18 months on from surgery (when only one lymph node was removed), that underarm scar feels just like a bad bruise to touch. Is this common? Might it go eventually or is there a trapped nerve there for ever?!
Hi Geeps
Thanks for posting.
Immediately after surgery for breast cancer and in the weeks that follow, it’s common to feel some pain and discomfort. You may experience different sensations such as a burning feeling and numbness or pain like you describe in the scar area and under the arm.
As healing takes place, these effects usually subside. For most people this happens within a few months. However, for some like you, they can persist for longer or be permanent. We know this can affect quality of life so it’s important to ask for help from your treatment team or GP to manage them.
Ongoing (chronic) or persistent pain may be caused by damage to the nerves, particularly those in the axilla (underarm). There are different ways of controlling this pain which are described in the link.
Some people benefit from specialist advice. You may be referred to an NHS pain clinic for this, and some hospitals run pain management programmes.
You may be interested in our Moving Forward resources that are for people who have had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer and have come to the end of their main hospital treatment within the last 2 years. They include our Moving Forward booklet and Moving Forward courses.
Through supportive, open conversations in a safe, confidential space, you’ll connect with people who understand. You’ll also find the tools you need to feel more empowered, confident and in control to begin to move forward with your life.
You can attend Moving Forward either at our face-to-face course or take part by joining online. Find a course near you or register for an online course via the links above or call us on 03457 077 1893.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am - 1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Catherine
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.