3 weeks post op
Three weeks ago I had left mastectomy, lymph node removal and DIEP flap reconstruction. All went well and I got the all clear no cancer in the lymph nodes. So glad all the chemo, radiation had done ...
Forum Discussion
Hi Sue
After my full lymph node clearance, I experienced a fair bit of discomfit in my upper arm area. I assumed it was something I'd have permanently. I mentioned it in passing to my breast care nurse about three weeks after my operation and she said "does it feel like a Chinese burn?". That was exactly what it felt like - hot and slightly stinging (although I'd forgotten about 'Chinese burns' given it's now 40 years since I left primary school!). She explained that some fine nerves are severed during lymph removal and that the sensation I was experiencing was associated with the re-growth (or re-route) of these nerves. This explanation removed my concerns and made me feel a lot happier given that it was associated with a positive development. I'm now one year on but my recall is that this lasted for maybe 8 weeks. Maybe a bit longer. But it did disappear completely and I have no issues with any 'sensations' or diminished loss of strength in this arm. (As Tonya suggests, we do need to be vigilant for early signs of lymphodema because that can set in a long time after a smooth surgical recovery).
Kind regards,
Peta