Hi @dbros - I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis but welcome to the forum. It is amazing that you have already researched some things but can't get much information. I am sure you will find many helpful stories and comments on the forum - I know I have since only joining last October.
I too had a lumpectomy and axillary lymph dissection and the several years later a mastectomy due to recurrence.
I agree with @Ne - there is some loss of sensation even after a lumpectomy with axillary lymph dissection. I had numbness for quite some time afterwards - down the underside of the arm for almost a year - feeling of like pins and needles at times and the sensation slowly came back.
As for the breast, this too was numb for a little while - several weeks at least or perhaps 2 months - don't recall exactly how long.
I would be a bit concerned that the breast care nurse mentioned it could be a sign of an infection and not to worry about it ? I would be very worried about a possible infection but unless the area and or incision site has some redness and/or has some heat generating from it or feels hot to touch (as opposed to it being the middle of an Aussie summer !) then that may be cause for concern.
Perhaps our lovely Admin ladies like @Ann-Marie_BCNA may be able to assist here with some more helpful info.
All the best with your recovery and also put a call through to your bc surgeon's rooms or hospital where the procedure was done for some reassurance.
Sheryl xx
