Post Surgery

I have just had a lumpectomy  along with full auxiliary lymph node clearence.  As expected some pain and discomfort but yesterday I started the day 8 exercises and struggled.  My armpit area is  swollen, painful and warm.  I managed 3 lots of exercises but couldn't do final two as in so much discomfort. Day 9 should I push myself to complete exercises? Is it normal for it to be this bad after a week, am I expecting to much? Breast fine just the odd twinge.  Scars clean and healing well. Any advice please I can't believe the jump from week one exercises to the week two which are hardcore and I can't achieve the positions on the diagrams. Thank you  

  • Such early days, don't push yourself too hard. Your body needs time to heal. Phone the breast  nurses if you are worried. It's good the scar is healing well. I had a bit of discomfort underarm but it slowly recovered.

    Best wishes

    Silver

  • Thank you for replying can't speak breast nurses till Monday but will then.  Terrified of lymphoedema but also don't want to do myself a mischief.  Thanks again. 

  • Yes be careful and gentle with yourself. I didn't get lymphoedema and found the lymph removal underam to take longer to heal than the scar and I had masectomy.

    x

  • Thank you I'm going to do the ones I can and not the ones I can't till I've spoke to the breast care nurse.  X

  • I have had lymph node removed it leaked for a few weeks but everything healed up, drs said it's just something that happens it just needed frequent dressing changes and padding. 
    l hope you heal quickly 

    take care 

    susie 

  • Thanks I genuinely thought it was over doing exercises but think perhaps infected hot and swollen will ring 111 see if I can get antibiotics it's clearly not right.  Thanks for response obv things can go wrong c

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about your recent surgery and appreciate you have some questions.

    Try and be kind to yourself, it is still early days and it is important not to push yourself too hard.

    It is good you are doing the exercises. However do listen to your body and what it can and can't do. Like you say  if anything feels too much stop and try again the next day and see how it goes.

    Everyone is different and the same goes with how long a wound takes to heal and how quickly movement returns, so hang in there.

    If you have concerns or this pain and heat in the armpit continues do let your breast care team know just in case you have an infection that needs treating with antibiotics.

    I hope this helps but do get back if you have any more questions. You are also very welcome to call our nurse helpline on 0808 800 4040, Monday-Friday 9-5 if you prefer.

    Best wishes

    Naomi

  • Thank you so much I was so concerned as I feel so sick but just had chat with breast care nurse and she said it's all very normal. Also she suggested massaging the area daily which I will. These things always happen on a bank holiday.  Thanks for your advise I feel some what calmer now x

  • How are you feeling today? 
    The axilla is a difficult area to heal due to sweating and rubbing on your clothes, my easier exercises were standing by the wall and walking my hands up towards the ceiling, l think it was my physio's favourite, my husband used to do them with me, It's one of the few where you can see the improvements in movement as your arm becomes more mobile. Go back to the easy exercises until comfortable, with abdominal surgery they just encourage deep breathing. Following my gynaecology surgery I have had to wait until I can lift anything heavier than my small handbag! 
    Please don't overdo the exercises they will still be there for you when you are comfortable to relax and stretch. I found taking my analgesics before helped. 
    my GP has been really helpful during my post op period, with painkillers and dressings.   
    Covid has made them easier to access by phone 
    Susie

     

     

  • Thank you I have reverted to all my week one exercises along with a selection from the week 2, wall crawling one of them. Breast care nurse assured me it's fluid but not lymphoedema just healing fluid and could take weeks. I know I need to get full movement back for 8 weeks time as I will need arms over head for me radiotherapy, no pressure eek. Giving them my best shot but so swollen and so very painful at all times.  I'm almost 60 so not sure if that slowing recovery. Thanks for advice and your experience will let you all know if I achieve my 8 week target xxx