So sorry you are in pain, as if you haven't enough to worry about!

We all experience things differently. I had all the nerve sensations and numb arm etc after my surgery, especially around the SLN scar. The scar on my breast is very neat but really hard and sometimes it is very uncomfortable. I had my surgery on 11th Dec so it takes time to settle down. Radiotherapy is now giving me different sensations and the numbness is back under my arm. You are still very early on after surgery so don't panic! Spoil yourself and take it easy. Remember to do your exercises though as they really help with movement.

sending a big hug.

Cx

Hi there,

I had a mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection back in November (10 lymph nodes were removed) and I do recall it being fine at first, then the pain kicking in around week 2 to 3.  It did subside in time.

I've since had one axillary lymph node removed on the other side (just under 3 weeks ago now) and I swear it's worse than when I had the 10 done!  I have pain all the way through to my back and the skin on my upper right back is sore to touch.  I'll ask the breast clinic about it when I see them next week but I'm guessing it is the norm that it does get worse from week 2 for a while, then calms down again.  Well it's happened to me twice now anyway so I see a pattern forming.

I hope your pain eases off soon.

Hi

I had the same op as you just over 2 weeks ago and am also in more pain now than during the first week! It's mainly in the scar in my armpit and along my upperarm, not constant but some shooting pains and just a bit uncomfortable. 

I also have an incredibly itchy rash across my chest and into my arm, i think its a reaction to antiseptic used before surgery but it didn't kick in till about day 12. 

Guess we all react and heal differently, i'm not sure i could return to work quite yet but i wish you luck and a speedy recovery. 

Hi there

My pain was worse in the second week as well, especially soreness around the lymph scar. Walking and using the arms caused soreness, as well as pain radiating back through the shoulder blade... Having said that, it's good to be moderately active, then rest between times. The exercise keeps us from tensing up around the pain. Taking paracetamol before exercise helps. My GP signed me off for four weeks, and work said I could take as much time as needed. I think it's important not to compare with others because it depends on which nerves were affected - that can be different for different people. Also, we need emotional time off!  My nurses said that althorugh people are well meaning, they soon forget (and may not understand) so may expect you to resume the same level of work as normal, which can create pressure. So if you can get extra time, then take it and spoil yourself :)

.sorry I replied and then realised your post was a year ago. X

Hi. I was reading this thread and thought that it was a year ago so couldn't reply but noticed that yours was this year so sort of recent 

How is your pain now?

I had a mastectomy and lymph node clearance a week ago and I'm now in agony. The first few days were just uncomfortable, then the numbness wore off and the pain started. Now I am in tears from the pain in my arm. It is agony to touch. I cant move it (but I am trying). Sometimes the pain is unbearable. Please tell me it gets better

Hope you are doing ok.

Jo

Hi Jo

Sorry to hear this but yes it does get better.Obviously i did not have a mastectomy so can't really give you a true reflection. 

I still find wearing bras uncomfortable as it seems to swell and if i sleep on that side ita uncomfortable when i get up and arn feels numb. I am still very lumpy around the nipple area so doesnt feel very nice but in the grand scheme of things a few lumps and bumps. are nothing compared to what could have been!

Its early days for you and you are bound to be more emotional so the pain will seem worse too.

Hope it eases soon, make sure you take pain relief when you need it and talk too xx

Hope your pain eases soon, just don't overdo things. Xx

Thank you so much.

I am not good at sitting around but trying to take it easy. 

I just can't wait for the pain  to ease.

X

Long term recovery will be better if you rest now but do exercises when you can. I am the same when i couldnt drive it drove me mad!!!

I have been putting a pillow at the side to try and stop me laying that way but often wake up on that direction!

Try stay positive even though that can be so difficult xx

Do so sympathise, had a lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy on 19 November. Recovered post op. better than I had hoped for but the recent pain under arm is worse than imagined. Should have listened to the nurse who advised me to rest but like you find it difficult sitting around. Now taking it much easier and trying to manage   
pain better with painkillers .

Hope you are now feeling a lot better. X