Sentinel lymph node removal

Just a quick question - I had 2 sentinel lymph nodes removed a week ago under my arm agter breast cancer lumpectomy, and I've been doing my exercises as advised.

Tonight the fleshy part of my arm - think its called the tricep is so very very sore, feels bruised but it isn't.

Is this normal? Has anyone else had similar x

  • Hi Nicwill first of all I hope you are doing ok.

    I had the same surgery as you 2.5 weeks ago and yes it does hurt. Don't overexert yourself and it's easier said than don't but try not to worry. There has been some pushing and pull and your arm would have been strapped out on the board during surgery

    plus you will be sleeping funny no doubt - I bought myself one of those body pillows which really helped my sleeping position. 

    x

  • Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Everything you have said makes sense.

    I hope you are doing okay as well.

    I will have a look at those pillows as yes, sleeping solely on my back for nearly 2 months is a nightmare.

    X

  • Like any op, nerves can be damaged, and those can be sore as they're healing.

    Unless the pain becomes very sore or the skin becomes hot to the touch or any other sign of infection, I's probably just the nerves that were irritated during the surgery.

    If ever in doubt, though, always contact your treating doctors. Never just sit at home trying to plough through the pain if you're worried. Take seconds for them to tell you if something is normal or not.

    My wife is over a year out from the same surgery and she still has on/off pain, and tingling caused by nerve damage. Nerves are notoriously slow healers, and it can take time for the pain to subside. It's also not uncommon for their to be pain when some sensation returns to them.

  • Thank you ProfBaw for you reply, and I will take everything you have said aboard.

    I hope your wife is well x