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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! 
sentinel-node-biopsy
surgery
  • kezmusc's avatar
    kezmusc
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hi @Estherch,

    It is a very weird sensation after this surgery.  Totally numb in some spots and super sensitive in others. Puffy, like you have a pillow stuck under there as well.  Down the back of my arm was the same as you, hyper sensitive at times.
      It takes a while for the nerves to get themselves in order again.  I had like little electric shocks that came out of nowhere as the nerves started to refire. 
     Keep doing your exercises.  I found doing a lot of the ones with your arm above your head helped a great deal  And I do mean a lot of those exercises. Three times the amount they tell you and I also decided to hand paint a timber ceiling,  That sorted it right out. LOL
     It helped with the fluid drainage and strength.  I had full strength back in that arm within a couple of months. 
    The sensations take a long time to get back to somewhat normal but should start easing of within a few weeks  I am nearly two years post op.  Most of the feeling is back to pretty normal.  I still have a numb spot along the scar line but the rest is not too bad at all. It still a bit weird with light touch but getting better all the time.

    All the best lovely.

    xoxoxo