Hi,
I had a mammoplasty and sentinel node biopsy (two nodes for starters) on 16th. Healing pretty well, but the underneath of my upper arm on the affected side has started feeling really sore over the past couple of days. No signs of irritation/heat/particular swelling there. The biopsy site is also quite sore. A BC nurse on a phone call had looked at a photo and said all seems fine, and I was lucky to get an appointment with the GP nurse who said the same thing. I forgot to ask about lymphodaema, which I am a bit worried about. I wonder if walking with poles may have set if off - I have stopped using them. Thank you x
Sorry - I phrased that badly! Has anyone any experience of this? Thanksxx
Hi @Demelza
I hope you are doing OK
From what you’ve said and described and the fact that you’ve had your arm checked out I wouldn’t be too worried (easier said than done I know)
Whilst you are in healing mode you are likely to experience all sorts of weird and wonderful aches pains and sensations. It sounds like some of the muscles and nerves in your arm and just giving you a gentle reminder to look after them. Make sure you keep doing your shoulder exercises to keep movement in your shoulder (try not to overdo it, not because you are likely to do any long term damage, but you may find it harder next time you come to do them: little and often is far better than going all out!)
I wouldn’t be concerned about lymphoedema at this point: this something you will have to keep an eye out for going forward and if you suffer any kind skin injury which has the potential to cause infection (hence the advice to avoid injections in that arm and to wear gloves when gardening etc) as lack of lymph nodes can prevent the normal infection fight and then lymphoedema, having said that you still have some (I had 3 out but we have around 20) so your risk is not as great as having had a full clearance. I was told at my 12 month review meeting to always be wary of developing lymphoedema and to let them know as soon as I spot any signs as they can take steps to help reduce the effects if treated early enough
I hope this helps ease your mind a bit
AM xxx
Hi you are very early in the recovery stage after surgery ,probably you just need to give it time .2 nurses have checked the wound and are happy there is nothing untoward .
The wound under my arm was far more painful than the one on my breast ,I think it’s because you are stretching the skin every time you move your arm and obviously it’s moist too . My biopsy wound hurt more than my breast wound too for some reason .