Recovering from WLE and axillary node clearance

Just returned from hospital after having a WLE and axillary node clearance. Still got drain attached, but keep forgetting about it and getting up, whereby drain follows with a big clatter and a tug on my wound! OUCH! A bit worried now as I wait for results next Wednesday. Concerned because went to Ultrasound before Op to have what’s left of tumour marked, but they couldn’t find it! They sent me for a mammogram again no sign of anything! They examined me for ages and said that there are no abnormalities showing anywhere in my breasts - Half of me is delighted the chemo must have worked, half of me is dreading results next week, as consultant could only take out what she had recorded that she would a couple of months ago, there was nothing visible to indicate where the tumour had been. So keeping my fingers crossed. Well fingers on right hand, fingers on left hand rather sore, as is whole arm. The pain under my arm is dreadful!
Words of advice don’t pick up a laptop with hand on side that’s just been operated on - I nearly passed out with the pain! It’s still throbbing now as I write this!
Must go time for next dose of painkillers i think,

Take care everybody and for anybody who has had lymph nodes out - I sympathise and wish you a painfree arm/shoulder to return asap!

Nicky 41

Hi Nicky

I am two weeks down the line from you and believe me, it does get better. I am now lifting my 19 month old okay, plus accompanying paraphenalia. I must say that I only had 4 nodes removed but from the bruising, I think there was quite a lot of digging and delving going on. I even went to the gym today and did 15 minutes easy cycling which makes me feel great. I wouldn’t overdo it to begin with but make sure you mobilise you arm and shoulder. There are some exercises in a booklet on this site if you haven’t been given any. I must say I didn’t do them faithfully but enough so now I can move okay and have good reach etc. I slept with a pillow under my arm to keep it off my body - reminded me of pregnancy days and having a pillow in bed to support the bump! I am finding I have pins and needles pain down my arm now, but can ignore it most of the time, just a bit much at the end of a busy day.

Sounds like the chemo was successful. Sympathise with the wait - it always seems so loooooooong!!

Take care,

Kirsty