Numbness after surgery
Just wondering about numbness in the under arm and left side after ax clearance and mastectomy. I got the impression from the nurses that feeling would come back now I am not so sure. 6 months on, I hate the feeling of a dead arm resting against the arm of the chair. Is this something I am going to have to learn to live with? If it not back after 6 months its never coming right!? There are so many extras to this cancer thing that you just can't prepare for 
Comments
Thanks Kath, it's nice to know. Suppose I will just have to get used to it and if it comes back one day its a bonus, but I won't hold my breath!
Hi Ania,
No, don't hold your breath for sure, but don't give up hope either.
Kath
Had mastectomy and axillary clearance in 2011. my right axilla numb, arm feeling returns to normal halfway to elbow only that's all. just mind it. had episodes of lymphoedema for a year or two, none since. just mind axilla - use ladyshave eg, not razors
Hi Ania,
My surgery was less drastic than yours but I was getting desperate that my right arm would forever feel strange. It took most of a year to feel more or less OK, but 18 months later I still hate being touched on that arm as it tingles unpleasantly. Apparently it can take up to 2 years for the nerves to recover after surgery and being active helps a lot.
Good luck
Kath