Post-Mastectomy Nerve Damage in Arm & Hand

I didn’t have a mastectomy. I had a lumpectomy, but I definitely have nerve damage and I only had one lymph gland removed. It often hurts under my arm and side and sometimes all the way to my hand.

I’m sorry to hear that you’re still struggling with the effects of the lumpectomy. How long ago was it?

I had a double mastectomy with three lymph nodes removed on my right side. That was in 2021. My right arm does feel different but is slowly getting back to feeling. I understand what you're saying about the numbness. My suggestion is to try and stretch that arm as much as you can. For me it felt very tight at first but I am now able to move it freely. If I relax on the stretching it does tighten up again. The stretching is not complicated -
just reach for the stars 🙂

I wish you the best🌺

Almost two years. I don’t let it get me down. I do regularly self lymphatic massages, and that does seem to help.

Hello Loreah, since you are only a day from surgery, still swollen, and your body is like what just happened, you won't know until it all settles what it will feel like. With surgery there is always numb parts, but once your doctor (or you!) feels you are ready, you can start physical therapy which will address all of your questions. It is such a shock to have a mastectomy but after two fights with breast cancer, I promise it does get better. My best assest was my diet, hydration, sleep, and patience. I hope you have some support around you.
xoxo, Denise.

Thank you Denise! I’ve already regained a lot of mobility in my hand and the numbness is barely there. That first day really got to my head because no one talked about that particular side effect. Now I’m in rest mode the best I can. I have a 4 month old, so as much rest as possible. Thank you for your encouragement.

Wow, a 4-month old. Life is full of paradoxes! There are many side effects that I had to discover that one doesn't think about. In the beginning with surgery and treatment, it's all I could handle but we do go on living our lives and incorporating the changes. One was that all my tops fit differently. I could have reached out to people and talked more but now I can share my experiences on this Forum. If you ever need encouragement, I am alwasy here.