tightness in upper arm, armpit and behind arm..

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anaumann
anaumann Member Posts: 60 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
..my surgeon says is still healing. But this is new in last 2 weeks since drain is out. My masectomy was about 6wks ago. I still need to be aspirated due to seroma. But the heavieness in my upper arm and tightness acrossed my chest and breast bone is uncomfortable and causes me concern. Should I listen to dr or insist on an evaluation for physical therapy w/ a lympadema specialist? Im very discouraged. started chemo last thursday and have not been quite myself yet.

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  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
    #2
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    I think your surgeon is right--you're still healing
    However, I understand your concern--especially when new symptoms develop that you did not have before. As you go on in your healing process, nerves are re-awakening which sometimes causes pain. Having said all this, though, I had my lumpectomy/axillary node dissection in Dec. '09. I had a seroma (which is still resolving!) and am seeing a lymphedema specialist. I still having swelling/pain in my breast and trunk. Apparently, when a lot of nodes are removed, this is not uncommon.

    I had to be my own advocate, however. I have a good friend who is a therapist and suggested a friend of hers who happens to be the top lymph specialist here in Phoenix.

    Since you are so early in your journey, I do think you are still going through the stages of healing. Just stay on top of it and if it continues to be a problem, seek help. Also, since I did not have a mastectomy, I can't really give any advice as to the healing process behind that. I know others here can help.

    Don't get discourage--you'll get there and you'll be better than ever. Good luck!

    Hugs, Renee
  • mickeymom
    mickeymom Member Posts: 117
    #3
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    If you can, try the Physical Therapy
    If your insurance covers PT, I'd go for it. My oncologist sent me about two weeks after surgery and I thought it helped A LOT! They assessed me for lymphadema and I saw them for eight weeks after that for stretches and strengthening exercises. It made me feel like I was doing something positive, which is so hard to find, especially during chemo.

    They can address the tightness and if it is lymphadema, they will have caught it early and address it. If not, they can help you figure out what is going on. I'm wondering if the tightness could be from the seroma. My surgery was in May 09 and I developed a seroma in Feb of this year that I have been battling since then. It makes my upper arm and chest tight and causes the area under my arm to swell. The lymph massage they taught me in physical therapy helps with the tightness in my arm and chest. They also had some ideas to help deal with the seroma without draining it all the time. They also helped me leard to be patient with the healing in that area because it will take a while and will probably change over time and it definately has.

    Chemo will be a challenge and its normal not to feel like yourself. It's natural to feel discouraged too. If you can do some things that help you feel like you're moving toward some healing, it might help. Hang in there! It sounds like you're a warrior to me! You're in my prayers.
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #4
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    mickeymom said:

    If you can, try the Physical Therapy
    If your insurance covers PT, I'd go for it. My oncologist sent me about two weeks after surgery and I thought it helped A LOT! They assessed me for lymphadema and I saw them for eight weeks after that for stretches and strengthening exercises. It made me feel like I was doing something positive, which is so hard to find, especially during chemo.

    They can address the tightness and if it is lymphadema, they will have caught it early and address it. If not, they can help you figure out what is going on. I'm wondering if the tightness could be from the seroma. My surgery was in May 09 and I developed a seroma in Feb of this year that I have been battling since then. It makes my upper arm and chest tight and causes the area under my arm to swell. The lymph massage they taught me in physical therapy helps with the tightness in my arm and chest. They also had some ideas to help deal with the seroma without draining it all the time. They also helped me leard to be patient with the healing in that area because it will take a while and will probably change over time and it definately has.

    Chemo will be a challenge and its normal not to feel like yourself. It's natural to feel discouraged too. If you can do some things that help you feel like you're moving toward some healing, it might help. Hang in there! It sounds like you're a warrior to me! You're in my prayers.

    PT may help with the
    PT may help with the tightness. I feel more swollen after I have been lift ing too much. or using my arm too much. It is hard to always ask someone to do it for you. I also (especailly after radiation) need to moisturize moisturize moisturize. Hope chemo goes ok, and you dont have lymphedema.
  • anaumann
    anaumann Member Posts: 60 Member
    #5
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    mickeymom said:

    If you can, try the Physical Therapy
    If your insurance covers PT, I'd go for it. My oncologist sent me about two weeks after surgery and I thought it helped A LOT! They assessed me for lymphadema and I saw them for eight weeks after that for stretches and strengthening exercises. It made me feel like I was doing something positive, which is so hard to find, especially during chemo.

    They can address the tightness and if it is lymphadema, they will have caught it early and address it. If not, they can help you figure out what is going on. I'm wondering if the tightness could be from the seroma. My surgery was in May 09 and I developed a seroma in Feb of this year that I have been battling since then. It makes my upper arm and chest tight and causes the area under my arm to swell. The lymph massage they taught me in physical therapy helps with the tightness in my arm and chest. They also had some ideas to help deal with the seroma without draining it all the time. They also helped me leard to be patient with the healing in that area because it will take a while and will probably change over time and it definately has.

    Chemo will be a challenge and its normal not to feel like yourself. It's natural to feel discouraged too. If you can do some things that help you feel like you're moving toward some healing, it might help. Hang in there! It sounds like you're a warrior to me! You're in my prayers.

    thanks mickeymom and all
    Mickeymom, the tightness you describe in the chest and underarm swelling sounds much like mine. I hope I can get some instructions to relieve it and the swelling. thanks again, ann
  • seof
    seof Member Posts: 819 Member
    #6
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    it's common
    It's common to feel tightness, soreness, pain in the underarms, shoulders, breast and surrounding areas after mastectomy, lumpectomy, or reconstruction. It takes weeks or months, depending on the individual circumstances, but it generally fades over time. I had all those symptoms. I am 3 years post surgery and still have stiffness in the muscles under the arm where lymph nodes were removed. A few minutes per day of extra stretching excersizes helps it get better till the next time. If the insurance covers it, I would certainly check out physical therapy, or massage therapy. I think the discomfort is a normal part of healing, but there are PTs and Massage therapists who specialize in working with breast cancer survivors if you know where to find them. Talk to your Dr. or contact the American Cancer Society in your area. If nothing else you may be able to learn some techniques to help yourself.

    seof

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