Axillary clearance advice needed

Hi Helen2021 Glad to hear you are home from your node clearance. The numbness I had (and still have 18 months after the op - I presume it is here to stay) is in the armpit and also a bit going round to the back of my shoulder area. This is of course in addition to the numbness in the chest from the mastectomy. As you heal, you will probably become more aware of the exact area affected. The skin on my arm is not numb apart from the very top, around the back of my arm. I was told by my physio to make sure I swung my arm naturally when walking because if you hold it still, this causes tension in the shoulder and neck area which will then most likely cause pain and possibly headaches. Obviously take it very easy at first in terms of movement. I wish you a speedy recovery. Sending virtual hugs.

Hi Thank you. I am resting now. Done a little this morning but you soon realise that it's not good to keep going. I just hope this time when I get the results it's better than last time. Fingers crossed.

I have numbness on my breast I was unsure if that was normal, but as you have said you have it as well makes me feel much better.

Thankyou for your support

Helen

Update not doing so well. Drain has leaked everywhere and appears to be blocked. Of course this happens at the weekend when the clinic is closed. Managed to unblock the tube it's dripping again so at least it's still coming out. Roll on Monday when hopefully I can get it checked!!

I feel so tired this time, much more than the mascetomy a couple of weeks ago, but this op is meant to be more minor I thought.

Anyone advice, reassurance?

I rely so much on u all..Thankyou

Helen

Hi Helen2021 sorry to hear you are not doing so well. I also had a problem with a drain leaking everywhere - had to go to see a BCN to get the dressing changed. As long as the fluid is moving through to the drain, that's the main thing, but you don't want a soggy dressing so, as you say, give your clinic a ring as soon as they are open to get it checked. I remember feeling much more tired after the second operation. Your body has recently been through two lots of surgery and two general anaesthetics so this is going to take its toll. You need to rest as much as possible. I found the second op harder and was told that actually although it seems smaller, it can be more invasive - they are removing part of the lymphatic system after all. Take it very easy and be kind to yourself. I tried to eat as healthily as I could, drank lots of fluid and rested, and after a few weeks I felt a lot better. Fingers crossed for your results too. Hang in there Helen. We are all here for you. x 

Hello Helen2021 and Picture This2 - sorry to leap on your thread, I'm due to have an axillary clearance this Thursday, having had a single mastectomy in March, so am reading all your comments with interest to give me an idea of what to expect going forward. I'd originally had a look at the forum to see if I could find any advice for massaging the mastectomy scar but this leapt out at me instead!

It's really interesting to read about the numbness. I'm still numb in my chest too and am struggling to wear a bra with softy as I had a reaction to the 1st pressure dressing so am still sore (5/6 weeks on) where the glue was.

I hope that you get your drain sorted out Helen2021, it's not really what you need after the surgery, you just hope that it will all go smoothly. I had a problem with my drain from the mastectomy, the vacuum stopped working, but I was just told it didn't matter! They took it out early though as I was in discomfort (although didn't realise it was the dressing causing problems at that point) so maybe they'll may take yours out tomorrow (as it will be 5 days) and that's one less thing to get in the way.

PictureThis2 - thanks for the information about tiredness, it hadn't crossed my mind that I'd be more tired after the next surgery, although cannot imagine how prickly my armpit is going to feel after the whole lot come out. It was bad enough when they took 2!

Take care

Helena xx

Hi so far as the second scar goes can't really feel it yet. Still have feeling in arm just numb under arm and round back.

2nd op does seem harder to get over partly I think because I know what to expect and feel I can deal with it better so I try and do normal things then I crash. Clearly my mind is fully functional but not anywhere close to the position my body feels it's in. I think this will take me a lot longer than the first one.

Thanks for the advice and support. I will be calling the clinic on Monday.

Helen

Please don't apologise for leaping on the thread we are all there for each other and if I can help you at all I am pleased to do so. Thinking of you. Hugsx

Helen

Hi Helen2021 the anaesthetic you were given during surgery might be what has left you feeling so tired.  It sounds like you've had two surgeries so two lots of anaesthetic.  It affects people differently and for different amounts of time, it can take some people months to shake it off.  

I had surgery many years ago (non cancer related) and really struggled with tiredness after the anaesthetic so this time for my lumpectomy I used homeopathic phosphorus and had no side effects at all.  If the tiredness persists and you find it intolerable I'd recommend speaking to a homeopath.

Hope you feel better soon x

Thank you I will. I would have preferred homeopathic I did not know you could do that. The drain is blocking and leaking a constant battle at the moment but now it's Monday the clinic will respond and help I am sure they are very good. Why do problems always arise at weekend when they are not there !! I appreciate your support so much. I usually battle and ignore tiredness and carry on but this time listening to body and stopping to give it time to sort itself out.  

At least I know it's not unusual

Thankyou

Hi Helen, how are you doing? I had my axilla clearance yesterday and have a numb armpit and a bit of discomfort where they opened up the scar. I just started my exercises this morning and have a bit of a needling feeling down my arm but nothing too bad - just thought I'd check in to see if you'd made any progress?

Helena x