Pain after lumpectomy & node removal

Hi Tia

I had the same operation as you 27th Jan and I'm still feeling pain but it's slowly getting better. Ive been describing it as like someone has put a hot iron under my armpit. I saw the surgeon 4 weeks after surgery and was told everything I'm feeling is normal.

I'm able to move my arm normally, I've started to be able to sleep on both sides at night but I'm also still needing painkillers.

I hope you start to feel better soon and are able to rest up.

Cheers

Lizzy

Thanks for that Lizzy. Guess I’ll just have to be more patient & not expect too much.

When you read people only get fortnight sick note I thought the recovery would be faster than it is. At the rate I’m going there’s no way I’d be ready to return to work in a weeks time.  The lumpectomy site is no where near as painful as under my arm. Reassuring to know you found the same. 

I felt the exact same. If the note says 2 weeks then I should be better by then! I ended up having over 4 weeks off and only went back this week. My GP was happy to extend my sick note.

I did the suggested exercises but progress was very slow. It is very frustrating. I made sure I kept up the painkillers all of the time. Was given Oramorph but just took paracetamol. I had a general frustration that the improvement was very slow, but you will get there - just does take time no matter what you do. Hope you're doing OK.

Hi 

   I also had this operation on the 22nd december. I was in a lot of pain for the first few weeks burning and the numbness in my armpit was unbearable. I used a small soft cushion under my armpit because it gave me some relief from my armpit touching together. Ten weeks on and starting to feel a bit more like myself but still not back at work.I was told i was impatient ,just take as much time as you need for your body to recover. radiotherapy starts next week.

Hope you start to feel more comfortable soon.

I got a four week sick note up front; the surgeon just did this without asking so I’d definitely request an extension/new note. It’s pretty major surgery, especially if dominant arm x

Hi Venicelagoon 

it’s reassuring to know it’s quite normal - I just need to be more patient. 

Lilac

I have that red hot poker feeling. When I had my dressing changed I mentioned it to the BCN incase it was an infection. She did say it’s normal. 
They gave you quite a break from op to radiotherapy I hope the same for me

Hi Hel 39 

Yes it is my dominant hand   

Sick note - I’ll bear that in mind.Thanks 

Thank you for all the replies. 

Another question

How far did you go with the exercises?

I’ve been doing the exercise sheet 3x per day. It says you should increase the range each day  eg crawling fingers up the wall. If I do this the pain & heat become unbearable the following day. I ve got that I go to the ‘stretch’ point and stay there for the count of 10 rather than attempt to increase. Am I just being a wuss.

Is it no pain no gain ?  I’m seeing my BCN & surgeon this Friday so if there is anything I should ask please mention it 

Thanks again