s anything like mine it’ll be quite swollen and that’s why it’s so hard. They’ve messed around and moved all sorts round in there so it’s had a lot of trauma. I was impressed it wasn’t more painful. I was popping cocodamol thinking I’d be in agony (I’m such a wuss) but in the end it wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected. Hope it’s the same for you.
The important thing is to keep an eye out for signs of infection (heat, redness, fluids leaking, temperature etc) and call the hotline if you’re not sure.
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Thank you 
no I’ve not been in that much pain really either (touch wood) my arm has ached a bit but like you I’ve been taking painkillers because I was told to keep on top of it but actually it’s been ok. It just feels swollen but doesn’t appear to be leaking or red so will just keep an eye on it, thank you xx
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ask for some mobiderm swatches from your bcn. they help massage the lumpiness.
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Thank you, I’ve not heard of that before but I will ask her in the morning! Xx
