Axillary node dissection "problems"

Options
slmdavidson
slmdavidson Member Posts: 127
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

This is my second go-around w/bc.  Had bilat mx in Oct 07 for DCIS.  Recurrence of IDC in Dec 08. Had my "lumpectomy" (really, I guess it's more of a "skinectomy") Jan 13 09 and will go back in to get clean margins tomorrow.  In 2007 they only took one node it was done through the mastectomy incision.  This time, there is a new 4 inch scar under my arm. My question is this: The area around the incision is still very sore and is extremely knotty. Not sore like an incision, but sore like something else and not even like a bruise.  It's not generally swollen, but looks like there is a hard boiled egg under the skin but bumpy.  It's been two weeks....the underside of my entire upper arm is also sore as well as part of my back and shoulder.  The underside of my arm to my elbow is numb.  Is this normal?  Anyone else have anything like that? I know they can drain it tomorrow if that's what needs to be done, but it doesn't seem like regular swelling.  Also, I had the lat flap done in my original surgery, and my muscle goes through that area.  It was the first time my BS had to dig through the muscle to get to the lymph nodes. I'm wondering if something else is going on in there? 

Laura

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2009

    Laura

    Most of what you are describing is normal...the soreness/achiness...I first time I had a sentinal node biopsy and the second time a partial dissection and I felt all those things....I still have some numbness but it has gotten better over the last two years and I only have one small spot in the arm pit...

    As for the swellling, the only that I had was cause from lymph fluid after they pulled the drain but I massaged it a little and it drained on its own...

    Im glad to hear you will be seeing someone tomorrow so you will get your answers quickly.

    Best of luck with your surgery!!!

    Jule

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • slmdavidson
    slmdavidson Member Posts: 127
    edited January 2009

    Thanks Jule.  My surgeon drained it today while I was under, during my second excision.  It feels better, but it could be the pain meds!  He did say that he could have cut sensory nerves and the feeling of numbness may not really go away, but I'd eventually get used to it and wouldn't notice it anymore? 

    Laura

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2009

    I'm only 6 weeks out, but I still have to watch in the mirror as I put on deodorant and I'm very, very careful shaving as I can't feel anything and I'm afraid I'd cut myself! Still numb on my arm to halfway to the elbow (under side).

    Good luck! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • slmdavidson
    slmdavidson Member Posts: 127
    edited January 2009

    Thanks Barbe. That makes me feel much better knowing it's pretty common.  My arm is still numb the same place as yours almost down to my elbow.  Sounds like it will improve eventually.

    Take care and thanks for sharing!

    Laura

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bre
    bre Member Posts: 89
    edited January 2009

    Hi slm,  You will get used to the numbness.  Be sure and shave with an electric razor from now on so you don't risk nicking the skin, getting an infection and lymphedema.  wear gloves when doing dishes and housework and gardening too.  No blood pressure or needlestick on that arm either.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories