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Hi Eileen, I’ve added the numbness as a question to ask at my apt on Friday with the plastic surgeon. 
Absolutely, so many factors and yes, we’re all on this rollercoaster of a journey. 
that’s good re your results on Fri 28th, not too long to wait. I should have mine by then too, I’ve been called in next Friday to see the Plastic Surgeon and I expect that is result related. 
I can sleep on both sides, which is great. I just have to manoeuvre my numb arm a bit sometimes. I don’t think my arm is swollen, just numb. I’m still not shaving underneath as I can’t feel it. How about you? 
xx️

Hi Mickey

My arm is also numb and not swollen….  For now anyway.  
I can only sleep on my “good” side or my back at the moment, due to pain and discomfort from the surgery.  However, I’ve been advised to never sleep on that side again.  Ever.  Following the lymph node removal there is an increased risk of getting lymphoedema, especially if the area is compressed by sleeping on it.  Deep joy.

The numbness is still there, and occasionally I get a sensation like barbed wire being dragged through the length of my upper arm.  Nerve endings kicking in I guess.

good luck at your appointment on Friday

xx

Hi Eileen, 

Yes, does sound like the nerves re-igniting. I haven’t had it in my arm, but have in breast and tummy. 

That’s interesting re being told not to sleep on that side again due to increased risk of lymphoedema. Was that after sentinel node(s) removal also, or full clearance? No-one has mentioned that to me ♀️

Thanks, it’s certainly a rollercoaster hey! 

xx️

It was after the full clearance.  They also said that my immune system has now been compromised, and that I must be vigilant to avoid breaking the skin anywhere on that side of my body.  Any nick, cut or insect bite could result in an infection.  The lymphatic system would normally protect me, but now a chunk of it has gone I’m vulnerable.

xx

Oh crikey, that sounds really difficult to manage ♀️- I’m sorry xx️

I’m pretty sure that applies to anyone who’s had all their axillary lymph nodes removed, although I do need to extra careful, as I’m accident prone at the best of times.

xx

I know what you mean - I find myself more accident prone now-a-days xx️

That's interesting about not sleeping on the side of the axillary clearance. I don't think I was told that. Just about being careful, not having blood pressure, tests etc from that arm. Although to be honest that whole "consent" appt where the nurse ran through everything is a bit of a blur. I came out emotionally destroyed with a carrier bag of drains and a fake boob

Hi Tipsywitch - I was told the same.  My Mum had a mastectomy in 2001 followed by radiotherapy and she developed lymphoedema as she was a keen gardener and perhaps scratched herself gardening, or she was also a side sleeper.  We lost her to metastases in 2007.

21 years later, here I am having had sentinel node removal with lumpectomy of ICD Grade 2 HER2 Negative tumours from right breast, to find all 4 nodes of sentinel node surgery had cancer cells, so back in 28 days later (all happened in November) to have auxiliary node clearance.  I too haven't been able to sleep on my right side like I used to.  Arm numb and pain at wound site, but finally sealed up and healing.  About to start tablet form chemo next week as CT scan showed all my organs clear, but fuzzies on spine.  Bone scan revealed I have metastases on spine, a left rib and pelvis.

I know chemo and breast cancer treatments have moved in leaps and bounds in the last 15-20 years, so really hoping I don't follow in my Mum's footsteps.  Doing all I can to avoid lymphoedema and other complications.

Wishing you, MickeyM and the rest of us fighting this disease the very best in our treatments.

Morning Brainybunch, 

I’m sorry to read about your Mum. Like you say treatments have moved on so much since then. 

Did they tell you not to sleep on that side after full node clearance? Or is that just what you knew from your mothers experience? 

I was told yesterday by a BCN that all three nodes removed were clear, so I’m relieved for good news there. 

I hope the tablet form of chemo works for you. I don’t know much about how that works. 

Thank you for your kind wishes and the same to you and as you kindly said everyone who is fighting this disease. 

love n hugs Mickey xx️