Hi there jc .... I was told by my oncology nurse that it is very tender under armpit where lymph node is taken ... they should have given her exercises to help ... my armpit was tender for quite a while ... l was told not to lift heavy things with that arm .. and to never have blood pressure taken on that arm either ..

I'm 10 months post mastectomy now and it still doesn't like me over doing things with that arm ... and my auntie who 3 months post mastectomy said the same ... so maybe have chat with your oncology team (nurse) and see what they think ... maybe it never goes quite so strong as before ... always better to check ...  Chrissie x

Mine still isn’t as strong as it was despite still doing the exercises I was given. I was advised by one if the bcn’s that there is a main nerve that has to moved out of the way to get at the lymph nodes and this can get quite bruised during this process. I’m hoping it will improve, but I guess it will be a slower process than that after surgery and recovery from that.  

Thank you 

Just hope it settles for my partner soon 

Maybe she should mention it to her breast care nurse if she sets herself a target date and there is no measurable improvement?

Hi there I am one year post treatment and still can't wear a bra without some pain. It's very important to wear a supportive bra as it helps with recovery and fluid retention is what I was told.

I have bought so many bras to find the right one that I could open a shop! There's information at breast cancer haven - perhaps contact them or register with your nearest one? The one in London has a bra lady cone once a month to advise and think I've finally found a more comfy one.

The arm and pain is just a part of life now. No lifting with it but I'm right handed so it's hard to always remember. It will get better and the exercises are very important - I still do them. I hope it improves.

Thank you any helpfull information I can get will help my partner just hope it does not affect her job when she returns to work she.s a dog handler so has a big gsd dog on the end of her arm on 12 hour shifts

Hi, I had surgery 2015, I was told to exercise for 2 years, for strength and better movement. It works as I have around 90% movement back, and my strength in both arms is about equal now. I'm still exercise trying for 100% use back, I've all so had a frozen should before op and afterwards, exercise works.

Hi there ... l would be really worried for your wife taking on walking a German shepherd dog ...  and 12 hour shifts sounds exorsting. . We do get more tired after cancer ops / treatments ... and it takes time to build up energy levels ... so don't be surprised if she's cream crackered after work ..

Just a thought ... Chrissie x