Mastectomy Recovery

Hi Rosie

I also had a mastectomy in December last year and have been suffering constant pain in my armpit, shoulder and forearm which has now caused very restricted movement and a disability that I didn't have prior to the surgery!

I have been referred to a physio and try to use my arm as much as possible but it just will not go in some directions!

I have been in touch with the breast cancer team but the only explanation I have had is "it is wear and tear in my shoulder joint and I must have had it before" no, no, no I didn't. My scar is very tight and still pulling and my shoulder/arm problem is something that happened during the surgery!

I don't have the answers I'm afraid and I don't know if this is long term or permanent, I am just living on painkillers! I can't get any face to face appointments now with the corona virus situation!

Sorry I'm not much help but at least you know there is someone else who has the same problem.

I wonder if we had the same surgeon???

Regards Penny

Hi ,

the nerves around your breast have been cut during the mastectomy and again due to your delayed reconstruction so you will get aches and pains due to all that. It might help doing regular gentle massages now that you’re healed? It can help desensitise nerve endings.....but please continue to do those exercises! 

if it’s any help I’m 2 years post Mx with implant and still occasionally get twinges, sometimes an itchy nipple (which of course I haven’t got!!!) 

Hugs xxx

Hi,

I'm about 20 months post Mastectomy, without reconstruction, I'm a keen gardener and also have a horse to look after, I get a lot of deep discomfort in my mastectomy and underarm area, sometimes discomfort down my arm, I often wonder if the pain/discomfort would be less if I did less but doing less.  I need to keep active to take my mind off the whole cancer journey, plus hubby has illnesses including cancer, so I could easily be driven mad by the whole illness thing. I have discussed the above with my BC and Surgeon and have been told its due to the nerves being cut and after effects of radiotherapy. The only advise my Surgeon gave was to use Ibuprofen gel on the mastectomy site, which I do when it's at its worst, it does help and Paracetamol.  Give the Ibuprofen a try, it may help. 

I still do the post mastectomy exercises and stretches as I find that helps. Its a difficult journey and knowing what's normal after the treatment is the part I find hard, I find myself worrying about it a lot, the professionals can only go on medical training, text books and feedback from their patients, you've got to have been there. 

Best Wishes. 

Hi Rosie64   I had my mastectomy 2004, all those aches and pains you are getting are the same as mine were.you need to take your time. This healing process is a marathon not a sprint. Do your exercises and listen to your body when it aches you stop.I dont want to upset you but it took a couple of years for all my aches and pains to settle down, and even now if i overdo things i have a niggle ache. Your body will let you know when its time to step thing up dont run before you can walk. I remember what it feels like wanting to get back to normal and put it all behind you, and you will. The best things i took were paracetamol and warm baths a good soak helps ease those aches keep well xx