Arm numbness after lymph node removal

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BlueGreenBaby
BlueGreenBaby Member Posts: 32
edited December 2021 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hello. I had a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy two days ago and from my armpit to my elbow is completely numb. It also feels like pins and needles. Feels so strange. Does it go away? I hope so.

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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited December 2021

    It should gradually go away, but the sandpaper sensation where the node incision is will be bothersome for quite a while. If your arm doesn't improve at least somewhat in the next few weeks, call your surgeon so she can take a look at it.

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  • Beaverntx
    Beaverntx Member Posts: 3,183
    edited December 2021

    BlueGreenBaby, yes, the sensations in your arm are normal. Nerves that provide sensation to your arm were disturbed during your surgery and will take some time to heal. The length of time, like so much else, will vary from one person to another. Even though I knew to expect it, those sensations were still a bit startling for me--felt like rug burn!

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  • serendipity09
    serendipity09 Member Posts: 732
    edited December 2021

    I didn't have the lumpectomy, but instead BMX with lymph node removal in Sept. 2020 on the right side. Unfortunately for me the armpit and the back of my arm is still numb. There was improvement finally last summer, but was diagnosed again and had to do radiation in Sept. so I'm back to where I was. After PT I feel sometimes like the back of the arm wants to "wake up," but it doesn't. Many women that I've spoken to have said that it eventually went away. I hope that is the case for you.

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  • LW422
    LW422 Member Posts: 1,312
    edited December 2021

    BlueGreenBaby--I had surgery and lymph node removal 4 months ago and I'm finally beginning to have some sensation in the back of my arm. What you're experiencing is totally normal and hopefully it will resolve soon. Take care.

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  • PiperKay
    PiperKay Member Posts: 173
    edited December 2021

    Hi LW422, as everyone else has said, numbness is normal, and it will very likely improve with time. I had a lumpectomy three years ago, and there is a small area at the very top of the back of my arm, basically the outer edge of my armpit that is still numb. Hardly noticeable unless I'm feeling around for the spot to see if it's still there. Keeps getting smaller, slowly but surely, and I can shave that armpit now without too much fear of cutting it to shreds!

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  • wondering44
    wondering44 Member Posts: 204
    edited December 2021

    GreenBabyBlue,

    I had a nipple-sparing mastectomy on 08/18/21. I had numbness and tingling in the same area, and I can feel everything again in those areas this month. I even have sensations in the top part of my boob and nipple (weird).

    I have zero issues today from rads, too, that ended 12/14/21. Honestly, most of my scars have diminished and are barely visible. I continue to use the same treatment on the boob and underarm that I used during rads until I see my PS in March to discuss reconstruction.

    Hopefully, you will soon get fully healed, and all of that numbness and tingling will become a memory.

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