Jenny

Hi Tonya - thanks for your email. I had full node clearance (19 in total) and the cut was reopened 8 days after the original lumpectomy for the mastectomy as I had a small deposit in one node. I immediately had horrendous "cording" that brought me to tears and severe neuropathic pain all over my arm and on my elbow (I can't rest my elbow on anything). I eventually saw a Pain Management Specialist and tried Lyrica but it didn't suit me so I am now on 800 mg of Gabepentin daily (could take more but try not to). It doesn't stop my pain but it has improved by 50% but is worse at night. I have trouble sleeping and have a pillow under my arm and use Lignocain government approved pain patches. They don't do much but feel nice and cool. I have had a 2 hour Lignocain infusion but that didn't do anything either. It is 2 years in June since my mastectomy and they say it can take years for damaged nerves to regenerate and sometimes they don't which I suspect is in my case.

I actually saw my plastic surgeon again yesterday (third visit in 15 months as he would even consider surgery earlier due to my pain) and after talking to him a bit more I feel much better about having the reconstruction and have decided to go ahead with it for my self esteem. He actually suggested that he may be able to open up again in my armpit and remove scar tissue which is probably causing a lot of the problems I have there which made me feel optimistic. Nothing can be done for my arm and elbow neuropathic pain but if at least one problem can be helped I am vey grateful. I am going to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and he said it is the best hospital in WA for this type of major surgery - he is doing a DEIT trans flap due to the issues with my arm, Unfortunately although I have been on the waiting list for 6 months I will have to wait about another 4 months but it's probably just as well as my Dad has been diagnosed with Melanoma cancer and I have been rushing him around and there is more to come.

Once again many thanks for your reply and suggestions - it's nice to correspond with people who understand.

Jenny