Forum Discussion

Kellee's avatar
Kellee
Member
8 years ago

Pain after a Lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy

Hi all, 
My surgery was 11days ago, I had my drain removed 6 days after surgery. At first it was the drain giving me pain and my boob was very numb. Once the drain was removed I thought at last I’d get some relief. As the days have gone on and the numbness is disappearing my boob is getting more and more sensitive to touch. I sometimes get a shooting pain through my nipple and the top of my boob, no where near the insission which is on the side of my boob. My lump was located 8cmm from my nipple towards my arm pit, but in a position where it couldn’t be felt. When I asked the doctor about the shooting pain he said it was odd because the surgery was in the under arm area. He didn’t give any suggestions or advice. I still walk around hugging a pillow as it’s about the only thing that gives me comfort. It hurts when my boob is unsupported but hurts under my boob if I wear a bra. I’ve tried the crop tops, tight singlets etc but no comfort. I feel like strapping them with a bandage.

Has anyone else had this problem, is it common, how long does it last. The sensitivity is over the top.

4 Replies

  • Fletch's avatar
    Fletch
    Member
    8 years ago
    Just noticed I got your name wrong @Kellee, so sorry!
  • Fletch's avatar
    Fletch
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi Kelle, I am fortunate to have no numbness post surgery but yes very sensitive still. (Surgery was July3rd)
    Not getting answers from medicos is frustrating. The wound under my arm wasn’t healing properly. It took me 3 appointments, all different doctors, until I politely but firmly asked to see my actual surgeon about it and low and behold.....there was still an undissolved stitch hanging around! Anyway, I guess my point is , if something doesn’t feel right, just keep asking as kmakm suggested. I know that’s not easy, I really do. As brilliant as all these specialists are( and I am very thankful they exist), they do need reminding sometimes that every patient is different! We all have such very different and personal needs. Best wishes Kelle! Go with your gut! Xxx
  • kezmusc's avatar
    kezmusc
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi Kellee,

    I am almost two years past surgery and aux clearance. I still get shooting pains occasionally.  At the beginning it can feel like electric shocks as the nerves that have been damaged try to fire back up.. I still sleep with a pillow tucked under there sometimes.  There was up and down swelling, seromas and a a cross between totally numb in some places and super sensitive in others for about 12 months. Under my arm was complete numbness for well over 6 months. Keep getting it checked but it sounds pretty similar to mine..  I used bio oil on the scar lines to keep them soft and have minimal scarring now but still numb bits around them.

    xoxoxo
  • kmakm's avatar
    kmakm
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi Kellee. My skin was incredibly sensitive for some time after my SNB, wide local incision & re-excision. You're right, it's very uncomfortable. It lasted for two or three weeks. The shooting pain sounds like nerve pain as they try to re-establish connections. I've since had a double mastectomy & reconstruction and get all sorts of sharp shooting pains at random places in my foobs. I honestly don't think it's good enough for you to be worried about something enough to raise it with your doctor, only to be fobbed off with a non answer. I'd be asking again, prefacing it with a 'sorry to ask again but this is really bothering me'. You could also try your breast care nurse. Perhaps you could try rubbing in a cream with an ansesthetic in it. Obviously not on your incision. I find Soov to be a good one. Hang in there. K xox