Hello
I had breast cancer surgery last June and lymph nodes removal. I am still having severe pain under my arm and when moving. I use to sleep with my arm up holding my head but I get so much pain i can not sleep like that anymore. I also find if anyone knocks me when out the pain is terrible. Even holding the bannister going up the stairs is bad.
Can anyone suggest anything that can help. My consultant has just said it will take time.
Thanks for reading.
Hi TAG1965.
I had my surgery on the left breast and axilliary node clearance (15 in total ) on 20th July. I have found the under arm node area scar the most problematic. I had a seroma which needed draining three times and still have a pinky tinge to my left breast . I do the suggested stretching exercises three times a day and I am sure this has helped. I start my radiotherapy on Friday so I have had to make sure I can hold my arms over my head and stay still for 15 to 20 minutes . I think I have mastered it 
. I have a baby brush which I gently move up my left arm and into my armpit towards the breast. My BCN advised this when I had my seroma . I also gently squeeze a soft ball .
Do try to do the stretching exercises , gently at first and over the days it does get easier. I also sleep with a pillow under my knees and a heart shaped small cushion in the arm pit area on the side I had surgery. This all works for me and I hope you can find a way to ease your discomfort. It does take time and I know I will have to continue to do these stretching exercises for months or even years to keep the movement in my arm .
Living with cancer is not easy but there is good support on this site and sunnier days will come back eventually .
Good luck
take care , NannaJ
