Forum Discussion
Recovery after axillary clearance
I had axillary clearance 12 days ago with the removal of 13 lymph nodes. I’m a bit bowled over by the severity of the aftermath of the surgery, including nerve damage and cording. I’m most concerned ...
HiRob1 I had complete axillary node clearance 3 months ago. I also had a double mastectomy so I had drains everywhere. My surgeon had told me that the node removal and recovery process is more painful than the mastectomy from what his patients tell him and he was right. So I was mentally prepared for that.
I had drains for 4 days and the area felt swollen and “big” for 2-3 weeks. It felt big but when I looked at it, it looked normal. If you’re doubting that it’s normal please ask your surgeon or GP. I guess sometimes fluid can build up? I wouldn’t use heat as sometimes numbness means no feedback and you can’t tell if something is too hot or cold.
To me the area felt strange and tender all at once. The feeling does subside over time, for me around 6-7 weeks? I’m 3 months out now and feel totally fine, apart from numbness in the scar area and a bit of mild lymphoedema some days, but I’m lifting weights now.
When you can move freely do your physio exercises. I personally found an online upper body t’ai chi video and did that every day for weeks, it absolutely helped me feel better physically. I hope you find relief soon 🙏♥️