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• missy

  

  • 3 posts
  June 3, 2012 4:13:48 PM WATime

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  Hello everyone,

  I had a lumpectomy and three nodes removed two and a half weeks ago and I am still experiencing significant pain in my armpit, it has subsided a little over the last two days thankfully. I haven't taken any pain killers today and it is 4.00 pm and am hoping to get through the day without taking any.  Just waiting for this golf ball to go down a little.  I think about the ladies and guys who have had a axillary clearance and can't begin to imagine what they are going through!!  Is there anybody out there who knows what I'm talking about? Would love to hear your stories.

  40 year old lady. Diagnosed on 03/04/2012.  20 mm DCIS.  Nodes are clear.

• Joycey56

  

  • 1 posts
  June 3, 2012 8:18:24 PM WATime

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  Hi missy
  I also had a lumpectomy on 10/5/2012 and are still experiencing 'tennis ball' 'golf ball' type symptoms under right arm. I have had drainage completed 5 times now as I was so uncomfortable. Seems to be settling a little now. Takes time I believe. I have not had much pain just uncomfortable. I also get pain and numbness down my arm which is also annoying. I am told that in time it will improve and need to be patient. I understand and sympathise where you are coming from. Have been exercising my arm every day.
• Glenys

  

  • 162 posts
  June 4, 2012 4:34:33 PM WATime

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  Hi Jane
  I'm sorry to hear you're still having troublesome discomfort from the armpit area. We spoke on the phone (from clinic) last week, and I know you have seen a physiotherapist as well to help manage discomfort in this area, but it should be settling down by now.
  It does sound to me that you may have a collection of fluid in the lymph node area after the surgery called a 'seroma' - which is the fluid that leaks into the area during the healing process. Everyone will have a small amount of seroma fluid around the site of a healing wound after surgery, but for some this collection is larger and becomes uncomfortable, and for others even a small amount is uncomfortable (especially in the armpit area). When this happens, drainage of the fluid often helps to ease discomfort. This is done using a needle - which may sound painful but often cannot be felt or has only minimal discomfort. Seroma collections are not harmful, and if not a large volume, the fluid will gradually be re-absorbed by the body.
  I do really hope you have had further improvement today Jane. If not, and you don't already have a review appointment tomorrow (Tues) in place, please ring the clinic tomorrow morning after 8am and ask to speak with one of the nurses. An appointment can be arranged for you to attend tomorrow afternoon for review if required. Meanwhile taking medication such as Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen to ease discomfort would be recommended until this resolves for you.
  NB: If there is any sign of infection (redness, increasing pain, fever) then more urgent attention is recommended either with your treating team or local GP - or if condition more severe and not able to easily attend the above, then attending a hospital emergency department is recommended.
  Generally the surgery should not cause ongoing discomfort in the manner you have described Jane, and I am very keen to help resolve this for you. Please let me know how things go. xx
  
  

  The Click Breast Care Nurse 

• Glenys

  

  • 162 posts
  June 6, 2012 11:41:43 AM WATime

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  Great to hear the discomfort has settled down for you now Jane. Such a relief for you. xx

  The Click Breast Care Nurse 

• missy

  

  • 3 posts
  June 7, 2012 8:38:45 PM WATime

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  Hi Glenys,
  
  Thank you for your posts. I am feeling so much better now thank you. Regarding the seroma fluid I did actually have that drained one week after the surgery as it was that uncomfortable. I should be finding out soon whether I need chemotherapy. I'm slowly learning more about breast cancer and getting a better understanding about it all. Thank you for all your support.
  Jane xx

  40 year old lady. Diagnosed on 03/04/2012.  20 mm DCIS.  Nodes are clear.

• muddy

  

  • 9 posts
  August 29, 2012 7:18:22 PM WATime

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  I had an axilliary clearance 8 1/2 years ago and still get the occasional "tennis ball". Exercise helps, especially those done in the YWCA Encore program.
  Muddy

  67 YO diagnosed late 2003. Grade 3 ER+ 26 mm tumour. Mastectomy, chemo, 5 years tamoxifen, 3years (so far ) femara