Possible arm use restriction after mastec?

[CLTann]

I had mastec on my left breast. At the time of operation, the surgeon advised me not to use the left arm too strenously, even blood pressure sleeve is to be avoided. I failed to ask her how long this restriction is to last.

Now, six months after the operation, I can feel under left arm a small round shaped ball. I believe it is normal and expected. My recent visit to my onc, who checked the other breast as well as the underarm areas, did not say any thing being unusual or abnormal.

As spring is upon us, I started to do some yardwork. Moving potting soil bags, planting flowers, carrying water buckets, etc. have been my daily chores. In last few days, I was waken up by the pain under left armpit. Is this the result of over-exertion? Is this lymphodema problem? If so, what are the remedies?

There are many of you who had mastec. I am sure some of you may also have over-exerted. What happened after the over-exertion? Please give me some advice.

Ann