I haven’t had any aftercare notes apart from some meds.
I’ve been moving my arm as much as possible including streatching it by lifting my arm up, but now I’m experiencing pulling sore tight muscle sensation going down my arm and tingling nerve type sensation.
Just wondering if I’ve been moving my arm too soon.
I’ve managed to find a comfortable sports bra now as I didn’t have any support so that has helped.
Basically any advice on exercises when to do them where i can find some and also when can I shower
I will hopefully get through to my BCN tomorrow as I haven’t spoke to anyone yet.
I had a mastectomy 2 weeks ago. Started the exercises straight away. You are right that it really pulls but I’ve kept up with them and it does eventually get easier.
I couldn’t shower or wear deodorant for 2 weeks but I could have a wash with a flannel. That was so peculiar as under my arm was soo numb but painful too.
It does get better tho. Hope this helps. Sending hugs
I had a lumpectomy on the 14th feb and a full axilla node clearance at the same time. I had two lumps on my breast removed, my breast is ok swollen but not bad. My under arm is so sore. I still have the drain in as it hasn’t gone below 50ml yet. I am getting worried as my underarm and the skin feels worst as the days are going by!
Hi @kat-jack. I had the same op back in january. I found gentle normal activity like brushing my hair, washing up, walking and cooking was plenty of exercise for my arm. I had waterproof dressings so could shower. Apart from a leaflet with some exercises i havent had any aftercare but everything healed well. I did feel some sharp pains early on but they subsided, as did a small seroma. You will need a bit of rest for a few days. Try not to push yourself too hard. Rest when you need to. Ask your nurse if you have any questions or concerns x
Hi @bluesatsuma i hope you don’t mind me asking, did you have a drain. I’ve had a full node clearance and my arm is still so sore. Unfortunately my drain hasn’t come out yet but I wondered if how I’m feeling is normal it’s been 11 days since surgery. X
I had the same op as you last October and was told to start the exercises the following day, there are some gentle ones for the first week then some slightly harder ones to introduce on the 2nd week. I was given the leaflet of exercises from my breast care nurse before the operation and was told I should now do them for life. I had to go back in November for a full axillary clearance and continue to do the same exercises now.
I didn’t have a drain so I don’t know if that makes any difference, was also told only to use baby wipes and no showers or baths for two weeks, when the dressings where removed. Also no deodrant either.
I’m not 100 per cent sure but I’ve a feeling the exercise sheet is online as well.
Hi @hc1973. I didnt have a drain. I only had 2 sentinel nodes out. I think the drains are used for axillary clearance and mastectomy usually but i might be wrong. Hope you’re doing okay x
Hi @bluesatsuma Oh I see! Yes I had to have a full clearance as they found cancer after they did a biopsie on my lymph nodes. I hope that you are are OK too. It’s a really hard time isn’t it. I’m usually a strong person but all this waiting is so hard. I felt quite calm when I was told the 2 lumps were cancerous in my breast as I thought it was all isolated. When I found out it was in my lymph nodes mentally I’ve found it more frightening. It’s great to be able to talk on here as it’s nice to talk to people who are going through the same thing x
I had a full clearance after it was found in the two lymph nodes they removed, thankfully the rest were all clear and I’m now waiting for radiotherapy, I’m due to have my planning appointment tomorrow.
I didn’t have a drain but it did take longer to recover from than the initial lumpectomy and snlb. I had a small seroma which went by its self, but had swelling and was a bit uncomfortable for a good few weeks after, doing the exercises really helped when I could feel it tightening up.
but I could have a wash with a flannel. That was so peculiar as under my arm was soo numb but painful too.