Axillary node clearance in four weeks

Hi I had this done three weeks ago I had lumpectomy and one node taken unfortunately that node had cancer in it so am now booked to have axillary clearance due to a cancellation im having this procedure on Wednesday going into isolation from tomorrow. Honestly it was fine it was the waiting in hospital that was worse i came out the same day I was sore but bearable with painkillers, I take it you've got to stay in overnight as I have due to having a drip in but they've said I will be sent home the next morning obviously if everything's OK. You will be fine take something to do I hope it goes well

Hi, I had a lumpectomy and an ANC six years ago now. The breast leaked quite a bit post op but then healed OK. Breast scar has shrunk down and I bought some silicon breast inserts online as I found those looked the most natural. Dressed, you can’t tell anything has been done. As for the ANC, I had two positive nodes so the whole fat pad under my arm was taken. Only thing noticeable is a vertical scar just below my armpit and it’s now a bit more hollow under there. ANC healed well with no issues. What you might find is that post op, your arm gets a bit swollen as you won’t have any lymph nodes on that side to help clear lymphatic fluid away. So, you need to religiously do the post op exercises they give you to ensure your arm keeps its full range of motion. You should also be taught some simple lympathic drainage massage so you can look after your arm. You should get a medical exemption card which the NHS can help with so you’ll get a glove and sleeve on free prescription. You may need to wear these if your arm gets a bit swollen to manage the swelling back down. Ideally, sleep on the opposite side to the operation ie if it’s your right side for the op, sleep on your left side. I always carry some antiseptic wipes, germolene and plasters just in case I cut or catch that arm as it’s important to prevent any infection. It’s the infection that can cause your arm to swell. I’ve had no issues so far at all and it’s all manageable. A good site to look at is the lymphoedema support network https://www.lymphoedema.org . Take care and if you need any more advice, I’m happy to chat.

Thanks Trace!! This is really encouraging. Hope you are doing well. Please advice me anything if you remember would be appreciated. Xx Oleen 

Thanks Kat, I really appreciate your advice. And much relieved that ANC and lumpectomy is manageable. But by nature until I don’t have it , I will be constantly thinking of it. Will I be able to do household work with that arm, or always be worried not to get hurt. How long arm will be swollen, few weeks or few months..I guess it depends on each person differently. My mind is constantly stuck with questions.. Before I started my chemo, I had the same worries but I found chemo was not as hard for me. Five months of chemo I managed with good and bad days.. I will let you know how things are going. Xx

Hi oleen of course il keep you updated after my surgery Wednesday let u know how it goes I have been warned that it can be more painful than the breast surgery due to the arm pit being extra sensitive but my op three weeks ago went OK was sore but manageable x

Hi. In June 2021 I had a mastectomy and full auxiliary clearance 23 nodes. I have scar tissue that’s tight in chest and armpit but I’m now having OT to help and it has. I’ve never had a swollen arm just a slight pain armpit to elbow but this is normal. I feel it will take 12 months to settle down. I swim ever other day which helps. Do all the exercises they tell you to religiously. It really helps. I was also told to massage my scar and armpit every day.  It’s doeable and liveable xx 

Hi Trace, wishing you a very good luck for your surgery.. All the best Hun, I believe everything will be ok. You will be in my prayers.. catch you back once you feel ok.xx

Thanks Gwills, glad to know that you are doing well. 12 months settle down sounds a very long time, but do we have a choice? These 5 months of chemo already  feels like a very long period to me. Thinking of surgery making me nervous and worried.. but needed to get this beast out of my body, so keeping my head down and obeying what my oncologist and surgeon suggesting.. Thanks for your advice and I will exercise and massage my scar religiously…xx

Ah thankyou so much im looking forward to getting it done and over with il message you when I'm with it x

Hi, housework will be fine. The arm swelling is just something to be aware of so you keep on top of it. Prevention is better than cure so the simple lympathic massage is key. Post op, you may feel a bit tight under your arm but the exercises they give you will help a lot. Some of the main things to prevent arm swelling are: don’t carry a heavy handbag on that shoulder; don’t have bloods or blood pressure taken on that arm unless it’s an emergency. xx