I had lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node removal on 22nd December and also have found the pain far worse in the second week.  It was more numb in the first week but now in my armpit at times is unbearable. 

I've found using a really soft sock (brand new), one of those bedsock type, under the arm to prevent skin from touching skin really helps. I tuck one end under my bra strap at the front and the other at the back just to prevent it from sliding out.  I also find if I lie on the opposite side and put a pillow in front of me to raise the arm, that helps too.

You can purchase surgery pillows on Etsy to place under your arm but I personally found it too firm and uncomfortable.

Hi Susan-P,

Welcome to our forum.

It is not unusual to have discomfort after a biopsy, but I am sorry to hear that you are suffering so much. I has similar problems after I had a double mastectomy 10 years ago. I used a small heart shaped cushion, which was very soft. I found this in a card shop of all places, but it was by far the most helpful 'piece of kit' I had. I used it in the car, when sitting and in bed at night.

I hope that this settles down for you soon. Do please keep in touch and let us know how you get on when your results come through. We are always here for you.

Kindest regards,

Jolamine xx

I'm new on this site .

I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy on 29th December.

Will be getting the results on Friday 8th January. My scars on my boob and at the side are manageable

but it's my actual armpit which is so painful. I wash with a soft cloth then dry but the skin feels so rough,

it feels as though it's burning.

I'm trying Susan-P suggestion of putting a sock under my armpit.

Take care litchielou x

Hi - I had same surgery as you Susan P on the same day! It was much tougher than I expected and my surgeon had to remove some muscle to get decent margins around one lump (I had two). Definitely had different pains this second week and my skin feels super sensitive. I also now seem to have a lump below my lymph node incision scar. Desperate to get the dressings off and the pathology results back!

Hello Susan,

Thank you so much for the tip, I did what you suggested with some soft material which I folded. It seemed to have done the trick - far less pain today.

Hope you are recovering well.

I'm glad the soft cloth idea seems to be working for you.

Hope you have a speedy recovery.

Hi Litchielou,

Welcome to the forum. I had a lumpectomy for my first bout of cancer 11 years ago and had a lot of discomfort after that. I only had 6 lymph nodes removed and they were al clear. From time to time, I still feel that burning sensation under my arm, even after all these years.

It is early days for yours to heal yet, but make sure to do your exercises regularly. Please let us know if the sock works for you too, as we all learn from one another's experience.

I hope that all goes well for you on Friday. Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Sue,

I hope that the pillow works for you. Please keep in touch and let us know.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi,

I too am new on this site .

I also had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy on 29th December.

I will get my results back on 20th January. 

I am really struggling with the burning pain and burning/sensitive skin on my upper arm. I have one of those heart shaped pillows and find the angle it supports my arm at really uncomfortable now, although it was amazing the first 3 days after surgery. 
 

I'm going to try the soft bed sock, does anyone else suggest any creams etc that might help? 
 

Thank you so much. x