Healing advice from axillary lymph node clearance and mastectomy

Hi,

Sorry I can't offer any insights, I just wanted to reply to put your message back to the top as no-one has replied.

Sending hugs and hope it starts to ease soon Xx

Hi

I had a axial node clearance 7 weeks ago and experienced almost identical pain in my arm. I described it as feeling like intense sunburn or that sensation you get if you accidentally grate your skin using a cheese grater! I found codeine as good as anything pain killer wise. My arm is better now but I am sorry to say it’s still not normal - Not so much painful as just doesn’t feel right. I also have cording which I haven’t been able to get sorted yet. I think it is just a time thing

Thank you for your reply , my hubby keeps telling me to take codine so I might try this as not getting much relief from The other pain killers . I also have cording and just been told to massage it but a bit hard as it’s still so sore . I hope you too get some relief thank you :)) 

Hi sunshine83 I am so sorry to read you are still getting pain weeks after your surgery. I had a lumpectomy and SLNB and I would say it took 4-5 weeks before the pain levels eased off for me. The nerve pain up the back of my arm and into my left shoulder blade was very uncomfortable and I definitely noticed it when sitting or lying on it, or when I was wearing tighter-fitting tops. Also, once I removed my dressings, I found the scar in my armpit from the SLNB really uncomfortable for a while as every time I moved my arm I felt like I was rubbing it and it felt raw.

I am pleased to say that the pain eased off after a while. It seems it is just part of the healing process, and part of me was reassured that I wasn't actually damaging anything and that it would pass. I found the Breast Cancer Now physio exercises really helped the discomfort. Even though it's uncomfortable the stretching seemed to ease it so do keep them up. I also rubbed Bio-Oil into the scars twice a day and they seem to be healing up beautifully, so I would definitely recommend if you aren't using it already. I hope you are feeling better soon! 

Thank you for your reply I’ve had 2 days of it being a little less uncomfortable . My lymph nodes were cleared through my mastectomy operation so no operation to the armpit although still cording . I have bio oil and will use this once I’m sure it’s healed properly . The excercises definitely help and stretching more helps too thank you for the reassurance I guess we have to just ride it out when every hour of discomfort feels like forever dosent it x 

Hi

I’m 8wks post op. I find physio exercise, gentle movement and self massage combined with heat pad/beanie helps strange sensations. Also keep the area warm at all times. 

Hope you find some relief. Take care x

Thank you for your reply yes I find keeping it warm helps the feeling I get when I get goose pimples when it gets cold sets it off again , had a bad night with hardly any sleep so u comfortable so back to taking more meds to keep it at bay x