Numbness after ALND

Options
brittonkb
brittonkb Member Posts: 102
edited August 2020 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I had an ALND on July 6th and till have some really numb spots on the back of that arm and in the armpit area. Wondering when/if I can expect to get feeling back? I’m sure it can be different for everyone but hoping others who have been through it can share their experience with this. Thank you!!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • NorCalS
    NorCalS Member Posts: 288
    edited August 2020

    Hi.

    I had numbness around armpit area for several months (around 5 months) after my Lumpectomy in December 2019. MO recommended that I get physical therapy, but I didn’t because of Covid. The numbness has been replaced by some aches and pain when pressure is applied to the area. Also, scar tissue formed near incisions, so there is some discomfort when I press on the scar tissue. I had a mammogram and ultrasound to confirm that the hard scar tissue was just that and not a recurrence. Based on my MO’s reaction, I’m assuming the numbness goes away much sooner than a few months

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • brittonkb
    brittonkb Member Posts: 102
    edited August 2020

    Thanks NorCal. It’s been about 5 1/2 weeks for me. Most of the numb areas have regained feeling but these spots seem much more stubborn. At my last appointment I know they said it can take awhile but can’t recall how long. 5 months does seem like a long time. Sorry you’re experiencing aches and pain

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tmh0921
    Tmh0921 Member Posts: 714
    edited August 2020

    I still have slight numbness on the back of my left arm and shoulder from my ALND in 1999. It has improved a lot over the years, but you may always have less sensation than before.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited August 2020

    I has ALND surgery almost 7 years ago. The underside of my arm is still mostly numb - as well as the armpit area. The side of my chest is also numb except for occasional pain from the radiation damage. Sorry - I think that is normal.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited August 2020

    Any time you have nerves cut, you get numb spots and tingles. They can last forever in places.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • brittonkb
    brittonkb Member Posts: 102
    edited August 2020

    Thanks for the replies! I suspected there may be some spots that remain numb forever. I had back surgery 30 years ago as a teenager and still have some numb areas from that. I’m really hoping to at least gain some sensation in the armpit so I can feel myself shaving, but won’t hold my breath :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • beeline
    beeline Member Posts: 308
    edited August 2020

    brittonkb, I had ALND 2 years ago and had lots of tingling, nerve pain and numbness. Two years on, they are all gone and most of the feeling is back, so it may come back for you, too!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • brittonkb
    brittonkb Member Posts: 102
    edited August 2020

    Thanks beeline! That’s great to hear!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited August 2020

    I had an ALND almost 9 years ago. There is still a numb area on the underside of my upper arm and a bit in my armpit. After all this time I believe it will never “wake up"

    NorcalS, alumpectomy is different from an axillary node disection.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories