Confused and sad

Hi I'm 44 and have just had a lumpectomy and axillary clearance 4 weeks ago. Am I being really impatient?? Because I feel no better now than I did then! The numbness under my arm is extremely uncomfortable and I have swelling that starts at the back of my armpit and goes a little way round my back.  I have spoken to my consultant and feel like I was brushed off. All he said was there is no seroma and it should settle down. When?? On top of feeling physically not right I'm trying to decide if I'm going to have chemo or not. Of the 21 lymph nodes removed only the one biopsied seems to be affected. So to chemo or not to chemo? I'm worried about the long term side effects of the chemo which I might not actually need!! I'm very confused and down at the mo. Any insight from anyone would be appreciated. X

  • Hello

    I am sorry your are feeling like this, but I can remember feeling the same.  I think it took about 6-8 weeks for it to settle down.  I too only had one lymp node involved, and decided to have chemo.  Everyone reacts differently, but for me chemo was not as bad as I expected.  I felt sick for the first few days and then picked up until the next round.  I had six rounds of chemo every three weeks. When you visit the oncologist you can discuss this.  I was going to refuse chemo at first, as I was very scared, but decided that to give me the best chance  I would have the lot.  I do not regret this.

    I am now three years down the road and feel healthy and back to work.

    Please keep posting for support, it is a lot to go through.

    Take care Diane xxx

     

  • Thanks Diane.  

    Really appreciate it that you've taken the time to reply.

    I'm glad your feeling so well.