Need input, arm alittle swollen

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sbmly53
sbmly53 Member Posts: 1,522
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
So, I had my 5th rads today and told the techs that my hand was a little 'puffy', my arm, too, but really only slightly. No one available to help me until tomorrow. So, of course, I turn to you.

My surgery, lumpectomy & 2 nodes (only 1 pos), was 12/7. Had a very tight tendon - like a cord - underarm, which is better now. But my arm has never really lost the 'tight feeling', especially from the elbow down. The positioning during rads doesn't help either.

So, is there anything I can do?

Thank you in advance,

Sue

Comments

  • Wolfi
    Wolfi Member Posts: 425
    #2
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    Physical therapy?
    Sue,

    From what you describe it sounds like you may have slight lymphodema and a limited range of motion (tight tendon).

    I know how it is to have your arms over your head during radiation and it is worse when your arm hurts in the first place.

    If I were you I would contact my doctor and ask about physical therapy or a list of exercises you could do to get back your range of motion and reduce the swelling.

    Make sure that you aren't trying to lift too much with that arm right now either or the swelling could get worse.

    Good luck.
  • AmandaMarie29
    AmandaMarie29 Member Posts: 55
    #3
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    Hey Sue...I have the same
    Hey Sue...I have the same thing as you. It's called "cording" mine is a tight band that runs from my armpit to my forearm. It's a fibrotic lymph vessel. It is suppose to go away on its own...could be weeks or months. My surgeon told me to do range of motion excercises and deep tissue massage and that will help it along. It's common whenever you remove lymphnodes.....Hopefully that will help you :)

    Mandi
  • sbmly53
    sbmly53 Member Posts: 1,522
    #4
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    Thank you! I called the
    Thank you! I called the surgeon's office, usually very good, but still waiting to hear, from yesterday - the receptionist told me to see my primary who really has been out of the picture, except for pre-op workup ( and can't see me til Monday, anyway. Rads nurse told me to call surgeon. Looking for a lymph pt, none for about 90 miles, surprisingly, since I'm close to several big facilities.

    Anyway, I can deal with runaround (twice) then my evil twin appears and she handles everything - and gets it done, too, I might add. However, this is all new, so I just need to be pointed in the right direction. So, who usually fits for sleeve, and who wraps? Who teaches excercises and massage? How come I missed this step and who should my evil twin consult on that point?

    Thank you again,

    Sue
  • lndsmom
    lndsmom Member Posts: 20
    #5
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    Sue -- me too!!
    Sue -- we are on the same schedule! I had a mastectomy with nodes removed on 11/30. I just had my 6th RADS this a.m. (Tuesday).

    My arm is a little swollen too. I was referred to PT by my surgeon for decreased range of motion. I mentioned to my PT that my arm seemed slightly swollen. She seems to think it is related to the surgery rather than a true lymphedema. (Later the radiologist and the surgeon confirmed this!) I was given different exercises by the PT that have worked a little better for the range of motion. I have also found that the compression sleeve worn at night seems to help. (You don't need a prescription for the class 1 compression sleeve.)

    Good luck --- and keep up the fight!!!

    Penny
  • peacefulheart
    peacefulheart Member Posts: 34
    #6
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    Exercise!
    Sue,
    I've had 6 rad treatments and can feel my upper arm tightening somewhat. After having a mastectomy and 10 nodes removed, my shoulder froze. I ended up having to go to PT so that I could get my arm over my head for treatment. I was told by the therapist that radiation causes scar tissue to build up, so during rads I need to exercise 4-5 times daily. If I miss one day exercising or do not do enough of them ,I can feel my arm to start to tighten. I didn't exercise yesterday and I can tell the difference.

    I wish you well during this jouney. It's tough but we can do this!

    Blessings, Cathy
  • TrSquirt
    TrSquirt Member Posts: 6
    #7
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    Hi, I just had a Mastectomy
    Hi, I just had a Mastectomy on December 23, then had to go back in on the 4th of January for them to remove more lymph nodes and so my drains were in for a month. That caused me to have limited movement in my arms.

    Yesterday I started PT, I returned today and I have been amazed at what they can do. They also teach you how to flush your lymph nodes. Now this is a PT that specializes in Lymphademia.

    I hope your find something that works.

    Sunshine N Laughter, Trudy
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #8
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    TrSquirt said:

    Hi, I just had a Mastectomy
    Hi, I just had a Mastectomy on December 23, then had to go back in on the 4th of January for them to remove more lymph nodes and so my drains were in for a month. That caused me to have limited movement in my arms.

    Yesterday I started PT, I returned today and I have been amazed at what they can do. They also teach you how to flush your lymph nodes. Now this is a PT that specializes in Lymphademia.

    I hope your find something that works.

    Sunshine N Laughter, Trudy

    One more elevate your arm
    elevate your arm /put on the pillow when you sleep.
  • sbmly53
    sbmly53 Member Posts: 1,522
    #9
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    How could we do this without
    How could we do this without each other? Thank you all so much!

    Sue
  • AmandaMarie29
    AmandaMarie29 Member Posts: 55
    #10
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    sbmly53 said:

    How could we do this without
    How could we do this without each other? Thank you all so much!

    Sue

    Sue you may not even need a
    Sue you may not even need a PT. The massage doesn't have to be anything special, you can do it yourself. Using your other arm just run your thumb up and down the cord massaging as hard as you can stand. If it hurts like crazy then you are doing it right. As for stretches...just stand facing the wall and walk your fingers up it until it becomes uncomfortable and that band really tightens..hold that for a little bit, then give it a break. Also just strech your arm anyway you can to fell it tighten and hold that position. That is what my surgeon told me to do. He said if I do that everyday there is no need for a PT. It's called "Cording," and if you want to read about it go to your search engine in your computer and type "mastectomy cording" into it and there will be some info on it..

    Good Luck
    Mandi
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #11
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    sbmly53 said:

    Thank you! I called the
    Thank you! I called the surgeon's office, usually very good, but still waiting to hear, from yesterday - the receptionist told me to see my primary who really has been out of the picture, except for pre-op workup ( and can't see me til Monday, anyway. Rads nurse told me to call surgeon. Looking for a lymph pt, none for about 90 miles, surprisingly, since I'm close to several big facilities.

    Anyway, I can deal with runaround (twice) then my evil twin appears and she handles everything - and gets it done, too, I might add. However, this is all new, so I just need to be pointed in the right direction. So, who usually fits for sleeve, and who wraps? Who teaches excercises and massage? How come I missed this step and who should my evil twin consult on that point?

    Thank you again,

    Sue

    Good therapists are difficult to find
    lymphedema therapist who does manual lymph drainage is even more unique. Physical therapist will give you exercises. Lymphedema therapist will teach you self-massage and fit for your sleeve, Usually breast surgeon and radiation oncologist or radiology nurse give you prescription and references for good specialists. Some breast surgeon could give exercises for range of motion.
    From my experience it is worth to travel for good lymphedema and physical therapists. They will give you training and you continue on your own.I did it and have no regrets.
    Good luck,
    New Flower
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #12
    Options
    AmandaMarie29 said:

    Sue you may not even need a
    Sue you may not even need a PT. The massage doesn't have to be anything special, you can do it yourself. Using your other arm just run your thumb up and down the cord massaging as hard as you can stand. If it hurts like crazy then you are doing it right. As for stretches...just stand facing the wall and walk your fingers up it until it becomes uncomfortable and that band really tightens..hold that for a little bit, then give it a break. Also just strech your arm anyway you can to fell it tighten and hold that position. That is what my surgeon told me to do. He said if I do that everyday there is no need for a PT. It's called "Cording," and if you want to read about it go to your search engine in your computer and type "mastectomy cording" into it and there will be some info on it..

    Good Luck
    Mandi

    lymphedema massage
    is a very light. It should not really hurt you. If it hurts like crazy that means that you are going into deep tissue and blood stream. Instead of benefit this type of massage making your lymphedema worst. swedish massage, hot tub are prohibited!!!.
    Please seek professional help,

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