Swelling and burning sensation after Lymph node surgery

Hello Londonmumof2,

Sorry to hear you are going through this.  I'm not sure if my answer will help, although it may easy your mind a little.  

I had my lumpectomy and lymph node operation at the same time.  What I will say is, the lumpectomy site hardly hurt at all, maybe a 'slight' discomfort, if that.  However, the lymph node area did hurt, in a strange way, it seemed to 'sting' more than anything, I'd get to the point where I'd be saying 'this is crazy, this really is stinging, yet not hurting', this went on for a good few days.  When sleeping and resting I found it more comfortable to place a pillar between my arm and my body, this eased it slightly.   

You say your arm, armpit, shoulder and hand all 'feel' swollen - do you think they are swollen?  I would say, to keep your eye on the area, if you notice any reddening or that the area is feeling hot then it would be wise to phone you BC nurse, you may have an infection.

I hope I have helped a little, just sorry I can't take your pain away.

Sending love and very gentle hugs xx

Hi Londonmumof2, I’d echo WhatHappened’s advice to ask BC nurses (or surgeon again) to check it just in case of infection. From my own experience of lymph node sampling (so a lesser op, I think you’ve had clearance?) I’d say that the lymph node interference was definitely more painful than the lumpectomy bit (I have one long scar for both as my lump was in the upper section of my breast). My whole arm felt tender and ‘full’, particularly my upper arm and shoulder. The side of my armpit felt like it had a carpet burn for a few months afterwards. So I think mine sounds like a lesser version of yours. Sorry you’re having this, do keep asking the team to monitor it. 

Have just replied to your post re the Victoria Crowe exhibition, you must have fitted that in just before your op? Sending gentle hugs and hoping it all resolves soon, HFxx

Thanks both,

Yes, I'd booked to go and see my uncle(who is almost 99!)  for a couple of days in half term ages ago, before the diagnosis. I'm originally from just outside Edinburgh and book well ahead as I see him monthly and hotels in Edinburgh cost a fortune these days. Coincidentally I also went to the Mary Beard lecture 'Them and Us' at the Uni on the Monday night, and she was on my flight going up on Monday morning!

I had a mastectomy 6 weeks ago and they thought my nodes were clear. They found one wasn't and all the (insert word here) tests delayed things six weeks. I'm used to the bottle so hopefully won't forget it and yank the cord this time, but this surgery is so much more uncomfortable than a mastectomy.. The anesthetist gave me a different anesthetic this time as I told him i sick all day after the last one, but whilst this one has no nausea it's giving me a terrible headache today. I'll contact my Macmillan nurse today and see what she thinks.  x