Swelling after mastectomy

Hi

Is this anywhere near where you had nodes removed ? as it could be scar tissue pressing on a nerve. Another possibility is a muscle/tendon strain in the shoulder area. Unsure if these would cause swelling though.

Would always recommend anything that feels or looks different for you needs checking out if only for peace of mind last thing you want is something like cellulitis.

Are you still in contact with your breast care nurse ?

G n' J

Sometimes one of thr nerves in the arm is cut to access the nodes higher up.  Is the area still numb at all? I'm guessing that you didn't have chemo because you don't mention it,  but that can play havoc with surgery. I have swelling and pulling in my chest,  side and armpit every cycle from about day 4/5 onwards, which I initially worried was lymphodema,  but it comes and goes with thr cycle. Scar tissue and adhesions can also cause pain.  Could you try massage in thr areas,  it does that make it worse?

My breast nurse told me it can take 8 months or more for ther surgery to settle, and nerves can take up to a couple of years to recover,  so it's still early days:) x

Hi

It's the same swelling I had straight after surgery but not quite as bad........it was numb and tingly then and still it so in that sense it is't any different. I don't have access to my assigned BCN any longer but can contact the nurse of the day at the unit if needed. I'll give it another week and then call them.....

Thanks,
Andrea

Hi

Yes, the area is still numb with that 'sunburn' sensation. No, I declined chemo based on my oncotoype score of 21. I had 15 sessions of radiotherapy and am having zoladex injections monthly for ovarian suppression and anastrazole. I had an inflatable implant which will be replaced in 12/18 months with tummy diep. I've tried massage but it's so sore.........I've just returned to horse riding after 4 months off and every time I ride I get some swelling travelling down my arm to my wrist. Not noticeable to the eye but I have to remove my bracelet because it becomes tight. I don't think its lymphoedema but will keep a close eye. 

I've just about come to terms that I'll never get my old 'normal' back but now wait in anticipation for my new version to establish itself!!

xx

Hi pinkpony,

I had a Mastectomy last year and 4 nodes removed, I'm quite an active person, gardening,also have a horse and my mastectomy site and underarm continue to have varying levels of pain, when I've seriously over done things it is quite painful and slightly swollen, I've mentioned it to my Surgeon he said its a combination of the Surgery and radiotherapy which damages tissue, cartilage etc. He advised me to use Ibuprofen gel on the area, that wasn't much help at all, but Paracetamol is. 

Best Wishes.

Hi ,

I had separate ops for node and mastectomy, the node op (surgeon was assuming they were clear which they proved to be) was far more of a problem than the mx, sore, slightly swollen, tender to touch and move, and generally a pest! The Mx with implant was a longer, bigger op but much easier to cope with. 
I understand you’ve also got an offspring with HL which is why I sent you a friend request in case you want to chat off the record? 

hugs xxx