Forum Discussion

Suemc's avatar
Suemc
Member
11 years ago

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 the trick. The last two drain tubes came out last Monday so walking around is a lot easier now without my 'two friends'. Trying to do my exercises but I am finding it difficult as there is still a bit of pain in the arm. How long does the pain last? Don't know if it is from the lymph node removal or from the reconstruction of the breast. I see the oncologist in two weeks so will start the next stage of this journey.
chemotherapy
mastectomy
radiotherapy
Reconstruction
  • PetaM's avatar
    PetaM
    Member
    11 years ago

    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

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    11 years ago

    You had alot done at once so I guess it's hard to figure out what pain is what. I didn't have recon but I did have a full node clearance and that was pretty painful- more than the lumpectomy and the mastectomy.It was really stiff and sore and I could hardly raise my arm after 3 or 4 weeks post op.My surgeon sent me for physio and that really helped me.Any soreness,redness,swelling or high temperatures should be checked out in anycase.It took me a few months for my arm/underarm to come good.Perhaps ring your surgeon and get checked?   Tonya xx