Lumpectomy scar healing time

Mine healed very quickly, approximately a couple of weeks after the surgery it looked good. I'm almost a year out after chemotherapy and radiation and only have a scar that looks like a scratch.

It’s been two years now, the scar in my armpit where they took lymph nodes is a little tender. I notice it when I raise that arm, but it’s not really painful. The incision in my breast where they took out the actual tumor doesn’t bother me at all.

Yes, I have similar lymph node Incision area tenderness. Thanks for your reply.

I had a lumpectomy 28 years ago followed by 6 months of chemo then radiation. I had no problems healing. I had a mastectomy with immediate implant one year ago followed three months later with implant removed and DIEP flap. With both surgeries in past year I had wound healing issues with no explanations. The wounds healed after a good three months each. Good luck! Your wound will heal. Hang in there!

@mjay
I had lymph node incision tenderness, also. I had read somewhere that it was helpful to stretch that area, so I added it to my regular stretching routine: lying on my back and stretching by arms out straight behind my head. After a while, the tenderness seemed to abate. I'm guessing that it was a matter of internal scar tissue which had been pulling on whatever else was around it.

@elizm, @mjay The stretches really help as muscles in that are are incised and cut. I do several different types of stretches twice a day. I notice when I raise my arms up, the good side (hand) is higher than the left but when I raise and to a side stretch pulling the left arm overhead and to the side that it starts to even up. If you can see your physical therapist, they can show you ones that will help.

Thank you for your reply. I was reaching overhead with the affected arm and felt a pull and the scar reopened slightly with a few droplets of blood, and this is six months post radiation. It is frightening that this is still not healed 100% at this juncture. I'm afraid to lift my arm at all at this point.

I am not a medical professional, but I find it odd that you scar has not healed. If you have other chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, it could effect your wound healing. Have you asked your provider about the wound not healing? You may want to see a Wound Care Specialist for advice.

Laurie

I agree with Laurie that it’s unusual that the incision would reopen after 6 months. At least call your doctor to let them know. He/She is able to give much more accurate advise. IMO, should be logged on your medical chart should there be any further complications in the future.

Thanks, I have an appointment with my doctor set up.