I have my axillary surgery scheduled for early next week, and was wondering if there is anything in particular I should do to prepare. I’ve not done anything different, when compared to what I did to prepare when I had my Mastectomy and SLNB, as I’m assuming the experience will be similar, with the exception of the affected area purely being under my armpit.
So my expectation is that this time :
I will only have a dressing under my arm, where the existing cut will be reopened, and perhaps extended in order to remove further lymph nodes.
I will have a drain + tube put in the same place as when the SLNB was done. (as advised by my CNS I will have a drain for 3-4 days)
I will lose the range of arm movement I have regained with physio since the previous surgery and need to start from scratch to regain it. And also assuming regaining movement will be slightly more difficult than the first time.
I won’t be able to drive for approximately 3-6 weeks.
I have my front opening PJ’s, pull-on bottoms, slip-on shoes ready to use. Moved items to lower shelves again for easy access. Doing another round of spring cleaning as I’m expecting that I won’t be able to do much heavy lifting or cleaning for several weeks after.
Does that sound about right or am I missing anything?
Appreciate any advice from anyone else who has gone through axillary clearance surgery before. xx
I didn’t find the recovery from the axillary surgery too bad.
I think you’ve covered everything, but on (3) I didn’t find I was back to zero. My physio said don’t push the exercises beyond comfortable, my surgeon said forget that advice, get your arm above your head from day 1. It wasn’t easy but I did, and I had a full range of movement back very quickly (still doing daily exercises to make sure it stays that way)
Did you get a heart pillow after your first surgery? I found I used it more after this operation than my first.
I wasn’t expecting the numbness that I’ve got at the back of my arm. Talking to the nurse this isn’t unusual, and might improve. It’s not painful, just a bit odd. I had the operation about 7 weeks ago, and I still find clothing that’s loose around the arm more comfortable.
I agree with everything already said. My contribution would be for bamboo material-camisoles (easy to step into), bamboo pillow case in a squishy pillow so it elevates your arm sitting or in bed-bamboo really soft and cooling. I also got the pillow between my inner arm and body to cool and support op area. Buy gloves in anticipation of washing up jobs or gardening to reduce cuts to hand and moisturiser if not already got. Bralettes (to step into as well) easier and softer than bras for me.
I had op on the Thursday and went to Yorkshire for the weekend next day to stay with family and felt well enough to do that (My surgeon doesn’t use drains). I took 2 paracetamol next morning as worried I may not manage exercise without but didn’t bother after that. Looking through my diary, 4 days later, ‘arm exercises going well, but stretching my arm up the wall hard.’ Four weeks later ‘still slightly uncomfortable to touch my upper arm but less tingly. Sensation returning in Axilla. Feels tight if don’t do exercise or longer time between stretching’.
I found doing exercise in a mirror helpful as I thought I was doing them right (eg raising shoulders up and down) but when looked in mirror, needed to go higher-helped me reach maximum level. Eight months later, I still need daily exercises or feels tighter as a result but can do as part of Pilates or yoga. Still dull ache or pulling sensation with certain moves but doesn’t stop me doing anything.
I hope something helpful in there but remember, just my experience/thoughts. Good luck this week-you’ll be fine I’m sure. We all just seem to get on with it because what’s our alternative-good job we’re resilient