Forum Discussion

Lindyloo's avatar
Lindyloo
Member
10 years ago

Mastectomy

Had my mastectomy two days ago. Sent home the next day with two drains and what they call a pico suction bandage. The pico doesn't work so it has been left there for the next 7 days. The drains are a nuisance and get tangled up. One of them doesn't have anything in so hoping they will remove it tomorrow. The other one has about 35 mls of fluid in. I know they will only remove it if it has less than 30 mls.

my question to others is really about the soreness or numbness. I have soreness more in the armpit  than the breast scar itself (sorry forgot to mention I had axillery clearance , level 1, level 2 and level 3) is this usual? And also numbness. Does this last long or something that doesn't always repair itself.

although a bit uncomfortable it's definitely not worse than chemo and I know I can cope with it.

hope that everyone else is doing ok. Xx

mastectomy
pain
  • annebirdy's avatar
    annebirdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi, I had mastectomy nearly 3 weeks ago and I've still got soreness under the arm and numbness in the breast area (I had an implant). I think in the last week, the soreness in the under-arm and now tenderness down to my inner elbow has been worse....but the doctor says that is normal and the nerves.

    Hope recovery goes well. So much better once those drains come out!

  • Kazzi's avatar
    Kazzi
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Lindyloo,

    Hope you're recovering well from your mastectomy.  I think the numbness is all normal.  I had my mastectomy back in May and still have numbness and pins and needles tingling sensation.  My skin is more sensitive now that I've just finished radiotherapy.

    You'll feel so much better once the drains are out. 

    Take it easy,

    Karen xx

     

  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi, just another thought, to warn you of. My surgery was at the end of October, & a few days later, started getting a "bruised" sensation that moves around to different spots on my arm. Went to a drop in clinic last week & saw a breast care nurse, who said this was to do with the nerves. Not sure how long it's likely to last. Seeing the lymphoedema physio again tomorrow,& will ask her.

    Take care, Lyn

  • LisaS's avatar
    LisaS
    Member
    10 years ago

    I'm 5 months out from my Axillary disection. The back of my arm is numb occasionally still, but is fine more often than not.

    i had soreness in my armpit which I thought was the drain. But after they took the drain out the feeling was still there. I got very upset. Thought it was forever. It is totally fine now. 

    Just gotta give it time before it settles. Nerves take a while to repair.

    best wishes

  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Lindyloo

    3 years in, I have still some numbness but had no pain at all. Feeling returned very slowly - at first it was someone else's armpit entirely (always a bit unnerving!) but gradually it's become mine again - still can't feel temperature very well (like very cold deodorant).. Exercise will help, you may also feel some twinges from scar tissue.

    Good luck!

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    10 years ago

    What you are experiencing is normal, I had a mastectomy just over 2 years ago and my armpit area where nudes where taken, and my chest, is partly numb. I can feel it but more like pins and needles sensation. However there is no pain.Cheers Robyn