Hi Dahlia,

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 9 years. The first time I had a lumpectomy and 6 nodes removed under my right arm. I found it difficult to raise my arm for some time after surgery, but I was able to do anything which kept my arm down, so I had no bother knitting, crocheting, using the computer, etc.

A year later I had a double mastectomy and my surgeon tried to remove some lymph nodes from under my left arm. In the event he only managed to remove some fatty tissue. I still get some discomfort in my right underarm and breast, but can manage to do most things despite this.

I am sure that all will go well for you on 2nd January. Do please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Dahlia,

I myself have had a full clearance in my groin but I know many melanoma patients who have had an axilla clearance. Their experience has been that raising the arm is a problem at first but it's helped with phsyiotherapy which is arranged post surgery. If it's not offered to you please ask because it makes a lot of difference to the recovery time. They should also advise on what side effects to look out for which would need treating - cording of the scar is one, cellulitis (infection) another and lastly Lymphoedema. 

Good luck,

Angie

Hi Dahlia,

My situation isn't quite the same as I had complete axillary node dissection with my mastectomy, but there are things that will be the same because of what lymph node removal means.

Something called 'cording' (official name is axillary web syndrome) can develop after lymph node removal and, if not stretched, this could lead to permanent restrictive movement of your arm.  I developed cording and now have very close to full movement back in my arm, although at full stretch it is still painful.  Cording doesn't happen in everyone, and they still don't know why it happens, but exercises will help with it if it does form.

They will likely warn you about fluid build-up (which becomes what's called a seroma).  This happened to me.  If it happens they may require you to use your arm as little as possible until it goes down as movement can encourage more fluid build-up, but it won't be forever.  It is important you listen to them if they tell you not to use your arm as the point is to avoid developing lymphoedema.  I only say that, not meaning to patronise, as I have talked to people who completely ignored this advice simply cause they didn't understand how moving the arm could encourage fluid build-up.  I had to stop doing my basic exercises (annoying, cause they helped the cording) for a short time but it's all good now.

As someone else has said, they will likely have you seen by a physiotherapist.  Mine has been fantastic.

Best wishes for chemo, hope it all goes smoothly and not too many side effects.

LJx

Hi Dahlia,

Just following on from Twin Two's advice. I had a double mastectomy second time around and went on to develop bilateral Lymphoedema. It was only mentioned very casually before my surgery and, only because I raised a question about the possibility of contracting it. I was never offered any physiotherapy at all.

I eventually joined a self-help group at Maggies. Here I was taught bandaging and massage tehniques. After this was finished I attended a specialist nurse at Maggies for myofascial release sessions to ease some of banding in my scarring. This was very successful.

I was then referred to a Lymphoedema clinic where a Lymphoedema nurse specialist massages me to try and clear some of the lymph before bandaging both arms from shoulder to fingertip in compression bandaging. I get this done twice a week for 2 weeks every 12 weeks. In between I have compression sleeves to wear both throughout the day and at night. I have been attending this clinic for 7 years now and, although it is keeping things on an even plane, it will never get rid of the Lymphoedema. 

I look like the Michelin Man for these 2 weeks and I am quite restricted in what I can do for this time. If I had been aware that physio was available immediately after surgery, I would certainly have asked for it and, would certainly advise you to do so. Twin Two's post goes to show how much benefit there is to be had from having it at the right time.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Oh Lord I just wrote a long reply post but have lost it so I'll just say thank you all for your sound advice. TwinTwo I had seromas following the mastectomy but did not realise the further implications of seroma with this clearance op so I'll ask about that and physio too.

Thank you all

Xx

Good luck Dahlia

LJxx

Hi Dahlia,

I now try to write in Word and then copy on to the forum, as I've done this too many times and I find it infuriating.

Jolamine xx

Good idea there Jolamine. 

I'm happy to report the op went well today. I spoke to the anaesthetist as I'd been so sick following the anaesthetic with the mastectomy. The fantastic man used his own mix up on me and I cannot believe how well I feel. I've been eating and am up and about. The surgeon is pleased with the op and I'll be home tomorrow. 

Couldn't ask for more I'm thrilled.

Xx

That's fantastic news Dahlia.  It's great when you get a anaesthetist that listens and tries hard to adapt things to suit you.

Glad you're recovering so well you can get home tomorrow.  Hope the arm movement is quick in coming back.

Keep us updated.

LJxx

Hi Dahlia,

I'm delighted to hear that everything went so well today. It makes such a difference when your anaethesist can adapt medication to ensure that you are not sick after your general anaesthetic. I bet that you were relieved about that.

I would expect that you'll be a bit stiffer tomorrow, but do your exercises as soon as you can to get your arm moving again.

Please keep us posted on how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx