Pain after lumpectomy and node clearance

Hi Bonnie3351

I'm Daisy53 one of the Community Champions on this forum.  When I had my node clearance the pain didn't last very long, I had pain I'd say on and off for about three or four weeks.  I took painkillers whenever I needed them. If you find you can't bear the pain until you see your breast care nurse, give them a ring and they can prescribe something stronger for the pain.

Wishing you the best of luck with your recovery.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hi Bonnie3351 , I remember the rubbed with sandpaper effect - I likened it to a carpet burn. And that was only from a couple of nodes being removed for sampling. I think it’s from nerves being damaged? But I’m not a medic. It did resolve but took me by surprise, I wasn’t expecting it. My arm also ached for a good while - I often sat with a cushion at my side to support it and also often felt like I had to hold it raised up pointing at the ceiling. That seemed to ease the ache. But it did all resolve in the end, I just can’t remember how long it lasted. Love and hugs, HFxx

I had lumpectomy & sentinel lymph node removal . Mine hurt for about 3 months . It’s still tender sometimes & I had the op in June . Mine was the top of my breast & they cut muscle . That can make a difference with pain . Don’t feel bad when others say they didn’t get pain or was fine after a few days. Not all are the same . Good luck in your journey x

 Julann9b26fb Thank you for your message. Very reassuring. You are right, we are all different and I need to learn some patience!  It’s just taken me by surprise that it’s been so painful. I am seeing the breast care nurse and physio this week so will discuss with them too. 

I was surprised too with the pain . I wasn’t expecting it to hurt so much . They did take a lot away though . The lump was 5.1cms . I was also impatient . I had to learn to give myself a break . Take it easy & let yourself heal . x

Thanks HappyFeet1 . You have hit the nail on the head- carpet burn! I’ll plough on and I am sure it will improve. I am waiting for pathology results from my surgery so I am stressed about that too. Gosh, breast cancer really is the “gift” that keeps on giving! 

Thank you Daisy for your lovely and reassuring message. 

That pain is related to the node clearance and is nerve damage, I think. 3 weeks later mine has let up considerably. It’s pretty common and generally wears off. Eurax cream that I’d used successfully for neuralgic pains and itches in my breast as it healed helped a bit on my arm. The main thing has been to get the clothes right. Long sleeved tee shirt  in the day and a soft tank top under my pyjama top.like a touch if sunburn now and I think it will go. Next do big packs of them! The numbness stays, I believe. I seem to have got used to that as the rest has settled.