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Lymph node biopsy

Cherries83
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I recently had breast and lymph node biopsies. They had to repeat the lymph node biopsy and on the second one I think they caught a nerve as I had a sharp pain go all the way down my arm. Ever since I have had constant pain, what feels like something snapping in my upper arm if I lift it up and pins and needles going all the way to the tips of my fingers. Is it possible to get cording from this even though it was a standard biopsy and not a sentinel node biopsy? The GP has prescribed gabapentin to see if this helps. I’m due to have a mastectomy in a few weeks as well. Any other tips on how to control the pain would be greatly appreciated.

  • Hi Cherries8318

    My name is Gemma, one of the  Cancer Information Nurse Specialist’s on the Macmillan Support Line.

    Sorry to hear about the side effects you have been having after your repeat lymph node biopsy.

    Unfortunately, we don’t have access to NHS notes here on Ask a Nurse, so we can only offer general advice and signposting.

    You have done the right thing by contacting your GP, Gabapentin can take a few weeks to have effect, so continue with the plan and keep assessing the response.

    Breast Cancer Now has some useful information on pain and discomfort after treatments and tests for breast cancer.

    For some people, it may not be possible to be completely pain free, but the pain can be managed.

    It may be useful to keep a pain diary, which you can show to your GP or treatment team. This may help with finding the best ways of managing your pain.

    The NHS website has information about getting help with ongoing pain. 

    Mention the pain to your surgeon before your mastectomy, they might be able to suggest or offer further support after the procedure, such as physiotherapy or exercise.

    If there is anything else we can help you with please feel free to get back in touch.

     

    Best wishes

    Gemma

     Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

     

    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.

     

    Ref/ GeS/KR

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