Hi. Two questions please. I had my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy two weeks ago and am still in quite a lot of pain from the biopsy. Even though I am.doing the exercises the pain going down my arm is still pretty painful. How long does this last?
And secondly the skin under my armpit and down the underside of my arm is extremely sore/sensitive. I would welcome any suggestions or ideas on how to solve this.
The pain/permanent soreness is really getting me down, when I need to be focusing on the next bit.
Thanks.
Hi ChristineReading,
Welcome to the forum.
I am sorry to hear you are going through pain and I am sure some of our users will be along soon to offer support.
I have moved your post to ourSurgeryboard in order to give users more of a chance to respond.
In the meantime if you would like to talk you can call our support line at 0808 800 6000 who will be able to talk to you about the pain you are experiencing and offer a friendly ear.
Best wishes,
Lizzy
Hi Christine,I had exactly the same,I was in far more pain and discomfort from the SN biopsy than my lumpectomy ,my BC nurse said this was because we have more nerve endings under arm ,you also move your arm a lot more.My arm was very stiff and sore and she said it was probably due to the position they put your arm in during surgery. I had a build up of fluid under arm too (seroma) that was drained at my first follow up appointment after surgery that made me a lot more comfortable.It may be worth getting your wound/arm looked at just in case you need any further treatment as there is a risk of lymphodema too.Jill
Hi Christine, I had a mastectomy and node removal under my arm beginning of December. I found that my arm felt very tight for several weeks afterwards especially inside of my forearm which has only last week gone away. It’s important to keep up the exercises you are given at least twice a day (they recommend 3 times a day).
My underarm was also very sore and I used aloe Vera gelly which amazingly worked well as a deodorant. I also had eczema under my arm which cleared up using hydrocortisone cream - but check with your GP first.
I have mild lymphoedema (swelling of my arm) which I have an appointment so see a therapist about, so if you notice this - contact your breast care nurse.
All of these things really got me down too, so I sympathise with you - we really don’t need it on top of everything else do we!!
Hope it all starts to feel better soon and remember never hesitate to ring your breast care nurse (that’s what they’re there for!) or your GP if you are ever worried. Plus we’re all here for you too 
Take care xxx
Hi Kim, do you mind if I ask how soon after surgery you felt confident to use the aloe vera gel?
Many thanks
Ruth
I’m struggling to remember! I’m pretty sure it was once I was allowed to start showering (I had a drain in for 3 weeks) and my wound had healed. So I’m guessing 3 weeks. Before that I was using Simple face wipes to wash under my arm, so I guess I could have used the aloe Vera earlier but didn’t think of it. I tend to see it as a gentle product as people use it on burns. I used it on my neck after I had an operation to remove my parathyroid just over a year ago and it felt really nice whereas Bio Oil irritated it.
Sorry I can’t be more specific! Maybe try a little but avoid your wound/scar as see how it feels? Xxx
Thanks Kim, that is a useful guideline and you have just reminded me to buy some baby wipes so definitely a helpful response. :smileyhappy:
Wow, drains for three weeks. I had one in for one week and the second for an additional week after my mx. Although saying that by the time they had taken the second one out I was so used to carrying them around with me that it felt odd not having one by the time they had gone.
Ruth xx
I was in hospital with 3 drains for one of the weeks and home for 2 weeks with just one. I know what you mean about feeling odd without them! Once out I had seroma build up which plagues me now even! Fun times eh?! Xx