What are the long term after effects of Lymph Node Dissection?
When they remove the nodes they cut a nerve (the medial nerve I believe), which leaves the lower part of your shoulder, your whole axilla region, and the lower part of your arm numb. Eventually the nerve is supposed to grow back, but for a while there is pain and numbness (yes, at the same time) and increased sensitivity. The lymph vessels that are no longer used can become hard and fibrous. This causes a condition called “cording” which can be very painful when you reach for anything, particularly reaching upward. Eventually it goes away, but only after many weeks (for many people) of discomfort. You have to stretch it daily, even several times a day to help it resolve. As the body tries to map new lymph flow from the arm, and even afterward, you are at increased risk of lymphedema. This is a condition caused by a buildup of lymphatic fluid (lymph) in the arm. Once the condition occurs, it is never completely resolved, though many women find a measure of relief with consistent therapy
