[Becky]

Well, as others have said, the surgery is behind you now. Lymph nodes are always removed so don't let that concern you. They have to check. Use the arm. There are exercises you can do.

1. Put your hospital tray in front of you way up close. Put your hands flat on the tabletop. Slowly move your hands away from you as far as you can sliding them forward. Bring the hands back to the starting place and do it again. Do this 5 times. Repeat this exercise a couple of times a day. Another exercise is

2. Face a wall and put your hands flat on the wall. Slowly move your hands up the wall until they are over your head. Repeat 5 times. Do this a couple of times a day.

In 2 days, repeat 7 -10 times still doing it a couple of times a day. This helps you not form too much scar tissue. Scar tissue doesn't stretch as much as regular tissue.

Don't overdo either - at least not today. Maybe do these 3 times each today. Use the arm gently as others have suggested - brush your hair etc. But do use them. It will hurt today and tomorrow. Let pain be your guide but you have to use that arm. The American Cancer Society also has exercises (these 2 as well as others) for this purpose.

I am sure you are going through alot of emotions but we are here for you. If you cannot sleep, get a prescription for something that will help you - just a couple of pills. Sleep is important for healing. Make sure you get a copy of your pathology report (and any tests you get in the future) and keep a file so you have a record.

Remember - although you are in pain, you have no tumor left in your body. Haha - that tumor is gone! If chemo is in your future, it is just to make sure any sneaky cells did not escape. The culprit (tumor) has been laid to rest.

Big hug to you