Hi everyone - first post on here:) Quick question re lymph node removal, I had surgery 4 weeks ago, lumpectomy and lymph node surgery (8 nodes removed, 3 cancerous), I went back for breast re entry surgery 3 weeks ago to ensure the margins were right. I healed well and have been doing my exercises twice a day for my left arm. I still have quite restricted movement in my left arm and was wondering if anyone else had experienced this? Money is tight at the moment as I was due to start a new job 3 days after I got diagnosed. I am seeing an OT, but don't really want to see a physio on top of this...I'd love to hear of anyone who has experience with this. Thanks in advance😊

Hi @Janeo70 I had an auxiliary clearance under my left arm in November 2023 (12 nodes removed, 1 cancerous) I was lucky as my hospital had a rehabilitation program which was paid for by my health fund as well as a lymphoedema program. I did that for about 6 months post op. I had pretty much full movement back after a few months and have had 6 weeks of radiotherapy which finished 10 days ago and I still have pretty much full movement. I did keep doing all of the exercises that I was given. The other thing that has really helped my movement, cording and lymphoedema is qigong. Look good feel better have some free online workshops (lgfb.org.au). The key seems to be persistence with the exercises and gradually building up your movement, doing it every day, it's the same with the qigong, I still do it every day.Best wishes for your treatment.

I forgot to add you can get a care plan from your gp that can get you access to free/ reduced cost physiotherapy (depending on the physiotherapist).

Dear janeo70,Some good advice above.Definitely see your GP for a care plan for Physiotherapy. Perhaps a specialist one that does Laser.I was very lucky, like Afraser.In 2020, I had Right Mastectomy with axillary clearance, 25 Lymph nodes removed, with 3 cancerous. Movement was not limited. I did do all the recommended exercises. I had a little cording.I chose to see a specialist Physio that does laser and monitors for Lymphodema. I have none of that yet, but I am careful. I wear the pressure sleeve, when flying longer distances.I'm sure that you will see improvement with exercise. Work on this as much as you can. It will be important, especially if you are to have Radiotherapy. I had to have my arms positioned above my head while that happened. I think that is the same for most of us, that have R/T.

Hi @Janeo70 I had lumpectomy and axillary clearance (13 nodes removed, 2 cancerous). My surgery was Aug 2023 and had clear margins. My left arm was restrictive but improved significantly after I saw a physiotherapist. I didn’t see an OT. But after radiation ( my last radiation was in mid Mar 2024), it became very restrictive (more restrictive than it was before) a month after radiation. My physiotherapist has assured me it will get better… fingers and toes crossed.

Sorry to see you join our 'exclusive group' here, but Welcome to the blog! Hopefully we'll be able to help you with your ongoing recovery from your diagnosis & treatment xx. It can sometimes take time, even months, for the restricted movement to return to normal after surgery. Check with your Medical team up there - they should be able ot point you to some free/reduced cost physio/assistance in recovering from your surgery. Failing that, other members in the area may be able to point you towards assistance they've received in your area around Cairns (maybe edit/add that to the title - you have 24hrs to do this - otherwise a Moderator may be able to help you with this. xxGentle exercise (possibly even gentle swimming) may be able to help - but only do so under the guidance of a health professional xx. You can't rush this 'recovery' .... If you put 'arm movement' into the search area and click 'newest', you may find some links that will help .... but realise that everyone is different & heals at different rates. ...... make haste slowly xxtake care & all the best

Lymph Node removal and lack of arm movement

arpie
Member
9 months ago
Sorry to see you join our 'exclusive group' here, but Welcome to the blog! Hopefully we'll be able to help you with your ongoing recovery from your diagnosis & treatment xx. It can sometimes take time, even months, for the restricted movement to return to normal after surgery. Check with your Medical team up there - they should be able ot point you to some free/reduced cost physio/assistance in recovering from your surgery. Failing that, other members in the area may be able to point you towards assistance they've received in your area around Cairns (maybe edit/add that to the title - you have 24hrs to do this - otherwise a Moderator may be able to help you with this. xx

Gentle exercise (possibly even gentle swimming) may be able to help - but only do so under the guidance of a health professional xx. You can't rush this 'recovery' .... If you put 'arm movement' into the search area and click 'newest', you may find some links that will help .... but realise that everyone is different & heals at different rates. ...... make haste slowly xx

take care & all the best
GinGin
Member
9 months ago
Hi @Janeo70
I had lumpectomy and axillary clearance (13 nodes removed, 2 cancerous). My surgery was Aug 2023 and had clear margins. My left arm was restrictive but improved significantly after I saw a physiotherapist. I didn’t see an OT. But after radiation ( my last radiation was in mid Mar 2024), it became very restrictive (more restrictive than it was before) a month after radiation. My physiotherapist has assured me it will get better… fingers and toes crossed.

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Lymph Node removal and lack of arm movement

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