has anyone had the muscle taken from the arm pit.

Whisper, I did not have muscle taken, but did have a bunch of nodes out. I would strongly urge you to ask to be seen by a PT who specializes in mastectomies. Mine was a complete godsend and I credit her with having saved me a lot of pain and problems.

That said, the nerve business is unpleasant. I am about 18 months out and it finally feels OK the vast majority of the time. My PT gives me a lymph-draining massage when I see her, and I remember complaining to her about numbness in my back and upper arm. She put her finger right on it and asked "here?" I was stunned and asked how she knew the exact spot, and she said it happens to virtually all patients in the exact same spots, because of the specific nerves that get cut during the surgery. My nerve damage has, however, recovered quite a lot. 

I don't have much to add to what the woman here have already said, but wanted to welcome you!! I too had shooting pain under my arm and was told it was the nerves healing themselves. Most of the numbness has healed..I am a year out from end of treatment!! The path report on Friday can be a very hard day..stay strong in hope and come here for support if you need!!

Hi whisper, sorry you're here with us.  I didn't have the muscle removed but I know of a lady who had her chest muscle removed.  They made her some type of sheild (for lack of a better word) to protect her ribs so, even though not common...it is possible.  I agree with what others have said, the nerve pain is terrible and will have you wondering "is it back".  I had 16 LN's removed and will be 3 yrs in July, I still have burning and shooting pains.  Best wishes with the rest of your tx and I hope you find the support and info you'll need here with us.

To Whisper Fare

I also had muscle and nerves removed during my mastectomy.  I had 12 nodes removed.  I had a great deal of pain the first two weeks but it is mostly numbness now.  I was really  limited with my range of movement at first but was determined that I would not let that be long term.  I have been stretching and raising my arm frequently and have found that it has gotten better each day. Not sure if it is just healing or if the stretching is helping or if it is a combination.  I can not feel my arm pit at all and it feels really weird to put on deodorant or shave.  I hope that goes away. I hope your pain passes soon and that your results are good.  The waiting can be the worst.

Momine

Thanks for sharing that info.  I have not been told not to shave but then again they did not tell me that I should not  have blood pressure taken in that arm either.  I quickly learned how painful it is to have your bp taken the first doctor visit.  Anything else I should know??

Elm, ack! That is really irresponsible of your surgeon not to give you a basic list. Check in with the ladies on the lymphedema forum here. They are wonderful and know so much. 

In brief, however, no BP, no blood draws, no shaving, nothing tight. Daily stretching. No heavy lifting, especially not sudden jerks with weight, like shaking out rugs for example. They used to ttell people not to exercise either, but that has been debunked. However, you need to go slow, work up to things gradually and many of us wear a sleeve and gauntlet when doing weights, for example. I would strongly recommend getting a consult with a PT who specializes in mastectomy patients. It is well worth it.