Axillary lymph node clearance

Good afternoon all. I had a lumpectomy and sln removal on 2nd December.  I got my results on 29th December and unfortunately the cancer was found in the lymph node they took away. I now have to have another surgery to remove more lymph nodes and chemotherapy.  I'm absolutely devastated  asi also found out my cancer, although only 13mm, was grade 3. I'm currently staged at 2a but I've just got a horrible feeling it will have spread to further lymph nodes. Has anyone had a clearance and if so how was the pain afterwards and recovery time? Love Donna

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  • Hi Donna,

    I had a mastectomy and axillary clearance yesterday. It's not particularly painful, just a litte sore. The heart shape pillow is really helping in reducing discomfort. 

    I had grade 3 in my left breast and 1 lymph node and now just waiting for the next couple of weeks to see what stage I'm given based on what they find in the rest of the lymph nodes.

    Lou xx

     

  • Hey Lou. Thank you for your reply. You have given me some comfort that it won't be too much worse than the first surgery.  Apparently I'll have a drain which I've not experienced yet. I hope you're feeling OK after your surgery  xxx

  • You honestly don't notice the drain (even if you do catch it on the way out of hospital) my drain site is just a bit lower than my wound. You do need to do the exercises they give you to minimise any effects of cording, lymphoedema etc. 

    To be honest I feel fine after my surgery (far better than the csections I've had) I'm more bored than anything else. 

Reply
  • You honestly don't notice the drain (even if you do catch it on the way out of hospital) my drain site is just a bit lower than my wound. You do need to do the exercises they give you to minimise any effects of cording, lymphoedema etc. 

    To be honest I feel fine after my surgery (far better than the csections I've had) I'm more bored than anything else. 

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