Newly diagnosed with Breast and lymph node cancer

Hi Caroline,  I did not have sentinel node biopsy but have had friends who have snd have read that it is very painful so don’t feel that you don’t have a high threshold for pain.  Sometimes when all this is happening our emotions just have to be released.  Very happy to hear that breast was clear so that is a positive for sure.  
I know on my cancer journey that I wish I would have cried more.  I teared up now and again but tried to keep it together.  I am finally going through radiation on both breasts as I had early BC in both of my little breasts and hope that is the last of it.  

Keep on going by putting one foot in front of the other and if the steps are baby steps that is ok too.  We are all here to listen.

Wishing you the best.

Barbara

I'd say keep telling them it hurts until they give you enough pain relief to make you reasonably comfortable. Don't be 'brave' about it - no-one's going to give you a medal for noble suffering. I had my lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy 3 weeks ago, and have been surprised at just how sore my underarm still is. I'd expected the incision to be sore, but this is tingling and tenderness that extends quite a way beyond the incision. You've had much more extensive surgery so, really, you're not being a wuss! Pull the curtain round the bed and have a good cry, then ring the buzzer and ask for all the pain relief they'll give you.

Sounds like you have been through a lot already. I had lymph node clearance it wasn't too bad after the first few days although I got a seroma , that was more uncomfortable than painful. 

Good luck, xx

Thank you. Xx

Thank you for sharing with me . They sent me home, telling me to take paracetamol. I'm already taking co-codamol and amatriptoline, just waiting for my Dr's to prescribe something stronger. Xx

Thank you for sharing. I had Seroma last time and this time. Its more a stinging pain. X

Hopefully, you'll be more comfortable at home - that will help your mood, if nothing else 

Hi, we have quite similar stories. I found lump 16.1 and lumpectomy with auxiliary node clearance on 25.2, I had 1/20 cancerous nodes.

im surprised you weren’t sent home with pain relief, I had a box of codeine but didn’t use, found paracetamol worked but pain was worse 10 days later. My advise is to use your team of BCNs as they really are there for you, please do call and ask to go in for reassurance. I also made appointment at the GPs as didn’t want to change my dressing under armpit and felt much better once a nurse had looked at it as I’m a bit squeamish!

Dont forget the node area will be more painful than breast as into muscle. Keep doing the exercises and it will get easier but can be painful to stretch, I’m 5 weeks in and arm is still stiff with a weird tight sensation down my arm which apparently is normal. I was also shocked at size of the surgery cut, but it’s quiete serious surgery. I think we are so focused on Cancer and further treatment we forget to allow ourselves to heal from this.

Sound so normal to be weepy, the whole process is so upsetting and worrying plus the anaesthetic takes a week or so to work it’s way out. It’s a grief for the lose of our previous life, fear, anger but I think mostly it’s the uncertainty.

Your one step forwards and doing really well, just cry, let it out or call the Macmillan helpline as they are the perfect listening ear and don’t expect you to be strong, they are LOVELY.

Let us know what happens next for you on the rollercoaster, but one step at a time… big hugs xxx

I too had lymph node clearance level 2, mastectomy and had a seroma which resulted in being drained under ultra sound every other day for 3 weeks. My arm is still sore and gets stiff in armpit but I find the exercise does help and gentle massage. It was Nov 21 I had surgery not painful now just uncomfortable. I have just had last chemo6/6and waiting for radiotherapy next. I think everything has seemed worse due to Covid risk and has got me down not socialising much. But I try to look at how far I have come. Take care hope all gets better for you x