Post mastectomy

There seems to be an increasing number of ladies getting a recurrence despite lumpectomy and radiation.I was told I'd be very unlucky to get it again- 8% chance and yet I did,7 yrs later. I didn't need physio second time around- like you,I just massaged and slowly increased my daily activities.I'd say I have95% range compared to my good arm.The Pilates DVD is good. Sounds like you are on the right track and you'll be so much better in another 3 wks. xx

Thanks @TonyaM. It's good to know that the prosthesis might bring some relief.
I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node clearance in 2006.I was lucky then to be selected for a clinical trial for the IOTD (Intra Operative Therapeutic Device) trial. This meant that a few weeks after the lumpectomy I returned to surgery and was given a one-off mega dose of radiation. This meant that I didn't have to undertake 5 weeks of radiation. I didn't have any skin burns or after effects. It was hoped that if the trial was successful it might become the new norm. It would obviously be great for women and men in rural areas and women in general as it is one-off so you can get back to living normally quite quickly. The last results indicated that its success rate might be 1 or 2% points less successful than 5 week radiation. I was really happy I'd had the IOTD. 
I'm pretty sure that for me lymphatic massage would be more beneficial than physio. I'm trying to get an appointment this week and will post my findings - and I will keep up the arm exercises (also have the Road to Recovery Pilates DVD to watch). Stay well.

Hi again, I probably should have mentioned that my mastectomy was a recurrence. I originally had a lumpectomy,full node clearance and radiation in 2003.The first time around,I had trouble getting my arm up 6wks post op and I needed physio.So yes,you do need to do your arm exercises and gradually get back to everyday activities. I guess it didn't help that my skin was previously radiated- so not much skin stretch after the mastectomy.Adhesions are here to stay unless I have a reconstruction. You do get used to the numbness and weird sensations.And as I said, prosthesis pressure seems to help.

Hi Tonya, thanks for answering my post. From your description the pieces in the puzzle are coming together. You perfectly described my sensation. I have been concerned because both the surgeon at mastectomy day +11 days and the physio @2 weeks post mastectomy shook their heads when they felt the 'board' and 'this must be addressed with physio and exercises'. Did you do all the recommended exercises post op? My approach is to get on gently with normal life and the muscles will get a normal day's workout rather than do the exercises then notice that I have the arm in protection mode for the rest of the day.  I wonder what can be done over time to loosen adhesions? More gentle self massage I guess! Pleased to hear you are doing well. Matti

Hi Matilda54, wow,7 things on your daily list after only 3wks post surgery! 3 things on your list will do. It takes about 6 wks for everything to settle down and that's about the time you go get fitted for a prosthesis.I had a left mastectomy 7 yrs ago and I get a little bit of lymphoedema in the armpit but not the arm.I have full arm movement/range but there is numbness under the arm and chest. I have the sensation that I have duck tape across my chest- apparently I have adhesions. Daily gentle massage of arm and chest helps but you have to be shown the right way. Strangely enough,when I put my prosthesis and bra on the'stuck down' sensation is relieved.Something to do with putting pressure on the chest skin. I also sleep with a pillow against my chest for comfort.Best wishes for your recovery,take it easy and be kind to yourself. xx

Thanks Tennille and Iserbrown. This afternoon I very, very gently massaged some bio oil above and below the suture line (I still have stitches). The oil slips over the skin much better than lanolin cream and I felt better. I think if I work on coaxing these muscles and nerves and treat them with respect that the self massage will work fine for me.  I'm hoping that the lymph 'sac' will slowly re-absorb. Will keep you posted on progress. I must say that as I do any exercises or massage I concentrate on slowly breathing in and out. It distracts me and I actually feel better.

Tennille, our symptoms sound very similar. I'm fortunate that it's the left breast that's gone awal and I'm right handed. I agree about hanging out the clothes - it's a big stretch. I've resorted to using a clothes airer as I then don't have a high lift. Hopeless even trying to hang out sheets. The good thing is that this is a positive challenge to our ingenuity - we just have to find new ways to do/use normal things (if nothing else it should improve brain power!)
I've been super positive about this whole experience but had a crying meltdown last Thursday - not blaming myself, others or the universe. It was just not my day. I kept saying to myself that I couldn't see any joy in my life. Our young pup came up and gave me some eager licks, the weather improved and I decided there was joy and I needed to be kinder to myself. I have been good since then. Wrote my list of 7 things to get done today. Did 3 - and you know what? The others are going to have to wait until tomorrow! Be kind to yourselves and the rest will sort itself out with time (the great healer). All the best to you wonderful women. Thanks for listening and the all important feedback. Cheers.

Hi Matilda54. I am also just over 3 weeks from mastectomy and have the same feeling solid and hard in my chest. My upper chest near the shoulder was more spongy and very tender. I also have a couple of hard cords going from the centre of my chest to my underarm. They make hanging out washing and reaching for the handheld shower difficult.
Otherwise my arm works as before.
The physio is working on the cords with massage, it isn't comfortable but not really painful, she gets me to talk about things which takes my mind off it while she works on the area.
She has shown me some massage techniques too that soothe the area. 
I actually wondered if what I was feeling was ribs, it was so hard where the breast used to be.
I have another appt with the Physio on Thursday so will see what she thinks then.
My shoulder get really achey towards the end of the day too, it is my right arm and I am right handed, so it does a lot I guess.
I have a sleeve to wear, I haven't worn it yet.
Accepting these restrictions has me teetering on the edge of meltdown at the moment.

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

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 recovery

BCNA have a DVD called Strengthen Your Recovery

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'?