Lymph node testing tends to come as part of the territory during lumpectomy. My nodes came back clear and also had clear margins, unlike your mum. 

I have full use of my arm (the left side and I’m left handed as seems to be the way with this) altho I am still careful not to carry really heavy shopping with that side. The discomfort  in my armpit took quite a while to subside, much longer than the incision for the lumpectomy. 

There a quite a lot of us breast cancer types on this site. Fire away with any questions you have. 

I appreciate it’s a scary time, the unknown. I had mastectomy with lymph node clearance. It’s early days but no Lymphoedema problems yet. I was told with modern surgical techniques the risks are lower these days. You’ll get given a lot of tips on avoiding risks as well, like avoiding heavy shopping bags, IVs and blood pressure checks in the affected arm.

I had a lot of nerve pain in my arm post op which has now mostly gone 6 weeks later.

MrsFingers thank you for your reply and sharing that, I hope you are doing well and it brings me so much hope and support to hear that.

i wish you well on your road to recovery. Do you mind me asking if you are now on any other treatment post node removal? 

No problem asking! I’m about to start chemo, 6 cycles Like your mum. (It seems to be the standard where chemo is required for BC). Then I’ll have 3 weeks of radiotherapy. Then hormone treatment, so it certainly feels like the full works!

It’s an unnerving prospect but I keep reminding myself that the treatment is like an insurance policy against the cancer returning. 

Xx

I would agree. I was told before mine that there is a major nerve runs very close to where the lymph nodes are and tht jas to be moved out of the way to get at the nodes. When it’s put back it can be bruised and a bit battered depending on how much moving around was done.  It does get better as long as your mum doesn’t think she’s invincbe and can go straight back to how she used to be,

it’s a gradual process and recovery. 

You are so right, and what an insurance policy worth investing it. Good luck with each step and wish you well.

[@rileyroo]‍  thank you for sharing, that is good to know. Hope your gradual process and recovery is heading in the right direction. 

Hi I have just had my lypnoids removed over a week ago from under my arm had a mastectomy 6 weeks ago and start chemotherapy on Wednesday its not as bad as it seems you will have a drainage tube in your arm does feel dead but the feeling does come back I haven't had lympadima my arm works fine now as long as you do the exercises all will be good 

@Cyna thank you for sharing your situation, glad you are doing ok and wish you all the best on your journey.

i will be sure to share this with my Mum