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Estherch's avatar
Estherch
Member
7 years ago

Numb & painful arm post axillary dissection

hi! At the beginning of Aug I had a lumpectomy, reduction & lift and sentinel node biopsy. I recovered really well from it but the biopsy showed cancer in the sentinel node so last week I had an axillary node clearance.

Under arm is numb - which is weird but ok. But the skin between my elbow and under arm feels super sensitive, tingly and really painful - like something is rubbing on it. It gets more painful during the day. 

Ive spoken to the Dr who said it was probably a result of the nerves being stretched.

But.... it’s horrible!!! Has anyone else experienced it? How long did it last? Any tips to reduce the sensation? I find a heat pack helpful but don’t want to over heat the area in case I draw too much lymph there. 

I start radiation in a couple of weeks. 

Thank you for any support, ideas or identification!! I just want to feel I’m not alone with this!