arm numbness

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Ginger7286
Ginger7286 Member Posts: 13
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had my surgery one week ago. I had 4 lymph nodes removed I don't have all the tests back yet but I know the sentinel node had cancer cells and I am in stage 2. I am awaiting the tests of the other three nodes and of course my post op therapy has yet to begin. My upper right arm in thye tricep area is numb down to my elbow and it is painful. Does this heal and if so how long does it take? Secondly I have hyeard of arm exercises to help this heal faster and better. What are the exercises? I am very active physically and I am going crazy just sitting here taking it easy after surgery.

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  • zahalene
    zahalene Member Posts: 670
    #2
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    arm ouchies
    Hello Ginger.
    I had the same surgery twice (both sides at different times).
    First of all, the pain will subside into 'twinges' that hit you at unexpected times, but not bad really. Then eventually the 'twinges' will go away for the most part except maybe when you lift something too heavy or such. My first surgery was 22 years ago and I still get em.
    Secondly, some of the numbness will probably be permanent. However, it will eventually become completely a non-event and you will think, eh..so what.
    As to the exercises, you need to talk to your surgeon about the 'official' ones he recommends, but for the most part I think they are pretty standard: Walk your fingers up the wall as high as you comfortably can with your elbow locked a few times each day. Try to geeently increase you path a little higher each time. Also, hang a jump rope over a closet door and hold each end with each hand. Use your good arm to pull your sore arm higher and higher...geeently, remember.
    Also, lie on your back with a broom stick in both hands lying on your thighs. Now, raise the stick up and over your head (eventually)...if you can't go that far at first, that is normal. They slowly lower the stick back down. Keep elbows straight and locked.
    It is good to keep everything moving, but if you over do it you may set yourself back, so curb your go-get-em attitude for awhile and be kind to yourself. :)
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    #3
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    Arm numbness, etc
    Yes, hon, the pain will leave, but the numbness will probably be a forever reminder...in case the scars etc, aren't! :-) But it does indeed become a non-issue, and should be a forgettable event.

    I am surprised that you weren't shown the necessary arm exercises~ the RNs at the surgery center showed me them before I went home! They were painful, to be sure, but soo necessary so as not to have the muscles atrophy. They may indeed have a print-out for you...I would call and ask my Dr!

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • tigerlilsal
    tigerlilsal Member Posts: 2
    #4
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    numbness
    Get your DR. to order physical therapy for you NOW. You can end up with frozen shoulder syndrome and scar tissue if you don't start exercising. You timing is about right to begin some of the stretches, and if you have a nurse practitioner working with your surgeon she can help. But START SOON! My numbness is just now wearing off beind my arm and surgeries were May 16st and May 21st. Lumpectomy first, then an axillary dissection. Nerves are severed, but they do grow back for the most part. Get educated on lymphedema and how to avoid this. It can be a real problem for all of us.

    luck to you.
  • artifact hunter
    artifact hunter Member Posts: 11
    #5
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    arm numbness
    Hi Ginger:

    I also have arm numbness. Had lumpectomy Nov 30 07. Some days the numbness is less than others. I've been told by a lymphedema specialist that some nerves get cut during surgery by eventually regenerate. I did self massage, but you should ask your onc first so soon after surgery. My surgeon told me not to massage underarm area. My onc said to massage breast ect. Be patient, I think the numbness will fade. When you're healed more, I would ask your doc about massage to the area, as long as you don't have lymphedema - then light, gentle massage should be done.
  • suzanne56
    suzanne56 Member Posts: 18
    #6
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    zahalene said:

    arm ouchies
    Hello Ginger.
    I had the same surgery twice (both sides at different times).
    First of all, the pain will subside into 'twinges' that hit you at unexpected times, but not bad really. Then eventually the 'twinges' will go away for the most part except maybe when you lift something too heavy or such. My first surgery was 22 years ago and I still get em.
    Secondly, some of the numbness will probably be permanent. However, it will eventually become completely a non-event and you will think, eh..so what.
    As to the exercises, you need to talk to your surgeon about the 'official' ones he recommends, but for the most part I think they are pretty standard: Walk your fingers up the wall as high as you comfortably can with your elbow locked a few times each day. Try to geeently increase you path a little higher each time. Also, hang a jump rope over a closet door and hold each end with each hand. Use your good arm to pull your sore arm higher and higher...geeently, remember.
    Also, lie on your back with a broom stick in both hands lying on your thighs. Now, raise the stick up and over your head (eventually)...if you can't go that far at first, that is normal. They slowly lower the stick back down. Keep elbows straight and locked.
    It is good to keep everything moving, but if you over do it you may set yourself back, so curb your go-get-em attitude for awhile and be kind to yourself. :)

    arm ouchies
    I liked what you said in your posts. I had breast cancer in 2006. I did most of the exercises you mentioned and they helped a lot. It took a year and a half for the numbness to completely leave my arm. The only numbness I have is the scar. I didn't do reconstruction. But I do still have to stretch the muscles under my arm everyday. With time it's getting less. You give good advice, keep it up!
    Suzanne
  • zahalene
    zahalene Member Posts: 670
    #7
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    suzanne56 said:

    arm ouchies
    I liked what you said in your posts. I had breast cancer in 2006. I did most of the exercises you mentioned and they helped a lot. It took a year and a half for the numbness to completely leave my arm. The only numbness I have is the scar. I didn't do reconstruction. But I do still have to stretch the muscles under my arm everyday. With time it's getting less. You give good advice, keep it up!
    Suzanne

    Thank you
    Thank you suzanne, you are very kind.
    After all, what would be the point of going through all this crap and then keeping what we learn to ourselves?

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