Hello. I had a lumpectomy 3 weeks ago. They also removed 2 lymph nodes for testing. The test showed that the lymph nodes are clear. But my armpit is getting very uncomfortable, painful and swollen. Is there a cream or something that I can use to reduce this?
Thank you for your question about the changing symptoms you have noticed in your armpit. My name is Gemma, and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists here at the Macmillan support line.
I see one of our lovely community champions has signposted you to contact your breast cancer nurse to be checked over and agree with their excellent advice. There can be many reasons for increasing armpit discomfort and swelling after lymph node sampling surgery, so it is important that you are assessed properly.
This is especially important if you have noticed any other signs of infection such as redness or heat, along with this increase in swelling and pain. Also, if you have been feeling ‘under the weather’ or flu-like with hot and cold chills, as this can also point to possible infection.
I see from your previous question, that you were seen yesterday by the surgeon, due to the breast seroma re-filling up and becoming painful. Your armpit symptoms might even be related to the seroma. Please don’t worry about contacting them again, it’s only been a few weeks since your operation and things can change on a day-to-day basis. You mentioned that your surgeon said to let them know if it became more painful, so please be reassured that he would want you to get in touch.
In the meantime, it might help to take some pain relief if you are not already. If you are taking painkillers and the pain is increasing please be sure to mention that to your surgeon so he can prescribe what you need. The other people who can help with pain relief are your breast care nurse, local pharmacist, Boots Macmillan Pharmacist or your own GP.
If you think it may be helpful to chat things over in more detail with one of the nurses here please do give us a call. We can often understand and explain things better over a spoken call with the opportunity to ask questions.
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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