What's normal for 3 weeks after surgery?

SallyAnneS

I had a UMX with SNB 3 weeks ago for a DCIS (BRCA1). I've been healing well, but I'm getting worried because I may have overdone my stretching exercises too soon. I still have swelling under my arm as well as tightness under and around my arm and shoulder and now some pulling going down to my elbow.

I was told I could start my stretching exercises a couple of days after surgery, just not over my head until the drains came out. And they came out after only 5 days.

Not thinking about my lymph system healing (or being warned about that!) I really stretched. I'm very limber, so I was pretty happy about my range of motion, which I thought was what it was all about.

Now I read to help the lymph system heal and avoid lymphedema, that I shouldn't have exercised so soon and so strongly.

I am really worried I have blown it! My biggest fear, and the reason I didn't go for reconstruction, is loss of function.

Any thoughts? Are swelling in my armpit still and tightness under my arm normal for 3 weeks out? Should I insist on a lymphedema specialist? My surgeon's nurse no help and the PT I have is unsure.

THDailey

I had swelling and tingling up to four weeks out post op. I did my stretching and exercise and it was much better that fourth and fifith week out from surgery. Now I am back to normal almost completely. My scar is still healing (7 weeks post op) but I am 100% from surgery. go with your gut and do want you feel is right. It will get better each day.

Binney4

SallyAnne, yes by all means insist on a visit to a well-trained lymphedema therapist. Here's how to find one near you:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified...

Whether this is related to lymphedema or not, a lymphedema therapist will be able to take some measurements for on-going reference and give you some much-needed tips for reducing your lymphedema risk going forward. The pulling you're feeling might also be Axillary Web Syndrome (also called cording), and the therapist will be able to help you with that as well. Here's information about cording:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Cording_and_Axillar...

Please do keep us posted and let us know what you discover. Hopefully you'll never have to join our "Swell" sisterhood!

Hugs,
Binney

juneping

i recalled after my surgery, i wasn't able to wash my hair because the range of my arm movement was very limited. it eventually came back. i didn't have swelling only the tightness.

i wouldn't worry about it and also would go easy on the stretch....it takes time to heal.

Kicks

Insist on getting an appt with an LET (Lymph Edema Therapist - they will be either a PT or OT with additional education - not just 'some PT' who claims to 'know all about LE') so er rather than later. Everyone should be referred to an LET immediately - before tbere is an issue. It is important to get an evaluation/measurements 'base line' and gain education from one who has actual credentials/education in LE. There are very few Drs/MDs who have any real clue about LE.

Of course, not all LETs are the same so may tell you something a bit different than another tells someone else - also we are each unique. What 'works' for me is not exactly what 'works' for others as can be seen by my posts. It works for me but obviously not for all - just as what 'works' for others - isn't 'right' for me.

For me, 1 drain was removed 10 days post UMX - no problem. 2nd drain removed a month post UMX and developed a large seroma. I had done 4 DD A/C neoadjuvant, UMX 2 weeks later, 3 weeks UMX started 12 weekly Taxol. 6 weeks into Taxol, LE started showing it's 'ugly head'. Thankfully, my Chemo Dr was a lot more knowledgeable than most and I was quickly sent to my LET guy.

ChiSandy

More than likely cording, not LE, as only one node was removed. Or scarring, especially at the drain removal site. Underarm swelling is characteristic of a seroma forming at the SNB site. Keep tabs on it—if it grows, call your BS and demand an appointment. 3 wks is when mine burst (the weight of my breast pulled the incision—closed with steri-strips that finally fell off—open; it had to be sutured closed for 2 more weeks). But since cording & LE are both associated with the lymph system, go to lana.org or StepUpSpeakOut to find a certified LE specialist or therapist in your area.