The Surgery Procedure for Breast Cancer

The surgeon usually removes one or more lymph nodes from under the arm to check for cancer cells. If cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes, other cancer treatments will be needed.
After mastectomy, you may choose to have breast reconstruction. This is plastic surgery to rebuild the shape of the breast. If you're considering breast reconstruction, talk with a plastic surgeon before having cancer surgery.
It's common to feel tired or weak for a while after surgery for breast cancer. The time it takes to heal is different for each woman.
Surgery causes pain and tenderness, and the skin where your breast was removed may feel tight. Your arm and shoulder muscles may feel stiff and weak, and your neck and back may hurt. Medicine can help control your pain. Before surgery, discuss the plan for pain relief with your health care team. After surgery, they can adjust the plan if you need more pain control.
Any kind of surgery carries a risk of infection, bleeding, or other problems. Tell your health care team right away if you develop any problems.
Removing the underarm lymph nodes slows the flow of lymph fluid. The fluid may build up in your arm and hand and cause swelling. This swelling is called lymphedema. It can develop soon after surgery or months or even years later.
Always protect the arm and hand on the treated side of your body from cuts, burns, or other injuries. Remind nurses not to measure your blood pressure or give you injections on the treated side of your body. Information about preventing and treating lymphedema is available on NCI's website at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping and from NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or LiveHelp.
The doctor, nurse, or physical therapist can suggest exercises to help you regain movement and strength in your arm and shoulder. Exercise can also reduce stiffness and pain. You may be able to begin gentle exercise within days of surgery.
Because nerves may be injured or cut during surgery, you may have numbness and tingling in your chest, underarm, shoulder, or upper arm. These feelings may go away within a few weeks or months.