Hi Laura
Thanks for your post. It’s understandable that you’re asking what level of discomfort is normal at this stage following your mastectomy and reconstruction.
It takes many months for healing to take place so it’s not unusual to feel altered sensations and pain at this time. Some people experience pain and tightening or stiffness due to ‘cording’ , which are stiff bands of inflamed tissue, which may not be visible, but felt in the armpit or extending down the arm. Depending on whether the implant is placed above or below the chest muscle, some people may also experience ongoing pain from this area too.
These symptoms can appear weeks, or months, after surgery.
It’s important to contact your treatment team so they can assess you. You may require some physiotherapy to help with your symptoms, especially if you have ‘cording.’ Taking regular pain relief may also help with the symptoms you’re having.
You don’t say what work you do. However, anyone diagnosed with cancer is classed as disabled under the Equality Act of 2010, so do talk to your Line Manager and Human Resources department to discuss if there any adjustments they can make during this time to make it easier for you to carry out your work. Macmillan Cancer Support charity have a freephone helpline have some useful resources you can read about here.
If you have a breast care nurse, it would be a good idea to contact her to discuss how you’re feeling. She may be able to offer you some ongoing support.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can be helpful and our Someone Like Me service can arrange for one of our volunteers to talk to you by email or telephone. Our volunteers have had a personal experience of breast cancer and are trained to provide support.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0345 077 1893 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org ,so they can then match you to your volunteer.
We offer a range of other free supportive services that you might be interested in. For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free Helpline.
Do call our Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. 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 like a nurse to call you do complete this form . Ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our 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
Addie
Breast Care Nurse
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