I had my mastectomy 13 days ago and the pain in my armpit is still giving me a lot of trouble. I have seen my consultant and breast care nurse but they just recommended pain killers. Am I too impatient maybe? It feels a little swollen and the pain seems to radiate from the site the lymph nodes were removed. Has anyone else suffered from this please?
I also had two seperate tumours removed both of different grades. One 15mm and the other 17mm, is this unusual? It does worry me that both are different and that one was described as very deep, almost reaching the back muscle. I feel so stupid for not asking more questions especially as I am waiting for a full body scan and a bone scan. I wish I had asked if everyone has these.
Hi Helen, I had an mx 25 days ago and ANC 19 days ago, I too am suffering from pain that feels more like sunburn. I have had a seroma drained twice now 180mls 1st time then a week later it was 320mls! It’s filling up again, it feels like I’m carrying a cricket ball in my armpit :(. I’m currently living on pain killers. CS prefer not to drain seroma’s due to risk of infection but I fear I will need it drained for a 1/3 time due to it pulling on the ANC wound. I am told that the body does eventually disperse the liquid but sorry to say i have also been advised it can take months. If you are concerned speak to your breast care nurse or consultant. Take care xx
Hi Helenr51 - i had an mx back in 2010 (and unfortunately awaiting another one in a few weeks), although my memory isn’t absolutely great i do remember that i was in pain and discomfort for a considerable time, certainly more than a few weeks. Like you i remember it being downplayed by the surgeon and the plastic surgeon, saying we kind of rough you up a bit when it comes to pulling and tugging at lympgh nodes its no surprise you’ll be sore. Sorry i can’t answer re the body scan and bone scan as i haven’t had either so not sure exactly what makes them decide, i suppose that answers the part of the question around whether everyone has them. Such a worrying time - post again if i can be of any help.xL.
Hi Helen, found your post. Although I didn’t have mx, only lumpectomy, I have also been sent for ct body scan and bone scan. They seem to be pretty standard procedure, they want to have them as a reference point so they can monitor how your body is coping with the treatment and also to check for any spread of cells. They don’t explain all this, I don’t think they realise how alarming everything can be to an already shocked mind. Take care, thinking of you xx
I had a lumpectomy 31st July and a full node clearance. The pain under my arm is definitely like sunburn. I am on painkillers constantly. I’m hoping it will start to improve soon. The surgeon just said all the moving and poking around I had to expect a bit of discomfort. This is not a bit , this is a lot!