Irina, I'm sorry about your positive lymph nodes. And lymph node surgbery can be quite painful. I'm not in a position to tell you it's "normal," but I'd be surprised if you didn't have some pain when you try to lift your arm. Keep a close eye on the incision and be sure to tell the doctor if it seems to be getting infected. And if the pain doesn't seem to be lessening each day, but instead getting worse, tell the doctor that, too. No one wants you to suffer - but they won't know you need help unless you ask for it, OK? Good luck - PJH