Hi, I had a a mastectomy with full lymph node removal last Thursday.
Thankfully all went well and the surgeon was pleased with how it all went.
My pain on my left side where the breast and nodes were removed is bearable, feeling numb and tingling. It’s my right shoulder it’s very stiff and achy but I’m finding it very uncomfortable. Any suggestions?
Also my surgeon wanted my drains in for seven days is that the norm?
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
I’m glad you’re surgery went well! I had a single left mastectomy (no reconstructio) & Sentinels removed in March this year. My left shoulder was very stiff, clicked when moved and felt badly bruised for a while. Lots of exercises everyday, a bit of massage of the shoulder and eventually it loosened and went back to normal. I asked my Oncologist who said exercises are key, keep moving it when you can. Unfortunately I can’t comment about the drains as my hospital doesn’t use them. I hope you get an answer on this.
I hope you’re recovering well and getting lots of rest in this rubbish journey.
Corinne
Hi @sal74 i had stiffness clicking physio gave me exercises to do week by week which helped it really does take time from mastectomy and node removal , I had drains in for 7 days on the 6th accidentally
Pulled it and bung came out rang BCN she told me to come straight up and had it removed was a relief Good luck with your journey Xx
I’m pleased you are progressing well. My drain was in for 6 days. Shoulder was very stiff, that’s normal, but yes, the exercises are key, 3 times a day. After about 3 weeks the nurse said to try to go a bit further with the range of movement each day. She said it sounds cruel but it’s crucial. It does get much easier and I’ve now got full range of movement. Shoulder does get a bit achy and stiff occasionally so i get a massage. (Age as well in my case!) Chest wall was tight too where the scar is, but i found a physio who does manual lymphatic drainage, and that, coupled with massage sorted it out. Hope this helps.
Thank you all for responding! I will do more exercises and keep it moving. I’m hoping that once the drains are gone I can move more.
As well as the exercises, ask someone to have a go at massaging your thoracic spine and along your shoulder blade. I thought mine was just local stiffness but actually it had spread into my thoracic spine so badly due to me guarding my left side so much and the relief I felt across my pecs and lats and shoulder from a massage was greater than I was getting from exercises alone. Don’t underestimate the stress you’ve carried xx
Thank yo I’m seeing the BCN today.
I’m going to ask about how long before I can go for a massage. Until then I will give my husband another job to do😂
Hi can I ask how you find Physio for the lymphatic drainage?
My hubs does a great job but I find a sports therapist far better than ‘cancer massage’ from beauty therapists. They really release the muscles and have a better feel for everything. X
I find it very effective in keeping the arm and chest swelling under control. My physio drains the lymph nodes first before massaging. It also got rid of the tightness and lumpiness across the scar. The only area i get it now is in the ‘bingo wing’ area. It doesn’t really look swollen but can feel heavy. My physo also does some neck and back massage as they sometimes ache as well. It’s not an uncomfortable massage at all. The first one i went to used something called a havimat machine, which is a recommended practice i believe, but i didn’t find that very effective. Glad i didnt get sucked into buying one!! Not all physios are trained in MLD, i had to phone around before i found one. I found a book which gives really good advice. “LYMPHEDEMA,a breast cancer patient’s guide to prevention and healing”. Got it from amazon. I will try to upload a photo for you.
A bit more info. Sorry if I’m rambling on and if i tell people what they already know. . I agree with another member that a beauty massage is not enough for the muscles. With regard to MLD though, do try to find someone who is specifically trained in it. If not, at best it’s not much use and at worst can be damaging. Some holistc and massage therapists are trained in MLD, as well as physios so you can try that too. I used to work as an holistic therapist, trained in MLD so i speak from experience. Hope this helps.
Thank you all for replying.
I am ringing around a few I have seen online in my area that say they do MDL.
My nurse has also referred me to a personal trainer for when I’m up to exercising who works with women who have had breast surgery.
I will pick the book up. Thank you all for responding.
