Swelling and Numbness from Mastectomy

minnie112256
minnie112256 Member Posts: 49
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had a mastectomy in 2002. Recently I have been experiencing numbness and smelling under my arm and on my back right behind my underarm. Has anyone else experienced the? Is it normal or should it be checked into? It comes and goes based on my activities. It is worse when I use the arm more.

Comments

  • 24242
    24242 Member Posts: 1,398
    #2
    I am 8 year stage 3 with 11 out of 21 positive nodes, survivor. It appears the lymph node disection is the offender, causing side effects of swelling called lymphodema. As your arm swells up it constricts the nerves so it seems that numbness gets worse. I am here to say that the numbness gets better but about the swelling I don't know for sure. I have swelling still to this day but not near as bad as I have seen some experience. I have found the exercise has done me the world of good even with swelling occurring.
    I have been painting since I could do anything after my surgery and that has really helped with my mobility and now I am mudding and taping drywall.
    Side effects are not fun to deal with and takes allot of effort to cope with it all. Exercise is something we all need to do to help pain management and definitely the first step in overcoming fatigue. It takes time and most of us wonder how long??? Everyone is different so symptoms and effects differrent for us all.
    Be good to yourself always,
    Tara
  • AmyBH
    AmyBH Member Posts: 9
    #3
    I agree with Tara - it is most likely lymphedema. However, I have been told NEVER to paint, rake, vacuum..those things that are repetitive arm motions. I have had trunk lymphedema, which is what I believe you have. Seek out a certified lymphedema physical therapist immediately. Learn all about it; how to prevent it, etc. I have a "spot" pad which I sleep in when my lymph flares up. It helps. But there is no cure for it, which is why it is critical to understand it and prevent if if possible. I am also never to lift more that 15 pounds with that hand/arm. (I had chemo, mastectomy, chemo, and radiation) Lymph can come at any time - today or 20 years from now. I just try to live as normally as possible, but I'm very conscious of how I use that arm and any changes in my trunk. Good Luck.

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