heating pad?

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lizzie17
lizzie17 Member Posts: 548
in Breast Cancer #1

About a month ago, my breast surgeon told me to use a heating pad on my nerve sensations/pain on the side where my cancer was more widespread, and more lymph nodes were removed. Under my right arm is always swollen. My bilateral mastectomy was 6 years ago, and this recently started about a month ago. During the night, I had actual discomfort and pain, and even though I know cancer doesn't hurt......this worries me.

Also, doing a little online research, it seems that using a heating pad is controversial.

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks,

Carol

 

Comments

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #2
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    Are you seeing a LymphEdema

    Are you seeing a LymphEdema Therapist?  If not you should.  After any surgery,  LE is always a possibility, especially when lymph nodes are removed.  While it usually shows up m ore in the arm, it can be in the body.

    Winyan - The Power Within

    Susan

  • GlowMore
    GlowMore Member Posts: 789 Member
    #3
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    UH ?? Say What??

    You know that cancer doesn't hurt?    Where did you get THAT idea?   Sorry you are having pain and hope you get it resolved........don't blame you for being worried about it either.  Does it help when you use the heating pad?  Did you have other treatment after your surgery?  Is the surgeon your only consulting physician?   Thoughts and prayers that you find your answers and that the pain goes away. 

  • lizzie17
    lizzie17 Member Posts: 548
    #4
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    GlowMore said:

    UH ?? Say What??

    You know that cancer doesn't hurt?    Where did you get THAT idea?   Sorry you are having pain and hope you get it resolved........don't blame you for being worried about it either.  Does it help when you use the heating pad?  Did you have other treatment after your surgery?  Is the surgeon your only consulting physician?   Thoughts and prayers that you find your answers and that the pain goes away. 

    well.....I thought my GYN mentioned it

    OK, I think I will call Monday, because I need peace of mind................or deal with "it is what it is".

    And go into the fight mode again.

    I am bad about putting health on the back burner now; it always seems to be something else going wrong in my body.

  • button2
    button2 Member Posts: 421
    #5
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    lizzie17 said:

    well.....I thought my GYN mentioned it

    OK, I think I will call Monday, because I need peace of mind................or deal with "it is what it is".

    And go into the fight mode again.

    I am bad about putting health on the back burner now; it always seems to be something else going wrong in my body.

    Check it out

    I'm glad you decided to get it checked out. I can't hurt and possibly will prove vital to find out what's going on. Just wanted to mention that one reason I delayed a month getting an MRI is that my lump hurt plus it was quite soft so I assumed it was a cyst. I thought cancer tumors were painless and hard, but I was proved very wrong. You shouldn't panic though as it could be lymphedema or any number of other things. You're doing the right thing... Hugs, Anna

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #6
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    button2 said:

    Check it out

    I'm glad you decided to get it checked out. I can't hurt and possibly will prove vital to find out what's going on. Just wanted to mention that one reason I delayed a month getting an MRI is that my lump hurt plus it was quite soft so I assumed it was a cyst. I thought cancer tumors were painless and hard, but I was proved very wrong. You shouldn't panic though as it could be lymphedema or any number of other things. You're doing the right thing... Hugs, Anna

    Lizzie --

    Please update us Sisters in PINK - when possible. 

    Sending prayers, and positive thoughts in your direction.

     

    Vicki Sam

  • Pixie Dust
    Pixie Dust Member Posts: 424 Member
    #7
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    lizzie17 said:

    well.....I thought my GYN mentioned it

    OK, I think I will call Monday, because I need peace of mind................or deal with "it is what it is".

    And go into the fight mode again.

    I am bad about putting health on the back burner now; it always seems to be something else going wrong in my body.

    You need to go to the doctor

    lizzie, you do not need to say that you think you will call your doctor on Monday. What you need to say. Monday I am definately calling my doctor and find out what is going on. Do not let the doctor say their is nothing wrong with you until some test are done. Yes, you need a peace of mind, and get in your fight mode and enter that doctors office with your boxing gloves on and demand answers. Do not put your health on the back burner. Whether it is serious or not, you will have an answer. Hope all goes well with you. Keep us updated.   (HUGS)   Pixie

  • tufi000
    tufi000 Member Posts: 745 Member
    #8
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    see the doc

    When I went to mine under similar circumstnces, he did a CT of that side and especially under my right arm.  It was scar tissue from rads afterall.  He offered a med that was a lifetime commitment and I turned it down saying i will deal with it.  Over the years it has faded.

    its best to get it id'd tho and that alone will help the pain I am sure too.

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #9
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    tufi000 said:

    see the doc

    When I went to mine under similar circumstnces, he did a CT of that side and especially under my right arm.  It was scar tissue from rads afterall.  He offered a med that was a lifetime commitment and I turned it down saying i will deal with it.  Over the years it has faded.

    its best to get it id'd tho and that alone will help the pain I am sure too.

    Lizzie -- any updates

    please check in with us when possible.

    gentle hugs,

    Vicki Sam

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #10
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    VickiSam said:

    Lizzie -- any updates

    please check in with us when possible.

    gentle hugs,

    Vicki Sam

    bumping up ..

    ....

  • lizzie17
    lizzie17 Member Posts: 548
    #11
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    VickiSam said:

    Lizzie -- any updates

    please check in with us when possible.

    gentle hugs,

    Vicki Sam

    just reading these new comments

    I have not called the doctor yet.......every time I go, it seems like they find something else.....not cancer necessarily, but something. UGH.

    Monday I am off  work, and will call. T  his week I have been unusally tired, so that will motivate me to call.

    I am so saddened by the posts about CC.   She is one of my heroes on this board.

     

    Thanks for everyone's concern. 

    Carol

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