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Scalena's avatar
Scalena
Member
10 years ago

2nd surgery in 2 weeks

Have had 2nd lot of surgery in two weeks on Friday. First was breast conservation lump removal and sentinel nodes. Then there was bit more left behind and axillary nodes to be removed. Three days on and after the "surgery-over", experiencing some pain in the arm, like its numb up the centre of the length. I'm on panadol osteo and Celebrex. I am stretching my arm gently which seems to ease the numbness. From what I read, this seems fairly common, any hints on what to, what not to do? I believe physio is really important and have done hand clenching/releasing, and elbow bending as advised. I also got very emotional last night at the hospital and had a bit of a cry myself to sleep time, I think I am OK, just normal expression of feeling overwhelmed. Just got home today with drain in. Really just wanted to express what's happening in a safe place.

9 Replies

  • Sorry, that should have said improvement,  not unnoticeable.  

  • Thanks Tracey,  I think I had done to much.  I still have had unnoticeable every day,  so quite happy.  Dislodged a bit of pent up anger yesterday to,  that has helped.  Andrea x

  • Thanks,  I have similar pain,  last night it got very bad,  a nine,  I was nearly crying,  I don't know if I did to much in the day or if I ate food that was too salty.  I don't know if that effects the drainage.  My drain came out Tuesday,  so that was for days,  it just stopped draining.  Cheers,  Andrea. X

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous

    Hi Scalena, the numbness is common after the type of surgery that you have had. Just take it gently and do he exercises that the physio gives you. Just remember that all that area has been traumatised and needs time to heal. I found that ice packed helped to reduce the inflammation and the pain, and by doing the physio exercises daily it reduces the fluid build up in the arm. Take care, Tracey B ??

  • Hi Selena. .Just got home yesterday from an axillary node level 2 dissection.

    Pain set in bad the night of the op, when everything wore off. Got through with panadol and ice packs. Now at home doing same thing. Today 2 nd day since sugery, I also had surgery around 17 days ago .So it's a big things two ops in a row. I've been experiencing numbness all done inner part of arm and back of arm from shoulder down to elbow as well as pain in those areas. From what I've read it's all pretty normal. Hopefully the numbness and Iain settles for us bboth soon. 

    I got my drain tube caught up and almost pulled it out, so just about to ring the breast surgeon to chat with her. Couldn't believe got home last night and that's the first thing that happens, lol. Hopefully not too much off a drama. Stilll seems to be draining although its only just sitting in edge if skin. 

    Take it easy Selena, keep resting up, better days ahead. xx 

  • Thanks Karen, 

    It's a relief to know things are probably normal, I really appreciate the opportunity here to download. 

    Cheers,

    Andrea

  • Hi Scalena,

    Having a bc diagnosis and surgery is such an emotionally difficult time.  It is such a relief when the surgery's over and you can concentrate your energies on recovery. 

    Physio is really important post op.  Esp the hand clenching and bending you've been advised to do.  If your drain is still in, they can still be done as long as you don't raise your arm above your head (that's what I was advised by hospital physio and nurses).  I found the incision site for the node biopsy more painful than my mastectomy.  Keep up the pain relief.  Don't suffer in silence, raise any concerns with your surgeon, nurse etc, even if you think they may be inconsequential.    

    It's good to have a cry.  Talking to someone, coming on here to vent is helpful too.  Remember you're not alone in this,

    All the best with your recovery,

    Karen xx

  • Hi Scalena

    I haven't had any surgery yet, but from what I've read of the physical side following removal of axillary nodes, what you're experiencing sounds "normal". As if anything on this journey is normal, lol. Putting my nurse's hat on, for most people following any surgery, there is a period a few days down the track where emotions kick in, and you need a good cry. Go with it, but don't let it take over. Talking to someone in a safe space is always good.

    hope your recovery goes well

    Lyn