Questions from a Young Newcomer

kpspur
kpspur Member Posts: 8
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I have a few questions about some things I've recently dealt with. First of all, I am 24 with breast cancer. I finished chemo almost two months ago, and I am a two and a half weeks out of surgery. I had a bilateral mastectomy and still recovering. I will be starting radiation in a week or two, and probably a year will be reconstruction.

My first question is, has anyone had a lot of arm stiffness after a mastectomy. I'm having trouble on one side where they removed the nodes. I can only get my arm half way up, and its been over two weeks. My doc wants me to go to physical therapy now, which I don't mind. Any advice though on exercises or anything?

Next is I've been having a skin irritation. I don't know if this is from the end of chemo or what. Its just little bumps all of over my body, not red or anything, almost like my hair is growing back. It's mainly on my arms and legs, so I don't know if my skin is dry, but it's just strange. And finally, like I said I'm starting radiation soon. Any advice or thoughts on that. I'm really only nervous about the 'tattoo' b/c I don't like needles. Does it hurt that bad?

Thanks for any help/advice!!
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Comments

  • 4slurpee
    4slurpee Member Posts: 41
    #2
    Radiation tattoos
    First of all welcome to the boards. I so wish you didn't have to go through this and at only 24 - it sounds as though you are staying strong, which is great. I wish I could help answer your questions regarding your arm, but I had a lumpectomy and will leave that answer to someone else with more knowledge in that area.

    In regards to the radiation tattoos, I too am terrified of needles and have often joked with my oncologist that cancer is not what you want to have if you are afraid of needles. The radiation tattoos are actually pretty easy. They take a needle and dip it in a little ink and only go through the very top layers of skin. It is not like a shot where they go all the way through. It was very gentle and actually I didn't think it hurt, and for me that is saying something!

    Good luck in your journey and come back often, whether you reply, post, or just read, there is a ton of support here!
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #3
    Welcome kpspur
    So sorry for the reason your hear, but really glad you found us. There is a bunch of really good people on here. I had a lumpectomy with nodes removed and my arm hurt really bad for many week after surgery. My arm still hurts today, there was some nerve damage. My doctor also wanted me to go to therapy, but with chemo and rads, I never did. The bumps could very well be dry skin. Chemo does suck everything out of you. Please don't worry about the tattoo. It does not hurt. It will be a small mark. Mine is a tiny little x. Rads does not hurt at all. The worse part is having to go every day. You might get a burn like a sun burn from rads toward the end of treatment. Some get the burn and some don't. You will be told what to do and how to try and avoid it. Hang in there, you have come through the worst.
    Kathy
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #4
    Welcome
    It breaks my heart that someone as young as you has to go through this....but I can tell just from your picture and your post what a strong, beautiful young woman you are -- I'm so glad you found us, so that you can share your strength with us, and we can share ours with you!

    I had bilateral lumpectomies, so can't answer your question #1. As for question #2, you should definitely ask your oncologist or surgeon about the rash, just to be sure that it isn't an allergic reaction to something.

    And for question #3, I can completely echo what slurpee said. I'm a certified Big Baby Wimp about needles, and was TERRIFIED when they said they were going to give me "tattoos." But it really did turn out to be nothing -- it feels like a pinprick, like when you prick yourself when you're sewing. And they're so teeny tiny, you can barely see them. Girl, you've already made it through chemo and a bilateral mastectomy -- trust me, radiation tattoos are NOTHING to worry about!

    Traci
  • sunny_girl
    sunny_girl Member Posts: 33
    #5
    Mehndi tattoos
    I'm so sorry to read of all the difficulties you are having. Maybe my experience can help you. When I had my radiation, I didn't want to get tattooed, so I asked my radiation oncologist if it would be okay to use Indian henna (mehndi) for my dots. It is used for painting intricate designs on the hands of brides before their weddings and temporarily stains the skin. The technicians reapplied the dots maybe twice a week, and it never washed off (I didn't scrub at it, but took normal showers). In fact, the mark on my side was there a couple weeks after I finished. But I don't have any tattoos...
    Best luck with your treatments.
  • kms3566
    kms3566 Member Posts: 57
    #6
    Hello and I am so sorry you
    Hello and I am so sorry you are having to go through this at such a young age. This is a great place for advice, info and support! I am fairly new also and I can only tell you how I did with a double mastectomy w/node removal on the right on Jan 29th. I still have numbness and stiffness which my DR says will last for some time. This stiffness is getting better the last couple weeks with some stretching, no physical therapy. My first round of chemo is tomorrow, 6 -3wks apart TAC, and I have been a bit anxious all day, fear of the unknown I guess.

    I'm sure you will hear from others that have been through radiation and finished chemo that could help with you other questions. You seem very strong and positive, Best of luck to you!
  • mickeymom
    mickeymom Member Posts: 117
    #7
    Stiffness can come and go
    I'm sorry for the reason you find yourself here, but there is so much to learn about what you're going through and the people here know everything! They are an amazing resource.

    I had a mastectomy and node disection in May 2009 and I still struggle with some stiffness from time to time. My surgeon insisted that I see a physical therapist and I am so glad she did. They started with stretching exercises that really helped with range of motion and the tightness in the muscles. Once I had most of my motion back, they started me on shoulder strengthing exercises to get my shoulder back to normal. Ask your doctor to recommend a PT that specializes in breast cancer patients. Mine showed me lymph massage techniques and helped me learn the warning signs for lymphedema and they also showed me scar massage techniques that helped keep scar tissue from forming. The stretches were the most helpful and when I stiffen up now, stretching for a couple days works it right out.

    If you want to see some examples of the kinds of stretching you can do, check the Livestrong website. They have a section on post-mastectomy exercises. I'm sure there are other websites too. Go slowly though, you can end up in pain if you overdo it. (I did this and set myself back a couple weeks.)

    Radiation will be a breeze after chemo and surgery. I thought the tattoos hurt a little bit, but it was over quickly.

    You sound so strong!! Hang in there!
  • Youcandothis
    Youcandothis Member Posts: 79
    #8
    mickeymom said:

    Stiffness can come and go
    I'm sorry for the reason you find yourself here, but there is so much to learn about what you're going through and the people here know everything! They are an amazing resource.

    I had a mastectomy and node disection in May 2009 and I still struggle with some stiffness from time to time. My surgeon insisted that I see a physical therapist and I am so glad she did. They started with stretching exercises that really helped with range of motion and the tightness in the muscles. Once I had most of my motion back, they started me on shoulder strengthing exercises to get my shoulder back to normal. Ask your doctor to recommend a PT that specializes in breast cancer patients. Mine showed me lymph massage techniques and helped me learn the warning signs for lymphedema and they also showed me scar massage techniques that helped keep scar tissue from forming. The stretches were the most helpful and when I stiffen up now, stretching for a couple days works it right out.

    If you want to see some examples of the kinds of stretching you can do, check the Livestrong website. They have a section on post-mastectomy exercises. I'm sure there are other websites too. Go slowly though, you can end up in pain if you overdo it. (I did this and set myself back a couple weeks.)

    Radiation will be a breeze after chemo and surgery. I thought the tattoos hurt a little bit, but it was over quickly.

    You sound so strong!! Hang in there!

    Tattooed lady :)
    It's really nothing--ask them to use brown if they can, black or blue doesn't look as much like a freckle. It's a badge of honor for having the strength to complete all the treatment. Do the PT, very good advice above. It will be hard but nothing like what you've already done. Good luck, and welcome to this amazing group of strong women. Wish you hadn't had to join, keep searching for every resource available.
  • pinkkari09
    pinkkari09 Member Posts: 877
    #9
    Hi kpspur...I too just had a
    Hi kpspur...I too just had a double mastectomy with all lymph nodes removed on the left side. I'm stiff there and it is tough for me to lift it up. I'm going to bring it to my oncologists attention at my next appt. I do know they mentioned something of physical therapy to me and I may be needing it. The tattoos, I have to go in on Monday, right now I have blue marker all over me, but i'm going to ask for brown, which would be good because I have lots of freckles anyhow. Hang in there girl, your so young (and beautiful might I add), these women will help you and you keep coming back.....
    Big Hugs,
    Kari
  • padee6339
    padee6339 Member Posts: 763
    #10
    Hi KPSPUR
    Welcome to the family, but not for the reason you are here. You are the number one prime reason they should not force women to postpone their mammograms until later. I praise your strength and pray for your full recovery.

    I only had a lumpectomy with one node removal (October 2008) and sometimes I can still feel the pulling under my arm where the surgeon cut.

    I have little blue polka dots and they didn't hurt at all. I do call it my "badge of courage" when I see them when I shower. Like the ladies have all said, it doesn't hurt at all and the biggest pain is having to go every single day. But you have been through the worst of it and that gorgeous hair you had will grow back.

    God Bless You on your Journey. We are here for you 24/7 to answer any questions you have.

    Hugs - Pat
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #11
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #12
    Kpspur, welcome to this
    Kpspur, welcome to this amazing group of individuals!! It breaks my heart to see someone so young diagnosed with bc. I have a daughter your age. You have received some excellent advice from some of the other women that have had a mastectomy. I had a lumpectomy with sentinel node removal and didn't have the range of motion problems. I do believe that physical therapy will help you as several members have suggested. The tatoo's are like a pin prick and do not hurt much. If you made it through everything you have done so far, you are almost there. Please continue to post and we'll be here to help and support you. Take care and good luck!!
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    #13
    You've already had a bunch
    You've already had a bunch of advice. I don't like needles either but these tattoos aren't anything to be afraid of. Actually the hardest part for me was lying still so long.

    I had the same problem with my arm and had to see a physical therapist. Good luck with the rest of treatment!
  • JacquiAL
    JacquiAL Member Posts: 29
    #14
    Tatoos
    Hi Kpspur,

    You have already been given lots of good advice. I just wanted to say I'm sorry you have to be here and also let you know that I couldn't even feel the tatoos when the tech did them. I have five. They are so small you can barely see them.

    My best to you.

    Jacqui
  • creampuff91344
    creampuff91344 Member Posts: 988
    #15
    JacquiAL said:

    Tatoos
    Hi Kpspur,

    You have already been given lots of good advice. I just wanted to say I'm sorry you have to be here and also let you know that I couldn't even feel the tatoos when the tech did them. I have five. They are so small you can barely see them.

    My best to you.

    Jacqui

    Well, looks like most of
    Well, looks like most of your questions have been answered regarding exercise and tattoos. I just want to send my best to you, and have you included in my daily prayers for all of those who are battling this horrible disease. Someone so young, such as yourself, should not have to experience this, but now that you are a member of our club, know that you have lots of experience out here, and everyone is ready and willing to help you through this journey. Good luck in your upcoming radiation, and keep us posted as to how you are doing. Hugs. Judy.

    PS. I must have hit on a bad day when I had my tattoos done, as the tech that did my first one tried to stick the needle into my stomach....needless to say, I asked her if this was supposed to hurt that bad, and she explained that I was her first patient to tattoo. After a quick jump off the table, someone more "experienced" finished the other two, which did not hurt at all. Since then, every time I have a test done I always ask how many times the tech has done this. If they say this is their first, I ask for someone with experience. We are all responsible for our own health care, and don't be afraid to squeal when you think something just isn't right.
  • marilyndbk
    marilyndbk Member Posts: 238 Member
    #16
    Hi kpspur. Just wanted to
    Hi kpspur. Just wanted to welcome you and also say how sorry I am you are going thru this at such a young age. I have 2 daughters and 3 granddaughters and hope and pray they are spared from this journey. Keep up your amazing spirit. those exercises from m star were great. I am going to print and use them. I had bilateral mastectomy in Sept 09 and had much trouble with my left side. I had the exchange surgery 2 weeks ago. I still have some numbness but range of motion and stiffness is so much better since exchange. Take good care of yourself. Marilyn
  • BethInAz
    BethInAz Member Posts: 203 Member
    #17
    Beautiful
    I agree with everybody that you are a beautiful strong woman and I'm proud of you! My daughters are 28 and 25 and I couldn't imagine seeing them go through this journey at their age. I was recently given a gift from my sister-in-law who lives in Pittsburgh, PA. There is a foundation out of Pittsburgh called Glimmer of Hope Foundation (you can google Glimmer of Hope Pittsburgh for the information). The foundation raises money through jewelry and cookbook sales to support breast cancer research at Magee Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh. The researchers are focusing on breast cancer in those under 40 years of age. My sister-in-law gave me a necklace - the pendant is a key with crystals on it. You might want to go to that site and check it out - the story is amazing and the work is so worthwhile. I've been wearing my key everywhere and when people comment, I tell them the whole story. I'm in Arizona so I hope to make people aware of this foundation in my small neck of the woods. Please let us know how you're doing along the way! I will be praying for you!
    Beth
  • jbug
    jbug Member Posts: 285
    #18
    kpspur
    So sorry you have to have found your way here...but this is a GREAT place if you need it. Know others have already posted about the rad 'tats', little pinch, not bad at all. I didn't think to ask about a different color ink, mine are definitely black, but not noticeable...i know they are there, but don't think anyone else would unless i pointed them out.

    Sounds like physical therapy is a good call...good luck w/rads. Check out the post on Radiation questions/answers....lots of great info. God Bless...
    Julie
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #19
    Bumping this up

    Bumping this up
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #20
    MyTurnNow said:

    Bumping this up

    Bumping this up

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • sbmly53
    sbmly53 Member Posts: 1,522
    #21
    Your post has shown how
    Your post has shown how brave you really are. Don't worry about tattoos. We all have something we dread.

    I don't know how I missed your post the first time, but I am so glad it was 'bumped up'. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Gentle hugs,

    Sue

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