advice
Hi very new here . Had a wide excision and sentinal lymph biopsy on friday.
Have slightly puffy skin under arm a bit numb and at back is this normal ?
Have been gently massaging arm .
any advice be appreciated.
thanks xo
Forum Discussion
8 Replies
thank you will give her call tomorrow
Hi Miff1
Sorry to see you joining us here - the 'club' that no-one really wants to join!
Numbness under the armpit is pretty normal and can last for weeks or even months, as that is usually where some of the Lymph nodes have been removed. .... Re the puffiness, being so close to your surgery, that would be fairly normal too. But just keep an eye on it - if it becomes red & inflamed it could indicate an infection ... or if you gently press your finger into the puffiness & the 'dent remains' .... see your GP immediately as it could become cellulitis or lymphodemia.
As Moomincorn has asked - if you have a Breast Care Nurse, give them a bell & have a chat about anything that concerns you.Be gentle with any exercises - as there will be tightness & it takes a little while for the wound to 'heal' .... so make sure you do no lifting or big stretching (including picking up kids, hanging out the laundry etc).
Check out this link too, for a bit of info on the forum - There is HEAPS of info in the link below to help you navigate the blog, including some tools to evaluate your own physical and mental recovery thru your ongoing treatment! xx.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussions/general-discussion/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members-/222737take care & all the best
thank you x
Hi Miff1 I had similar surgery in late September and experienced some swelling and numbness in the breast and armpit. Maybe a week post-op the armpit and upper arm sensations got stronger (sometimes temporary stabby or burning pain that panadol eased) but then they settled down a few weeks later.
I didn't have a follow-up with the surgeon until three weeks post surgery so I saw my GP in the first week to chat over how I was recovering, and then at two weeks so she could take off the wound dressings and check how the wound was healing as it was the first time I'd ever had surgery, I was anxious, and I had no idea what to expect.
Have you been given any exercises to do? I was given a booklet with exercises that helped stretch and recover movement - it took a few weeks to gain a full range of movement. It mentions that: "It is common to have numbness or altered sensation in your armpit and on the inside of your upper arm. It is also common to have a feeling of tightness in your arm when you straighten your elbow. These symptoms should settle within 12 weeks."
Do you have a breast care nurse to chat to about the symptoms? And do you have a follow-up booked in with the surgeon?
thanks ! didn't receive exercises was all brought forward . I do have a nurse but don't know if it sounds silly I didn't want to ring as I didnt want to have to go to hospital again . I will learn to ask . I Really appreciate all the feedback x
Miff1 If calling feels a bit much, perhaps texting or emailing the nurse might be an option?
My breast care nurse sent me the exercise booklet in the post before surgery and marked up which ones I was to do. Yours might be able to send you a booklet or printout by post or email to save a trip to hospital.
Having input from the breast care nurse as to which exercises they recommend is important because they would know the specifics of your surgery.
All the best with your recovery.
Hi Miff1 , welcome to our community :)
As we wait for people to comment with their experience and advise, i thought i'd share this helpful article about lymph node surgery, including recovery after surgery. Some people do report experiencing mild numbness where the biopsy was done, and well as swelling. Hope this helps - please ensure you also check in with your healthcare team if you are concerned in any way about those symptoms.
Thank you x
