I had a lymph node biopsy and wide local excision about ten days ago.
Remarkably little pain in the first days after surgery, then developed soreness and tenderness under my arm, including the area well above the dressing. I initially thought it was chafing but it seems to be nerve pain.
Does anyone who experienced this have any tips? Painkillers don’t seem too effective (I’ve switched from paracetamol to ibuprofen as it’s supposed to be more effective for this). So far I’ve found that sleeping with a cushion under my arm really helps, as does running warm water over it in the shower. That doesn’t relieve it for long but it’ll be good to do that more once the dressings come off.
I’m not sure I have great advice for you as my best solution was to prop my arm with a heart shaped pillow (I’ve noticed you can order ‘mastectomy pillows’ online, some free for the good cause) and train myself to sleep on my back. I had a full axillary clearance along with a mastectomy so all the pain kind of coalesced into one! However, 14 months on, I still get noticeable discomfort under my arm - not surprising when you remember they have had to sever nerves. But it’s early days for you. Your brain now needs time to rewire, recognise the false messages while it heals and stop alerting you. Meanwhile, if it is nerve pain, your GP can prescribe something like amitryptiline or gabapentin, both of which work very well on nerve pain. The usual painkillers won’t touch it - as people with shingles can tell you! The other thing is to keep moving. Do the exercises/stretches recommended regularly so the area doesn’t heal too tightly. It may be quite painful right now but it’s an important investment for the future.
I am two weeks after my WLE and SNB. I completely underestimated how it would affect me!
The lumpectomy is fine. Dressings are off and wound has healed nicely. Boob is a bit swollen but that is to be expected.
What I am really struggling with is the aftermath of the SNB. They took the lymph nodes through the same incision as the lumpectomy so luckily I don’t have another wound.
However the site is visibly lumpy and I have a tightness from the site into my armpit and down the inside of my arm. It also stings!! My underarm (tricep area) feels like it is very bruised and hurts to touch. I also have a horrible pain in my back level with my boob.
Anti-inflams dont touch it and I am doing the exercises but its not improving at the moment.
I have told my BCN but she is very dismissive of me and has not offered any advice.
I have my follow up appt on 13.2.20 so hopefully the surgeon can give me some advice.
I really hope your pain has eased! It will me to know it has as well! I am a competitive swimmer and trail runner and at the moment, I am scared I wont ever be able to get back to it!!