How long should I expect pain in armpit after removal of lymph nodes?

Posted by meomurian @meomurian, Nov 18, 2023

I had a mastectomy with removal of three lymph nodes 8 weeks ago and am still feeling pain in my armpit, where they were removed. Is this normal and how long should I expect to feel pain?

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@myoga

I had mine sentinel lymphnode removal last year and the numbness is still there. It gets better though. Try doing stretching exercises while taking shower. I found it easier to stretch when the muscles are warm. When you feel the pain, stop for a few days then resume when the pain is gone. Took me a month to regain full range of motion. Good wishes. Happy Thanksgiving. Hugs.

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Oops. I only had 2 sentinel lymph nodes removed. Didn’t realize it sounds like nine. So sorry.

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@tonysmom

I had my lumpectomy and node removed 9 days ago. Should it look swollen and feel hard under the incision.It does'nt look infected and is'nt painful,but it was'nt swollen the last 8 days.

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9 days is a really short time, even when it feels like forever. Mine were very swollen and hard for a few weeks then the began to ease. I am glad yours aren’t painful. If this continues or the swelling increases or feels feverish, then this is concerning.
Do you have a re-check appointment with your surgeon? How are you feeling?

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@auntieoakley

9 days is a really short time, even when it feels like forever. Mine were very swollen and hard for a few weeks then the began to ease. I am glad yours aren’t painful. If this continues or the swelling increases or feels feverish, then this is concerning.
Do you have a re-check appointment with your surgeon? How are you feeling?

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Thank you, I was not forewarned by my Dr. Appt. tomorrow. Feeling O.K.

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2 years later and armpit is still numb and somewhat painful.

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@karen1103

2 years later and armpit is still numb and somewhat painful.

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Hi! Karen:

I am so sorry that you are still suffering from numb & pain 2 years after the surgery! Surely you've had follow-up appointments with the surgeon and other doctors since. Did they give you any suggestions or reasonable explanations? If not yet, please see your PCP and request to be seen by an OT occupational therapist PT, for they really help me resolve all my aches & pains from the surgery. Two years is much too long for anybody to suffer through!

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, hopefully you'll resolve these painful issues soon through professional help.

Wishing everybody on this journey a smooth & safe sailing forward!

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My Dr. did'nt seemed concerned with my seroma. She got good margins. Now I'm off to see oncologist for radiation. I had 2 lumps, and 6 lymph nodes removed. I'm76. Do I really need radiation'. what does an oncotype report look like.I'm sure I had one but can't recognize it on any of my paperwork.

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@tonysmom

My Dr. did'nt seemed concerned with my seroma. She got good margins. Now I'm off to see oncologist for radiation. I had 2 lumps, and 6 lymph nodes removed. I'm76. Do I really need radiation'. what does an oncotype report look like.I'm sure I had one but can't recognize it on any of my paperwork.

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Dear @tonysmom:
I am so sorry for what you've been going through now; I will definitely pray for you and your physicians to come up with the best treatment plan for you.
As far as I know, the Oncotype report is a very distinct looking report that you can't miss. It gives out the estimated recurrence score, the distant recurrence risk for the patient and the potential chemotherapy benefit. Perhaps you haven't received this report yet, please discuss it with your oncologist when you see him/her in person. Please also discuss the pros & cons of radiation treatment with your oncologist as well, so that you'll come up with the informed decision that you'll feel comfortable with. This was how I approached my own treatment plan with my physicians. Hope this helps your peace of mind. I know this is not an easy decision, but you have everyone of us at your corner and get your back, my friend!
Wishing the best way forward for everyone on this journey!

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I am 6 weeks post op (DMX AFC with 3 sentinel nodes removed form both sides). My swelling had gone down at week 4, but I started back to work then and now swelling and discomfort is back. And I have a desk job. I guess it is the repetitive movement of my arms.

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@lifetraveler

Dear @tonysmom:
I am so sorry for what you've been going through now; I will definitely pray for you and your physicians to come up with the best treatment plan for you.
As far as I know, the Oncotype report is a very distinct looking report that you can't miss. It gives out the estimated recurrence score, the distant recurrence risk for the patient and the potential chemotherapy benefit. Perhaps you haven't received this report yet, please discuss it with your oncologist when you see him/her in person. Please also discuss the pros & cons of radiation treatment with your oncologist as well, so that you'll come up with the informed decision that you'll feel comfortable with. This was how I approached my own treatment plan with my physicians. Hope this helps your peace of mind. I know this is not an easy decision, but you have everyone of us at your corner and get your back, my friend!
Wishing the best way forward for everyone on this journey!

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Went to see oncologist today. She ordered the onco.It seems the did one on the first lump ,but not the second. Will get results in 3 weeks,but since my first lump had low nos.,she feels the second will come back low. I had one lump with small margins and she suggest radiation,but I,m still not sure of my benefit. I have time to research more.I,m obese,have cardio-vascular disease, and I'm alone. I have looked at the percentages regarding radiation versus no radiation and there isn't that much difference. My cancer is grade one.Wouldd like more input about this.

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@tonysmom

Went to see oncologist today. She ordered the onco.It seems the did one on the first lump ,but not the second. Will get results in 3 weeks,but since my first lump had low nos.,she feels the second will come back low. I had one lump with small margins and she suggest radiation,but I,m still not sure of my benefit. I have time to research more.I,m obese,have cardio-vascular disease, and I'm alone. I have looked at the percentages regarding radiation versus no radiation and there isn't that much difference. My cancer is grade one.Wouldd like more input about this.

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Dear @tonysmom:

Thanks for the update on your progress of health, and I am glad you went to see your oncologist as planned. Did she answer all your questions and concerns such as: cardio-vascular disease, etc? I am not a healthcare specialist, but I think open minded conversation between any patients with their doctors is very important for the overall well-being of that patient. Luckily for us, your cancer is "grade one" - the least aggressive one. I totally understand your hesitation regarding the radiation treatment, for I too had the similar hesitation. I went with an open mind to talk with the Radiation oncologist that my surgical oncologist recommended, and laid out all my questions and concerns with him. Luckily for me, he was very frank and warm with me, and provided all the pros & cons of Radiation therapy that allowed me to come to my decision with a peace of mind. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, @tonysmom, pray that you and your physicians come to the best treatment plan for you with the guidance from above.

Wishing everyone striving forward on this journey with better health, happiness and peace!

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