For some women they will last only a few weeks and for others they will be permanent. Some women have no side effects. The risks of having any surgery are infection, bleeding and a blood clot in the leg known as a deep vein thrombosis. Every effort is made to prevent any these from occuring. Most women have some numbness or pins and needles across their chest for several months.
Most women have some numbness in their armpit, arm and side.
It usually lasts for several months after your operation but may sometimes be permanent. Special exercises from your doctor or physiotherapist will help you to move your shoulder more quickly. Arm movement soon after your operation is important. It can occur at any time in any women who have had some lymph nodes removed. Chapter 10 tells you how to help prevent lymphoedema and how it is treated.