tightness under arm post mastectomy

sme
sme Member Posts: 2
in Breast Cancer #1
Am two weeks post mastectomy for invasive lobular carcinoma. Have PT appointment in 4 days but am looking for suggestions in the meantime. Had sentinal node biopsy along with mastectomy. Despite trying to keep the arm moving and trying to stretch it out, it seems to be getting tighter and definitely hurts more. Feels like a string is being stretched way too tight in my arm when I try to bend it straight and when I try to move it in certain directions. Otherwise I can use my arm okay. Have PT appt scheduled but need to try and work on it a little as it does hurt. Am trying to keep it elevated at times. Am taking ibuprofen. One source says use heat the other says use ice. Suggestions on what may have worked for others? Appreciate feedback.

Comments

  • Melaniedoingwell
    Melaniedoingwell Member Posts: 80
    #2
    stretch it gently
    I must say that if you had lymph nodes removed you should avoid both heat and cold as a therapy as either one could initiate lymphedema!

    Suggest gentle, slow stretches and you might want to call in to the therapy center and ask for advice. Like chicken soup - it couldn't hurt!
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    #3
    I had bilateral with axilla
    I had bilateral with axilla dissection....you're doing the right thing by seeing a PT. They can give you the proper exercises and see what's going on with all those nerves and tendons in there. I was given several different kinds of stretches from my PT...I would recommend some but I worry that it could make things worse rather than better for you.

    Just hang in there till you see the PT...and then come back and let us know how you're doing.

    Hugs,

    Linda
  • punkinpie
    punkinpie Member Posts: 18
    #4
    Gabe N Abby Mom said:

    I had bilateral with axilla
    I had bilateral with axilla dissection....you're doing the right thing by seeing a PT. They can give you the proper exercises and see what's going on with all those nerves and tendons in there. I was given several different kinds of stretches from my PT...I would recommend some but I worry that it could make things worse rather than better for you.

    Just hang in there till you see the PT...and then come back and let us know how you're doing.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    I definitely recommend
    I definitely recommend physical therapy. I also did the stretches recommended after my mastectomy surgery, but the rads made everything tight and more difficult to move. I also burned and had the skin slough thing going on from rads so had scar tissue from that too. The physical therapy helped me be able to stand up straight again.
    Punkin
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #5
    I still have some
    I still have some tightness/numbness from my axillary excision. At first I had a tight cord (MOndor's cord) that ran from my armpit to my chest. As time goes on, it all has loosened some and the cord is gone. Seeing a PT is the best thing. I did not apply heat or cold, but I did massage areas of tightness. xoxoxo
  • jamba
    jamba Member Posts: 2
    #6
    Physical therapy .
    Physical therapy . Eventually start yoga. It will help you
  • jamba
    jamba Member Posts: 2
    #7
    Physical therapy .
    Physical therapy . Eventually start yoga. It will help you
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #8
    Gabe N Abby Mom said:

    I had bilateral with axilla
    I had bilateral with axilla dissection....you're doing the right thing by seeing a PT. They can give you the proper exercises and see what's going on with all those nerves and tendons in there. I was given several different kinds of stretches from my PT...I would recommend some but I worry that it could make things worse rather than better for you.

    Just hang in there till you see the PT...and then come back and let us know how you're doing.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    Hoping the PT can help you
    Hoping the PT can help you out with this. I am sure he can. Good luck!

    Hugs, Angie
  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    #9
    Wait till your appointment
    I agree with that advice. The PT will also be able to work out some of the tightness in the office. Mine worked on the areas and gave me exercises. I had to go back several times before I was able to start rads because I didn't have the range of motion. They will be able to help you though.

    Cindy

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