Skin sensitivity

Hiya I had a lumpectomy in July and have just finished radiotherapy. I had one sentinel node removed and part of my nipple underneath as my cancer (Her2+) lay next to/behind the nipple. My arm was sore afterwards and the cut where the node was removed was ridged and sore. Then I had shooting pain through the nipple which paracetamol and Ibuprofen didn't touch. I spoke to my surgeon and she prescribed amitriptyline for neuropathic pain . It seems the nerves under my arm and in my breast had been upset through surgery and were sorting themselves out. I managed to also use a little moisturiser on the underarm scar and very gently massaged it once the cut was no longer raw. The back of my arm which was sore as well although I have no idea why as it wasn't cut or touched was sore but I ignored it and it went away. It may work for you but speak to your consultant and/or surgeon and be guided by them.

Good luck x

Thank you so much for your reply! Yeah, it's the back of my arm which is bothering me the most even though it wasn't touched. Spoke to my breast cancer nurse today and she told me they can prescribe some nerve medication so hoping that might help! 

I had this after my lumpectomy and realised that I had had a reaction to the 'wash' that was rubbed all over my chest and arm before surgery. I eventually came up in a rash - really small spots and quite red - I found that an antihistamine helped.
It's a really horrid time and I found I was anxious about everything...
Wearing my T shirts inside out, so that the seams didn't rub helped and so did a few well placed gauze squares.

Sending you hugs xxx

Hi LauraPts , I remember that weird back of the arm and down the side pain, I used to say it felt like carpet burn. Seemed to go from numb to pain! It did go, eventually, but was very disconcerting as nowhere near my incision. I just had to wear very loose clothing and try to avoid brushing against anything. Think it’s nerve pain as has been said. Just another nasty little trick that we’re not prepared for! Xxx

Be interested to know the name of nerve pain medication. 

Good luck x

Thanks deebee60! Good tip on wearing t-shirts inside out,  and might try the gauze squares too. I still have a dressing on as have a seroma so don't think that is helping!

Thanks HappyFeet1! Yes, carpet burn is exactly what it feels like! I had read about the nerve pain but don't think I expected it to be so irritating and worried it's gonna get worse after the next op to take more lymph nodes! But hey, it's all for a good reason to get rid of it so can't complain! 

I also found wearing snug tee shirts help so that fabric did not brush against my skin.

I have exactly the same issue I had my lumpectomy and lymph node removal 2 weeks ago and the back of my arm feels numb and very tender . I am having to wear vests as anything that goes against the skin is very sore. I am hoping it will go away and not be permanent. 

Hi 

Just wanted to add my thanks for raising this as I am having the same issues.
Had lumpectomy and node removal on both breasts 2 weeks ago so have pain in both arms and across the chest area. I have found a warm bath helps with the pain- not sure if it’s the right thing to do, though! Painkillers don’t seem to help much. 
It’s difficult to sleep and get comfortable. I am trying to do exercises and keep up with my walking but just want to know when it might end?

Thanks ️