Apologies if this has already been covered in previous threads. 2 wks since full node clearance and I’m still in pain, sore and swollen. I’m very big busted so most of the scar is on the side of my breast going up to my underarm. The swelling is on my breast, underarm and back, I can barely put fingers between my breast and underarm. I can’t drive and struggle as a passenger because every pot hole, nee dent in the road is very painful. I’m doing the exercises but struggle with washing my hair and putting socks on.
Is this normal at this stage? I would love to hear from anyone who has had node clearance. Thank you in anticipation.
Yes of course it is normal at your stage. Blimey its only a couple of weeks. I didnt drive for a good 8 weeks, although had MX and reconstruction too- did you? but swelling does take ages to go down, its still tight for me now and I had mine 10th March. So dont be hard on yourself and expect too much fgs.
I struggles with putting socks on etc, had hair cut short ready for chemo,so was easy to do with one hand, but DO keep up the exercises. I have full movement back now although it still feels tight under arm and around breast but can do all normal tasks without pain. Just some pulling.
Give yourself time, its a big op, despite they calling it minor day surgery - thats a laugh.
Be kind to yourself and have patience.
Val xxxx
Hi i had a lumpectomy and full node clearance on 14th April and i am still spending a huge amount of the day resting in bed because my arm swells up spontaneously. I have only just started to drive again but i cannot travel more than short distances.
I am very restricted in what physical activities that i can do which is very frustrating but i am just taking one day at a time until i can manage more
Be patient and take time to recover as two weeks is a very short time
Tricia xxx
I had left side skin sparing mx and lympnodes cleared in February, I have now got full movement back in my arm and shoulder. I do still sometimes get tightness under the armpit and around the reconstruction surgery areas but I found that doing the exercises have helped massively. Even though I have full movement I still do the exercises daily as I know this will help fend off the dreaded lymphodemia. Keep doing the exercises no matter how sore as they do help and it does get easier. Good luck with your recovery