Advise after lumpectomy almost 2weeks after

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Hi

just wondering if there’s anyone out there that has been in my situation. I had a lumpectomy and a few lymph nodes removed almost two weeks ago. 
I have had pain in my arm from inner elbow up to armpit and some days i can’t straighten my arm fully. 
has anyone else got through this and had normal arm movement down the line?

Also my breast has become hard all around the wound is this normal? 
Thankyou for listening

  • Hi Webb21

    i had my lumpectomy and 3 nodes removed in April , I still get the odd pain in my armpit and has have numbness on the outside of my arm.my breast went hard as it was healing but is lovely and soft now and the big dent I had seems to have filled in !!! I did all the exercises and had a bit of cording which I massaged and it wen.

    it’s still early days for you I’m sure it will get better but if you are really worried ring the BCN for advice take care xx

  • Thankyou

    that does give me comfort to know it goes back to normal over time. Ahh ok I will try the massaging, it hurts so much to touch my arm in places Pensive

    Thankyou yes I’m awaiting a call back from the bcnurse team. Xx

  • That’s good they will help , I would wait a few more weeks before doing the massage as it is painful . You need to be full healed as you need to use cream to stop friction xx

  • Ohh yes I was just going to use on arm, I still can’t even touch my armpit with rollon without it hurting! Definitely won’t be massaging it yet Joy

  • Hi  , I had an aching arm for quite a while after lumpectomy and sentinel node sampling, I can remember regularly stretching it above my held as that seemed to relieve it. I also used to prop it on a cushion when sitting as I felt it didn’t want to dangle. Quite weird really, looking back! And I had a carpet burn feeling down the side of my armpit and upper arm. I can’t remember how long it lasted but it did resolve, so don’t despair! Definitely get it checked though, always best to get a medical opinion. The movement was also restricted for a good while, again I can’t remember how long but I remember the relief when I could put cardigans and coats on the ‘right way round’ for me, instead of starting with the bad arm which felt very awkward. And finally being able to undo my bra from the back again! I think nerves get damaged with all the poking around and can take a while to heal and settle down. And I think our operations are all different (I had a far longer scar than expected, all depends on the location and depth of the lump I think). 
    Good luck with it all, hope you get a call back soon and some reassurance. Love and hugs, HFxx 

    HappyFeet1 xx
    Don’t be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts. – Hopi
  • Hi 

    I had the same but all nodes removed. The physiotherapist at the hospital was fantastic. I got exercises and advice on massage. I am 5 months post surgery and have full range of movement but still have patches of numbness in upper arm.

  • my breast was bery swollen after surgery,it finally lessened like 6 weeks later, it will happen, also be sure to do exercises and it sounds like u may be getting cording, you need to massage and flick/twang the arm to break up the scar tissues.

    i also bought a light compression sleeve to reduce the tingling pain from nerves