BREAST CANCER/POST-SURGERY: AXILLARY NODE DISSECTION
If you have had an axillary node dissection, you will experience discomfort under your arm and along the length of the arm, part of which may be numb while part may be sore. You may experience very brief but intense pain down the full length of your arm, even into your hand, for months. This is normal. You must use the affected arm as soon as you can and keep the arm elevated when you are sleeping or resting (remember those small pillows). Small pillows will help you support your sore arm and side more comfortably. If you don’t own a couple of these, either buy them yourself before surgery or have someone get them for you. Your nurse or doctor may suggest that you see a physical therapist after the initial healing period; s/he will show you several exercises. You should do these exercises every day; neglecting to do them will impede your ability to recover range of motion— for example, driving your car, lifting groceries or your children. Some women believe they are helped by massage therapy to feel more normal in the surgical area.
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