Most women have some numbness or tingling in the upper arm, back and side after their lymph nodes are removed. This feeling usually lasts for several months but some numbness may be permanent. The removal of any lymph nodes from your armpit means that you might get swelling in your hand or arm caused by a build up of lymph fluid. It can occur at any time after treatment. Chapter 10 tells you how you can help prevent lymphoedema from developing and how it is treated if it occurs.
Some women feel distressed, anxious or depressed before, during or after treatment.
These feelings are quite normal and to be expected when you are trying to cope with so much. Chapter 8 describes in detail some of the feelings you might have and who can help. Action Tell your surgeon or general practitioner about any side effects you have - he or she can help you to manage them Radiation therapy Radiation therapy is almost always needed after breast conserving surgery. It uses x-rays to kill any cancer cells that may still be in your breast. The main type of radiation therapy in Australia is called external radiation and usually comes from a machine called a linear accelerator.