Hi CK, First of all I would like to say that, if I have understood your post correctly, if you have had the lumpectomy and chemo, then you are over the worst and have little to worry about. The procedure of removing lymph nodes sounds more complicated than it actually is and the booklets that are provided really confused me! As I had the lumpectomy at the same time, I don’t want to confuse you, so I would suggest speaking to your Breast Care Nurse if you need clarity about the procedure. However, in terms of after care, don’t have the dressing taken off before 10 days. Mine was taken off after 7 days and it was too soon, it was still red and swollen and looked as if it would bleed. Also, be gentle but regular with the exercises you will be given to do. They are important otherwise the underarm and Breast starts getting swollen and hard and really painful. If you can get hold of some Arnica gel, that is really comforting and helps with the swelling and the pain. The painkillers help but luckily I didn’t have to take as many as were prescribed and after a week was only taking them at night. I found out from my GP practice that the arm which has had the lymph nodes removed should not be used for blood pressure readings and blood tests etc. This wasn’t in any of the leaflets but I have checked and it is correct. A month on after the removal , the pain and swelling has completely gone, the scar is still there though no itching and I’m hoping that a cosmetic beauty gel will reduce the scar. Hope that helps.
... View more
