Forum Discussion

gilliegirl4's avatar
gilliegirl4
Member
10 years ago

RIGHT ANCILLARY DISSECTION question

Hello I have asked a question about Taxol rashes and received some great replies.  Thank you all.

 My new question is regarding any of you who had an Right Ancillary Dissection, it is not a very common operation, not a common type of Breast Cancer I have been told.

 I had 18 Lymph nodes removed, 13 of them were cancerous.  No other cancer found in my body.

I had the operation first, then A/C Chemo, currently on Taxol and Herceptin.

 My question is to do with the pain after the Operation.  It is 6 months since the operation and every day I feel uncomfortable around the wound area.  Sometimes it feels extremely hot.  Other times twisted.  Always I feel some sort of pain.  I do go to a Lymphoedema Phyiotherapist for massages but I do have all of the abovementioned feelings and pains every day.

 Has anyone else who had this operation have these pains, or have you been able to get over them. 

Would love to hear from fellow Lymph Nodes removed ladies.

 

Thank you.

GG

 

 

Gg

3 Replies

  • LisaS's avatar
    LisaS
    Member
    10 years ago

    I had a right Axillary clearance in July. At this stage no pain. Nothing I worry about. I occasionally feel where the wound was. Slight tightness when I put my arm up if I don't stretch it for a few days. Numbness on back of arm that comes and goes.

    i did have cording in my arm that prevented me from extending my arm to the full extent, but lymph massage has got rid of it.

    i would say see your GP, but I found my lympodema person to be more knowledgable about my cording than my GP. What does your breast care nurse say?

     

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Not applicable
    10 years ago

    Hi GG, I also had a right auxiliary clearance in February and have religiously followed my physios instructions to keep my right arm with a good range of movement. During my rads time, I felt constriction under my arm down my right side and also along the inside of my right arm. My Radio oncologist told me that it was cording, and that it was scar tissue from where the lymph vessels used to be and that the rads was making it shrink. I've seen a specialist physio, who has been breaking the cords through massage and stretches, and now seeing a lymphoedema nurse more locally who is also assisting with breaking up the cording. I still have trouble lying on my right side due to discomfort and pain. I've started an exercise program with a personal trainer under supervision of the physio, and this is helping me to become stronger and more comfortable. My breast care nurse has advised me to keep up the exercises and stretching, as the rads continues to shrink the scar tissues. My only advice is to keep up your movement and massages, and to be persistent. Sending you a big cuddle, Trace ??????

  • HIT's avatar
    HIT
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi GG  I think I had ancilliary clearance right side - all the lymph nodes removed - plus lumpectomy.  I'm sorry I dont have pain or twisting feeling, but the heat - or like hot flushes under my arm - I do have.  My surgeon didn't seem to worry about it.  Its been nearly two years since op and I am still numb (upper arm too), fluidy, occassional painful shoulder.  Write it on your list for your next doc visit.  Have you asked the physiotherapist?  

    Pam