Lymph Node Removal

Hi KMT, sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I had axillary (lymph node) clearance too with a drain. My surgeon went through the same scar for this as the original sentinel lymph node biopsy. It was sore for a few days but I managed on paracetamol and ibuprofen taken regularly to help. I had a special corset which helped to hold the drain tube in place. The drain was only in for 4 days and then was removed painlessly. Whilst the drain was in place it was a case of remembering when moving around to carry it with you. They give you a bag to put it in so you can pop this over your shoulder or round your neck whichever you find easier. The nurse will advise how to empty the bulb of the drain, again this is easy and painless and doesn’t need to be done often. Keep up with the exercises even with the drain as this will help. Again it might feel a little sore but if you do them after you have had some painkillers this will help. The soreness I have to admit was a lot less than I had expected. 

Chemo terrified me too but is doable. The nurses are fantastic and will take good care of you. I have just finished my 4th cycle. I have mainly had tiredness and a couple of days of sore skin, muscles and bones but again can be managed with paracetamol. If you click on my name you can read my journey so far if you would like too.  
Wishing you all the best on your journey.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi thank you so much for this. I've read your blog and it's answered so many of my questions, doctors and nurses are great but it's nice to hear from someone who is actually going through it.

Hi, I had a lumpectomy and full node clearance back in September last year.  I had no pain at all, just a little uncomfortable from time to time over the first couple of days. I used a heart shaped pillow under my arm, which was helpful to sleep and walk the dog. 
Everyone said I would have a drain but I didn’t. 
Hood luck 

x

Thank you that's really helpful, might have to invest in a small cushion as sounds like it will help.

Hi I’m in s similar situation waiting to hear if I’ll require chemotherapy. The wait is making me anxious and I’m dreading side effects of treatment 

Hi KMT, I got a small heart shape cushion from cancer research uk website. 

Hiya. I was diagnosed beginning March 2022. Started chemo on mm 10th May and had a piccline in my arm which saved weekly cánulas for the chemo. Had some side effects, skin rash, diarreah and hairloss but dealt with it all. I had a mastectomy (left side) and 13 lymphnodes removed on 13th October. Came out of hospital same day. Done the excersices daily which helped., had some seroma removed from the area with a syringe. Still have little seroma but nothing major.. I'm currently having radiotherapy which is going fine. You just need to stay positive and take it one day at the time. You'll be fine. 

I also got one of those from macmillan at my hospital. 

Hi Jet the one said effect that worries the most is the diohrea (no idea how you spell that!!) how long did yours last for please?

Hi Beverley, sorry you have to have chemo too. It is scary reading all the side effects and I too worried I would have lots of them. My main one has been tiredness and sore skin, achy muscles and bones. The achy muscles and bones I think are more related to the blood boosting injection. We are all so different with side effects.

Wishing you all the best for your journey.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x