Post surgery - struggling to know how much is too much!

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I had a single mastectomy and lymph node clearance 9 days ago on Wednesday 22nd June. For entirely understandable reasons, the advice I was given regarding how much you can do afterwards and when is very vague. My follow-up appointment isn’t until 10th August, 2.5 weeks post op. I am walking between 1 and 1.5 miles a day and ‘pottering’ around the house, I try not to use my left arm more than necessary. Presumably due to my lymph node clearance, my left arm is numb from the elbow up to my shoulder and under my arm - which is weird! In the evenings I am very uncomfortable, I get patchy pins and needles, a burning sensation and sometimes stabbing pains under my arm. I hope this means the nerves are waking up and my arm won’t be numb forever, but I wondered if this means I am doing too much? I was very active before my op and used to walking long distances.

I also wondered if I can start doing the 2nd level arm exercises after exactly two weeks post-op or if I should wait until my follow-up appointment which is the following week?

Thank you

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@evieb1 I had a lumpectomy and full lymph node clearance 19 months ago. What you’re doing now seems reasonable but it depends on age, how you were previously etc. Maybe its an idea to contact the breast care nurses about when to up the excercise regime?

The main reason I posted was about the weird feelings you’re having in your arm. It is nerve damage which is almost impossible to avoid with lymph node clearance. I too was uncomfortable in the evenings especially when sitting on the sofa. I found that having a cushion/pillow to support the arm helped with the nerve weirdness. Sometimes I had this in bed too. I also had to be careful what I wore as jumpers - it was winter- really irritated it so I needed a long sleeved cotton top as well. Over the months the numbness and tingling has receded slowly. Every so often there is a few days of prickling/discomfort or something and then I realise a bit more has become ‘normal’. I now have numbness from above the axillary operation scar, through the armpit to a few inches down the inside of my inner arm, and a little on the back of my arm. It sounds a lot but is nothing compared to the whole arm oddness before, and doesn’t bother me and I don’t actually notice it any more.

I hope you recover soon. I feel it’s important not to overdo things, particularly if you are having/have had chemo or radiotherapy.

1 Like
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Thank you, I am 67 but was walking 15 - 18,000 steps a day, running short distances, doing Pilates and going to the gym before diagnosis. I guess I just need to be patient regarding the numbness. I flinch when I wash under my arm because it feels so weird and I have to look in the mirror to see where it is. I would give my right arm for a shower… Actually, make that my left arm as that’s the dodgy one! :joy:

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I had exactly that in the shower :rofl::rofl:

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Hi evieb1,

Thanks for posting.

The numbness you are feeling is very common after breast and lymph node surgery, as you say this does feel weird. The other sensations you have like stabbing, pins and needles or a burning feeling do sound like the nerves in the area repairing. It doesn’t sound like you are doing too much. You explain your level of fitness before your operation, and we know being physical activity can help with recovery from surgery and emotional wellbeing. It also reduces the risk of post-operative complications. You should be able to return to most of your normal activities within a few weeks of your operation.

You can move up to week 2 exercises at the 2-week point, providing they feel comfortable to do. If you develop pain that gets worse during the exercises or continues after, then it’s best to stop and seek advice from your breast care nurse.

The symptoms you describe usually improve over time as @pat explains. It’s very early days as you say your operation was just 9 days ago.

You may like to know about the breast physio Jen McKenzie and we have a webinar in September on exercise for those already active.

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

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Best wishes,

Jane

Breast Care Nurse

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