Hi, I’m 8 weeks on from having a double mastectomy for bilateral breast cancer, I’m 38. I’m having a full axillary clearance this week as a few sentinal nodes had cancer in them. I’m starting to feel really worried about this surgery which seems strange as surely it can’t be as bad as my double mastectomy was! Just wondering if anyone else had axillary clearance after your initial surgery and how you found it? Xxx
Hi
I am 6 weeks on from axillary clearance after initial lumpectomy. I found the 2nd operation took longer to recover from than the first. The exercises were harder and uncomfortable under the arm, I also developed a seroma which has taken about 5 weeks to reduce, still there slightly but I don’t feel like I’ve got a tennis ball under my arm now.
I only took paracetamol tho for a couple of days as not particularly painful but uncomfortable. Driving was another thing for me that took more time to be able to do, but I’ve not had a maesectomy so I can’t comment on how recovery from that has been.
My BCN nurse did tell me that it would take longer than the first op and she was right. The actual operation tho was fine just a longer scar under my arm where they did the initial slnb.
The rest of my lymph nodes were clear after it being found in 2 initially.
Hope your surgery goes well & let us know how your getting on
Sending hugs
I had an axillary clearance about 7 weeks post mastectomy. I posted on this site to a similar query and thought I would copy and paste. One in case any of it is helpful and secondly as time goes on, my mind forgets bits…
‘I had op on the Thursday first thing and home by lunchtime feeling well. went to Yorkshire for the weekend next day to stay with family and felt well enough to do that (My surgeon doesn’t use drains). I took 2 paracetamol next morning as worried I may not manage exercise without but didn’t bother after that as didn’t need. Looking through my diary, 4 days later, ‘arm exercises going well, but stretching my arm up the wall hard.’ Four weeks later ‘still slightly uncomfortable to touch my upper arm but less tingly. Sensation returning in Axilla. Feels tight if don’t do exercise or longer time between stretching. I found doing exercise in a mirror helpful as I thought I was doing them right (eg raising shoulders up and down) but when looked in mirror, needed to go higher-helped me reach maximum level. Eight months later, I still need daily exercises or feels tighter as a result but can do as part of Pilates or yoga. Still dull ache or pulling sensation with certain moves but doesn’t stop me doing anything. Ask for an heart cushion to put under your arm to stop rubbing. I also suggest bamboo material-camisoles (easy to step into), bamboo pillow case in a squishy pillow so it elevates your arm sitting or in bed-bamboo really soft and cooling. I also got the pillow between my inner arm and body to cool and support op area. Buy gloves in anticipation of washing up jobs or gardening to reduce cuts to hand and moisturiser if not already got. Bralettes (to step into as well) easier and softer than bras for me.’
I stopped doing the exercises daily which I regret now-developed cording and rounded shoulder so I would encourage you to find the time daily.
Good luck, I hope something in there helps
X
Hi there,
Sorry you have to go through another op.
I had axillary clearance 3 weeks after my single mastectomy (I was 40). I’d say it brought me back to where I was immediately post mastectomy in terms of stiffness etc. I didn’t have lots of pain following either op - possibly because the initial surgery made me a bit numb in the armpit - and for the clearance op the surgeon went in via the original mastectomy scar.
I had drains for four days both times. Did my exercises three times a day as recommended, then developed quite bad cording but my wise BCN was strict with me and told me to do my exercises/massage every hour (!) which did help me banish the cording.
Hope your op goes well!