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Post Lumpectomy / Sentinel Node Biopsy Pain - is it nerve pain and, if so, what can I do?

Mrs_Brightside
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Hi, there. I'm 3 weeks post-lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy where 4 lymph nodes were removed. Everything seems to be healing fine and I'm out walking and getting on with life as best I can.  However, I have a lot of pain/discomfort on my skin around my armpit, even towards my back and into my breast. The pain feel more like my skin is chafed or inflamed, but the skin's appearance is fine and not hot, red or inflamed looking. Is this nerve pain?  If so, how long might it last and is there anything I can do other than the standard post op breast physio exercises and some Ibuprofen?

I shall probably pop into my local drop in clinic with the breast nurses to have a look but wondered if it were common and when I might expect it to improve. 

Thanks so much

Gillian

  • Hi Mrs_Brightside,

     

    Thank you for getting in touch with us and welcome to our online community.  My name is Adrienne and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists at Macmillan.

    I see that you are also a member of our breast cancer forum.  I really do hope you are finding it supportive and helpful.

    I’m sorry to hear about the pain you are experiencing since having a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy.  It’s always important to get any new, changing or worsening pain checked out as soon as possible. 

    You mentioned the skin itself has no visible signs of infection, such as redness or heat.  Tenderness around the wound could still be a sign of infection so keep a close eye on it.  If you do notice any redness, discharge, heat, swelling, start to feel generally unwell or have a fever, then please get in touch with NHS 111 to have it assessed. 

    It’s difficult to know, without seeing you, whether this could be nerve pain.  Many people who have had lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy do experience a burning sensation as a result of temporary damage to the minor nerves around the scar and under the arm.  This does usually ease with time, usually over a few weeks but it is a very individual thing and can take a bit longer for some people. 

    If simple pain killers such as ibuprofen aren’t helping, your hospital team may suggest a different kind of medication.  This might be an anti-depressant or anti-epileptic medication which can be much more effective in helping with nerve pain.

    Keep going with your post-op exercises but most importantly, let your breast nurse know about it.  Pop into the drop-in clinic tomorrow or if you notice any signs of infection before then, call NHS 111.

     

    Take care and best wishes,

     

    Adrienne

    Adrienne McGrath (Clinical Information Nurse Specialist)

     

    If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

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