I had an mx in july and am about to start chemo. Like you said, it’s not so bad as you think it’s going to be. But what I wasn’t expecting the pins and needles you describe. I fact I thought it felt more like being attacked by a cheese grater, the skin was numb but underneath was really sore! Someone recommended gentle stroking of the area and I found that was really helpful. But it does get better! And your mobility does come back although I really recommend doing the exercises that hopefully they ve told you about.
I hope you carry on feeling better, and let people look after you if they’re offering to.
I had mx at end of March and was better than I imagined too - just finished chemo 2 weeks ago (good luck with yours impatiens). Post-surgery I had severe short bursts of ‘pins and needles’ in upper arm which felt like being stung by lots of wasps, no painkillers touched it - this lasted for approx 7 days - it was nerves regenerating post surgery, but I didn’t get pins and needles in hand, so not sure if this is ‘normal’ as you say.
Cheese-grated skin - yes I remember this feeling well and it wasn’t pleasant, I had plenty of hot baths (when I could actually touch the skin) moisturised daily and used baby wipes to gently ‘stroke’ the skin to de-sensitise it (in an upwards direction towards armpit) as could not stand ‘skin-on-skin’ due to super-sensitivity.
Keep up with the exercises but don’t over-do it - if it hurts, then you’re pushing yourself too far.
1234 - thinking of you as you wait, it is horrendous, but it’s good that you have your date. I hope it goes well for you.
Elttiks - hope your surgery went ok and that you’re being kind to yourself…
thanks for the comments, really useful, I now have fluid on my upper back which is causing a very tight feeling, 1 drain is still instu. I go back Fri for my results and will find out if it has spread… chemo for 6 months I am told, its a daunting journey Ive embarked on. Reading positive comments really help.
Fluid on back - have you checked with your BCN (breast care nurse) as to whether this may need draining before you go back Fri? I didn’t get any seroma so can’t comment/help much and my drain was in for 6 days.
Good luck for your results on Friday I’ll cross my fingers for you and yes chemo is daunting yet do-able, you will get through it - it may not be pleasant at times and there’ll be ups and downs - baby steps - one day at a time. I joined a thread with others who started treatment at same time as me in May and was really helpful to share the experience and emotions with others going through the same.
Keep visiting and posting on this site, it is a fab source of info and support and it really helped me get through, as someone said on here somewhere ‘unless you’ve got it, you don’t get it’.
Hello Just quick update Felt crappy last 2 days, numbness has worn off replaced by ache and stinging sensations! Abit better on waking this morning. Have an appt today for removal of drain and dressing cant believe its been a week already! Also may have my histology results so fingers crossed its good news…
Well “ball and chain” drain out dressing off all looks neat results not ready so have to wait another week!
our buyer of the house is being a complete pain stress levels are rising rapidly again…
God I wish I could get off this mad mad merry go round…
this is a funny question but will ask anyway…do footspas cause pain after a mastectomy and axilla clearance? I know there are lots of nerves in the foot… my friend set me up with one, it was lovely initially and them after about 3 mins i started getting pains across my scar tissue. I quickly put an end to that pampering session! just wondered if anyone else had experienced this
dressing off all looks neat 