Hi, I am asking for advice or confirmation really.
its 3 weeks today since my mastectomy. Left side . I am lucky enough to have been able to work from home after the first week of my op.
when I stand after working etc the site of the op is tight, it feels like I have a heavy weight pulling my chest on that side. Under my arm below the incision when I do the shrug or shoulder roll it feels like a clicking sensation then a hot sharp pain if I hold it it doesn’t hurt as much.
The tendon under my arm is incredibly tight, and I keep having tensing sensation around my chest .
I read how other people are getting on with their daily lives going for long walks etc but i feel very stiff the area is tight and quite sore, under my arm I have a tennis ball size softish lump . There doesn’t appear to be any infection.
has anyone else had all this, or do I need to seek advice, I am getting my results Friday so was going to wait till then. I’m also so cold all the time too .
Hi there, you might want to to give you cancer nurse a call, just to put your mind at ease, or even give the lovely folks here at Macmillan a ring on 0800 808 0000. It’s so difficult to know what is normal healing and what is something that should be checked so always better to be sure I think. Best wishes
Hi Irish girl 16 , I was going tomorrow for results but they have delayed me getting them , so I’m going for a wound check and see them tomorrow x thx
Results have been delayed for a week, that has made me very concerned, I’m still going to get the wound checked . Does this unsure and insecure feeling ever get better ♀️?
Hi, honestly? It does get better, for sure but even now, 3 years on, I find myself sometimes questioning every lump and bump and thinking “was this here before? Is this new?” So in many ways I have become more relaxed but the heightened sense of uncertainty has never completely gone away.
In saying that, I am back at work full time, travelling a lot, very busy and this really does not impact my day to day. It's more on the odd occasion that I think more deeply about it. So to reassure you, in my very round about way, yes it gets so much better. Best wishes
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007