jobeno

Hi, yeah, the underarm surgery is awful. It is a bit hard to explain how bad it is unless you have had it. I knew it would be bad, as I had a sentinel node biopsy to start with, and it hurt much more than the lumpectomy. 3 weeks later I had to have level one nodes removed, (10) more, and a mastectomy. I was prepared for this, having just been through the biopsy. The mastectomy was the easy part, and, ouch, the lymph node removal really hurt. I didn't think I'd ever be able to lift my arm again, and the exercises just made me feel sick and useless. My physio just suggested that I start to try and use my arm as normal, after the 3 week period, and to forget the exercises for awhile. That really helped, and before long I had full movement back, and could use my arm as before. I then joined an exercise class at the hospital specically for breast surgery patients, and this strenthened everything, and now I have no issues. I was probably back to normal about 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Good luck, and don't despair, you will get there. Love Chris xx