Symptoms post Lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy

I had my SNB back in October, and my armpit and inner upper arm are still pretty numb, I'm afraid to say. Sometimes nerve damage happens - it's crappy, but just one of those things sent to try us. Stay positive if you can!

Hi kaz , I had my SNB in September and would say it took at least 4 months until my underarm started to feel normal again. It went through times of feeling very tight and numb  but it's fine now. I just used to very gently massage my arm and found some simple exercises on you tube for lymphedema which I felt helped even if just for my soul knowing I was doing something. It's very early days for you keep being positive and good luck for Wednesday.

Hi there

I had my SNB and lumpectomy on 8th March and my underarm has been tender and itchy. It is starting to ease off now gradually. I would make sure you keep the area cool - loose clothing, cotton etc and avoid deodorants and scented wash products on the area. It does get better just part and parcel of the operation and healing process. All the best for your results and next steps forward. xxx

Hi Kaz

I had my op 5th Jan and have some numbness still but full use even with some cording....I use a long body brush on my skin every morning always brush to the heart and it helps stimulate the lymphatic system....I start from my feet upwards...considering I had a burst seroma which meant the wound needed stitching I've healed really well,....have a look on here for in your area for moving forward its a 12 week physio class sponsored by mcmillan..individually planned....you meet lots of different people with different cancers....its mad fun and never gloomy lol 

I am returning this week for ten weeks as I finished my radiotherapy last week but because I worked then went for my treatments I was too rushed to go to class and then treatment and then too tired as it was on a Friday....looking forward to going back this week though 

If you have radiotherapy order from your GP R1 and R2 its fab and works 

Good luck for Wednesday 

Rainbow Debs xxxx 

I got lumpectomy last March and I've still got numbness

My surgeon said it won't go away as when they take lymph nodes there are nerves that get damaged that cannot recover

Thank you all so much for your excellent advice. I was back at the hospital on Wednesday and it was good news - my lymph nodes were clear!! Unfortunately, the lump that they removed from my breast was bigger than previously thought, so they didn't get as big enough of a margin. I am therefore going back in again on Monday to have the remainder removed. A bit of an inconvenience, but worth it.

Thank you. Pleased to say itching is easing now. I've been using vitamin E oil on my skin which I find is really helping.Hope everything goes well for you xx

That's exactly what happened to me when I got the lumpectomy 

I had to go back for another operation 

All went well tho

I didn't have spread either

Plus I was the unfortunate one in my family to ever have cancer

But now I'm glad it's all over

I finished my treatment at the end of October 

Just waiting to see when I see my surgeon now in may for my reconstruction 

I actually can't wait to see her

Val 

hi kaz71 I'm in exactly the same situation as you. Going back for second op on Thursday. I was going to ask about numbness and movement too! I'm a month on from my lumpectomy/sentinel lymph node removal and dispirited by lack of flexibility and pain during exercises. I'm not known for my patience and have to keep reminding myself it's early days! We're lucky that we have primary cancers that haven't spread and I keep reminding myself of that. Hope all goes well for you on Monday.