Post surgery discomfort.

Hi 

I didn’t have a mastectomy, but I had a sentinel lymph node biopsy and lumpectomy and afterwards I had a searing pain or burning sensation on my back/side just under my shoulder blade.  When I asked my surgeon, he said that was quite normal - it’s the brain not understanding that there’s a numb area as some of the nerves will have been affected by the operation. I don’t know if this is the same as you’re experiencing but if so, it’s nothing to worry about and might take a few weeks to settle down.  I would probably advise you to talk to your team about it in any case, especially if the skin in the painful area is red or if you have a temperature. It’ll put your mind at rest if nothing else!

Best of luck and hope you have a quick recovery

Loffie x

Hi

I think this is quite normal, I had a mx RHS, lumpectomy LHS and the ANC RHS in Feb/March 2020 as well as DIEP recon Dec 2020 and the only thing that pains me is the armpit area re the ANC..its a really sensitive area and obviously takes quite a lot to get the lymph nodes out. I do think that the exercises given, exercise in general and massaging the area helps but think the discomfort is here for good.

Sam

Thank you for your reply. It's just so frustrating. I'm sure it will become more comfortable in time.  

I will have my histology results next week so I will ask them.

• XX

Thank you. Does the swelling reduce over time? 

Xx

I'm sorry you're experiencing so much pain, kdramalover. I'm due to have the same sort of procedures as you in the next few weeks. My type of cancer is giving me pain in the areas you've described (even though I've had no surgery yet) so I can relate to the strange feeling that the nerves and resultant referred pain are kind of wired in an unexpected way. Do mention it to your medical team, they may be able to help you with the discomfort. Heal well. 

Mine is only a week old but certainly more painful under my arm.