After surgery

I have breast cancer, last week I had an operation to cut the cancer out of my breast, I also had some lymph nodes removed to be tested to see if the cancer has spread, I'm still awaiting the results.  My question is how long is the healing process,  my wounds have both closed and are not infected,  my breast although  tender feels fine but the pain under my arm is still very bad and just wanted a rough idea how long it will be this painful. 

  • Hello and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to learn that you needed surgery for breast cancer.

    Most people find the breast takes about 2-3 weeks to heal after surgery, but the pain under the arm, where nerves may have been affected can take longer often months. 

    Hopefully, you will be advised what arm exercises to help recover. On our website, we have information about exercises to improve arm movement after breast surgery and there is also information on Breast Cancer Now which I hope will be useful.

    If you are concerned at all, do have a chat with your breast nurse specialist (CNS). 

    I hope this helps a little. Please feel free to contact us if you need 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

  • Thank you for your reply, I do have exercises that I'm doing, I was just hopeing for a speedier recovery from the pain, I obviously need to be more patient.