I am due to have a clearance including level 3 soon. I am worried about my quality of life afterwards. The reason I was given is that as I am small in this area if it came back It may be inoperable or hard to operate. My cancer is/was in my axilla but not in my lymph nodes and a level 1 clearance is needed to get clear margins. I will also have radiotherapy.
I have done research and spoken to 3 oncologists and they have differing opinions. The standard clearance seems to be levels 1 and 2.
Can anyone advise what side effects they had with a level 3 clearance please.
I had a level 3 clearance but only last June. But I can’t say I’ve noticed any side effects. Not sure that’s helpful as you’re likely looking for longer term side effects.
1 Like
I had a level 1/2 clearance planned but the surgeon managed a futher 2 at level 3. That was nearly 3 years ago. I have some left over nerve damage which causes a tight sensation under my armpit and around my upper arm but not specifically from the level 3 nodes. I think the main thing is to do your post op exercises religiously. I am still doing some of them as it all tightens up if I dont. Best wishes for your op.
1 Like
I should add that the nerve pain/ sensations doesnt affect my everyday life too much. My arm can tire quicker or ache after a busy day. I also had extra physio from a breast cancer physio at our local macmillan centre. If you do have post op problems , dont live with them, there is lots of help out there . 
1 Like