Hello Linda and thank you for posting

I am sorry you are going through this period of waiting for results, it can be a worrying time and hard to manage. But well done on giving up cigarettes 6 months ago, that is a great achievement.

It is difficult for me to say what I think you should do, but I would say that taking away the nicotine craving without reaching for the cigarettes may be better in this situation.

Managing stress and building up resilience for the next time you are in a difficult situation might be something that you think about at some point, there is information on this here. But for now, it is about taking each day and trying to distract yourself as much as possible so that time passes quickly. 

There are more links to support you in giving up smoking here and here if helpful, do find also out what your local hospital trust provides, here is an example of a stop smoking service in a London trust.

Take care and do get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Sarah.

I had the same surgery done a week ago, my breast scar has healed well with very little discomfort. However scar under my arm is so painful, no bleeding or weeping but now feels swollen. Is this quite normal? I have been doing my exercises. Just in need of some reassurance I think. Sorry.

Hi Sarah. I had lumpectomy 3.3cm tumour removed and sentinel node biopsy 5 weeks ago. I still have a lump running from my scar to under my arm but swelling has gone down a lot to in the beginning. Good news is they got clear margins and no spread to nodes so now awaiting treatment plan. Chemo, radiotherapy, hormone tablets.....not sure what yet awaiting further test results for oncotype dx testing You'll get there, keep doing your exercises  and I found ibuprofen helped with swelling if you can take it. Good luck xx

Good Luck Linda, you'll get there xx

Thank you  x

Hi Bungalow and thank you for your post

I am not surprised that you are still feeling pain under the arm, it has only been a week since your surgery and it can take a while for things to settle. As Jane2024 has posted do keep going with the exercise as these will help, as well as regular pain relief. 

However, if you are concerned at all that things aren't improving or the symptoms are worsening then do get in contact with your breast care nurse (CNS) for advice.

I hope the pain eases soon. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care all the best 

Jemma