I had a mastectomy of the left breast 3 weeks ago. It went well. The drain was removed on day 11. The scar is fine. There is no lymphodema. However, I now feel as though I have a concrete block under my armpit and a bit towards the front. I'm guessing this was where muscle may have been cut. I have arm exercises to do to 'stretch' the muscle and have had one physio appointment to try to loosen things up. This was quite painful. I would like to know from anyone who has had a mastectomy: is the concrete block feeling common? Does it improve over time? Would massage/self massage be as/more effective than physio? I look forward to hearing from you. Cheers, Matti

Tightness and, sometimes, cording (which feels like weirdo guitar strings in your axilla and arm) is pretty common.It's unlikely, after three weeks, that massage would do any harm. If you had nodes out--even just one or two--it takes a while for your body to figure out alternate pathways for lymph fluid, which is where massage can really help. Thing is, lymph massage is a specific technique quite different from what most physios do. Ask if you can have an appointment with the Lymphoedema nurse ( there is one in most larger hospitals) and get them to show you some moves. That's not suggesting that your symptoms arecin any way connected to lymphoedema, it's just a way to get a boob and armpit specialist onto the job.It's all a bit of a nuisance, just when you think it should be over and one with. Marg.

Yes, I remember that feeling and describing it as a brick and the sensation of it felt wet in my armpit

Thanks to you both for the quick answer - and putting my mind at rest. I'll go with the gut feel, see the breast specialist and do the massage. Re the feeling (and everyone is different), did it go in weeks or was it months and does it eventually go back to 'normal'?

Can't say how long but I do know it was ages and ages, as in months and months! Look for a massage therapist who specialises in breast care, I saw a Remedial massage therapist recommended by my Physio - it may help if you have fluid build up that is slow to move along and just to get a little movement! I can now get my left arm up my back, like I used to but I can't bring it up and around like I used to..............there are lots of changes with muscles and nerves with a mastectomy.Three weeks is still early for swelling and recoveryBCNA have a DVD called Strengthen Your Recovery

I was advised to have Lymph massage every 3 to 4 months and monthly in summer if needed after my mastectomy

Post mastectomy | BCNA Online Network

12 Replies

iserbrown
Member
8 years ago
Yes, I remember that feeling and describing it as a brick and the sensation of it felt wet in my armpit
Zoffiel
Member
8 years ago
Tightness and, sometimes, cording (which feels like weirdo guitar strings in your axilla and arm) is pretty common.
It's unlikely, after three weeks, that massage would do any harm. If you had nodes out--even just one or two--it takes a while for your body to figure out alternate pathways for lymph fluid, which is where massage can really help. Thing is, lymph massage is a specific technique quite different from what most physios do. Ask if you can have an appointment with the Lymphoedema nurse ( there is one in most larger hospitals) and get them to show you some moves. That's not suggesting that your symptoms arecin any way connected to lymphoedema, it's just a way to get a boob and armpit specialist onto the job.
It's all a bit of a nuisance, just when you think it should be over and one with. Marg.

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