Lymph node clearance single mastectomy advice and experiences

Hi, I had Lymph node clearance 7th Jan after MX in November. My arm is probably at 70% nearly 3 weeks later. I run and do yoga. I started back running yesterday and all was fine. Yoga will be a few more weeks I think. There is no pain when using my arm normally. When I do the exercises my movement is limited when lifting above my head and feels painful still but hopefully this will lessen. In my mind just knowing that they have removed the cancer was all I was concerned with. I can deal with some limits in movement and can  change my exercise, I want to survive this. Her drains will not be in long hopefully, button up or zip front tops are easier, I lived in PJ's for a couple of weeks. Make sure she does the exercises. First few days lots of rest. Gentle walks, lots of fluids. I have heard gentle massage helps. I wish your wife well, if she has any other questions please let me know, or someone else may be able to help. Gentle hugs to you both. Anna

Hello it sounds like you are being really supportive to your wife. Sorry to hear she has had to undergo several ops. Just to say that I had a node clearance in September 2019 after a single mastectomy. they found 3 out of 5 nodes affected so went in to clear the rest (no option - I was told I needed it). To be honest I think I would have wanted the clearance anyway if I had had the option. I did experience a longer rehabilitation than from the mastectomy, and I do have ongoing cording issues. However, I have an excellent range of movement on that side. I am a keen tennis player and I can now play - and even serve(!) with the affected arm. Cording, even longterm, can be eased with massage and the right exercises. It affects some people more than others. I have been told I may always have it but it is manageable and its not a reason not to have the operation (in my view). I have always been a bit of a fitness fanatic, so I too was worried about range of movement, but 18 months later and I can do most of what I did before, just not heavy lifting, as long as I don't overdo it and make sure to stretch afterwards. I agree front fastening bras with a soft wide band are easiest to wear but initially I didn't wear a bra and spent many hours lounging in PJ's ... All the best to you both :)

By the way if your wife would like any support or has any questions relating to the ANC and is not keen on looking through previous threads, you could send me a friend request if you like and I can reply directly, as have been through similar experience. :) There are also lots of other ladies (and men) on this forum who have experience of node clearance, so she is in very good company. 

Hi,

I had full node clearance on my right side just prior to Christmas. Likewise, gutted that this might impact on future athletic pursuits as a I am a keen (some would say obsessed) right handed tennis player, runner, skier, fitness nut. I am however really encouraged by my progress to regain flexibility and I do see a day when i will play again. Initially I thought that it would be impossible but gentle, regular exercises and a new attitude not to push my body too hard is reaping dividends. Thank you ‘PictureThis2’ for your comments, I am now even more encouraged to eventually get back on court. (Have you switched to a lighter racket?)

My surgery date was booked at very short notice and I had little time to prep with new bras etc. In a bit of a panic I bought 2 zip front fastening bras from Sainsbury’s of all places,  and my nurse said they were better than the specialist offering from hospital. They are so comfortable I have since bought 4 more. Your wife will likely be wearing a bra around the clock so don’t underestimated how many you will need. Button up tops are essential but wide necked stretchy tops are a bonus if your wife can step in to them and shimmy them up.

I wish you both well on this phase of the journey. So important to keep goals in sight,

Klertie

Hi,

I had full node clearance on my right side just prior to Christmas. Likewise, gutted that this might impact on future athletic pursuits as a I am a keen (some would say obsessed) right handed tennis player, runner, skier, fitness nut. I am however really encouraged by my progress to regain flexibility and I do see a day when i will play again. Initially I thought that it would be impossible but gentle, regular exercises and a new attitude not to push my body too hard is reaping dividends. Thank you ‘PictureThis2’ for your comments, I am now even more encouraged to eventually get back on court. (Have you switched to a lighter racket?)

My surgery date was booked at very short notice and I had little time to prep with new bras etc. In a bit of a panic I bought 2 zip front fastening bras from Sainsbury’s of all places,  and my nurse said they were better than the specialist offering from hospital. They are so comfortable I have since bought 4 more. Your wife will likely be wearing a bra around the clock so don’t underestimated how many you will need. Button up tops are essential but wide necked stretchy tops are a bonus if your wife can step in to them and shimmy them up.

I wish you both well on this phase of the journey and beyond. So important to keep goals in sight,

Klertie

Thanks for your post . Yes keep going with the rehab, you'll get there. It sounds trivial in the grand scheme of things, but I was at the time of the second operation really gutted at the thought of never being able to play tennis again, so I am thrilled to have managed to get there. I actually felt quite emotional when I got back on court after a 14 month break (I had chemo too). Yes I have a slightly lighter racket now which I find helps. Another tip is to play at first with slightly lighter tennis balls (you know the green/yellow ones - just one level down from the regular balls?). I find this lessens the impact in my joints and is less likely to cause injury. I am actually having more problems with an old tennis elbow injury which the Letrozole seems to magnify, than I am with the affected shoulder :) If you do find you have any issues, this is the sort of thing which a sports physio would be very happy to help you with and could advise the right strengthening exercises. I use resistance bands to work on strength a bit. Keep going with it. All the best to you all. x 

Hi Anna 

Thank you ! This is really positive and I will be passing on the info. We have a treadmill so she will be delighted to hear that you are back running so quickly and it is possible. Thank you also for the advice on the tops , exercises and fluid etc it is so useful to get first hand and recent experience so I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. Sending hugs and best wishes for your continued recovery x

Hi Picturethis 2 :-) 

thank you for taking the time to reply and the info on tennis and fitness really comforting. I understand that with the lymph node clearance it’s an issue of health but I she is just really worried that it then impacts on her mental health and well-being if she can’t do the things she loves and also this group of people provide a strong support network. That said obviously health and longevity is paramount but I’m seeing that when people are in this situation different things worry and not only the obvious things. She has said that maybe bowls is an option!! Thank you again really grateful for you answers and personal experience. Best wishes and hugs x

Hi Klertie 

great to hear that you are recovering first hand experiences are so good to help with the process. The advice re not pushing too hard and gentle regular exercise is really useful , she is really motivated so I don’t think she will ‘sit still’ but it’s great for me to know that I should encourage it. I’m trying to find the button up tops ... she isn’t keen on the Hawaiian shirts that I have suggested !! Thank you again and wishing you all the best with your continued recovery best wishes and hugs x

PictureThis2 it so doesn’t seem trivial in the grand scheme of things-  I think it’s exactly what my wife feels so it’s reassuring. It’s so positive and amazing that you are back on the court - I can defo feel a match in the future with Klertie is in order sounds like it will be a very competitive game !