Pain after mastectomy

[Rlhagen]

I had my left breast removed on Dec. 28. I have an expander put in and lymph nodes removed. Is it normal to have pain under arm and in chest. It is unbearable at times.

[Jelly21]

Hi there I still get pain now I had mastectomy Sep 2014 and finished treatment Mar 2015 I did ask ontology how many years I would feel discomfort and he said it would take a few. Some days I feel that I have a phantom breast . I go swimming twice a week which helps and have started doing thai chi . Keep positive xx

[Rattyp]

I had a mastectomy last year and an expander in. I do find it sore at times especially where the port is. I have recently finished radiotherapy which has made the area quite sore. Roll on reconstruction next year !!

[Rebec]

The problem with having lymph nodes removed is that some nerves get cut at the same time. I didn't have any feeling from the shoulder to the elbow of my left arm and when I washed that area, I felt as if I was washing someone else's arm. Slowly, but so very slowly the normal feeling returns.

If I had a problem, I used to ring one of the breast nurses at the hospital. Have you done it? Also, I developed lymphoedema which brought about other problems. Hope you don't develop it.

Be positive!

[lovesradio]

Hi, if pain continues at high level contact your breast care nurse but also investigate where your nearest pain clinic is. A friend of mine finally got help for continuing post mastectomy nerve pain from the Pain Clinic at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. No one knows how many women are experiencing post mastectomy pain beyond what would be considered 'normal' after surgery as it seems it is not really recognised as a significant after-effect.