recovery from partial mastectomy

kcpc

recovery from partial mastectomy

kcpc

Can some of you describe your recovery from PM? I'm still in a lot of pain after 6 weeks. The radiologist and surgeon say it's not uncommon, but my primary care physician says she's never had a patient with this much pain. (I'm not a wimp, I've had surgeries before with no problems!)

nosurrender

Is your pain from the breast area? Or did you also have your lymph nodes removed?

I have found that the lymph node removal is the most painful part of the surgeries we have.

I have had both lumpectomy and bilateral mastectomies-

lymph node pain was the worst.

It DOES get better, but you have to remember there are very sensitive nerves that were cut and as they "wake up" they hurt!

((Gentle hugs))

g 

kcpc

The pain from the sentinel node biopsy was worse at first, but it has completely subsided, thank heavens. It's just my breast which feels like it has a burning lump of coal inside and I'm getting alot of intense muscle spasms, and the skin is extemely sensitive to the slightest touch. But I don't think it's infected, as you say, I think there a just a bunch of really sensitive nerves that have yet to calm down. It has improved slightly in the last few days, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I never expected anything like this though.

AnneW

This sounds more like nerve pain, and it is wicked. I hope I don't get it, but if I DO, I'm immediately requesting a prescription for Lyrica. It's a fabulous med for nerve pain, nonnarcotic, works only at the site of abberant chemical release on the nerve endings. I've prescribed it a gazillion times, and would take it in a heartbeat. (Disclaimer, I don't work for the drug company!)

Most surgeons aren't aware of this drug. It's a newer, cleaner form of Neurontin. Do some research and see if it might be right for you.

Anne

kcpc

Anne, thank you very much. I'm seeing the radiologist tomorrow and will see if she'll prescribe it. Otherwise, I'll talk to the surgeon or my primary care physician. The pain just doesn't seem to be subsiding and was very bad again today.

PS, I like your mountain picture. I'm from Park City, Utah, another mountain town.