The tenderness in the armpit and the pulling is normal.The very best exercise for this is to stand side on to a wall,and walk your fingers up the wall,as far as you can.Hold and count to 5 then walk your fingers back down.If you can do this in the shower,with hot water running on your back,it really helps.Try to do it a few times a day.It does pull,but it gets better ,and the more you do it,the quicker you will get there.The skin under my armpit was really sore to touch for weeks.I am 5 months past my mastectomy,and it feels perfectly normal now.All the best with your recovery Julie.Let us know how you go.Cheers Robyn.xoxo