Friend with breast cancer

msccolon

I am a colon cancer survivor and have a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time i had a recurrence of my colon cancer, in June of last year. She had a lumpectomy with radiation. She is STILL dealing with pain under her arm, in the general area of the lumpectomy. She has been on antibiotics for MONTHS, and still no relief. Some days are better than others. Her onc seems to be baffled, thinking it's an infection one month, nerve damage the next, etc. Any of you guys have any thoughts or similar experiences? It gets to be so disheartening... she feels better, then she doesn't. And in her pain, they are actually going to schedule her for a mammogram, if you can believe it!

Susan956

I had pretty bad pain in my shoulder area from the radiation and I had little feeling in two of my fingers. My radiologist admitted that this occurs in some people. I first went to a Orthopedic Doctor... which didn't help much... but then my son convinced me to go to a Chiropractor.... He did adjustments and deep tissue massages.. I first started seeing him several times a week.. but now only go in about once every 6 weeks. It made a big difference in my pain level. When I started I could barely use my hand and arm on my surgery side... now I don't favor it at all. Don't know if this will help... but may be worth a try.

Take Care... God Bless...

Susan

KathiM

She should ask about physical therapy. Also, look at her physical routine. I was out cutting branches off my nectarine tree, an hour later, my left breast (lumpectomy-2005) became slightly swollen, and red. This is continuing. Not the typical lymphodema, but my onc suggested massage...this works. The pain in my shoulder from the radiation comes and goes...seems it takes awhile to find a comfortable position when I sleep on that side.
As for the mammogram....remember the pain you were in (I was...I also am a colon cancer survivor) when they did your scope???? They need to rule out anything cooking in her breast.

You are a wonderful friend to be supporting her, especially with your own reoccurance!

Hugs, Kathi

LesleyH

I echo the recommendation for physical therapy. I found strengthening the arm really helped. If your friend is looking for a book, the best is
The Breast Cancer Survivor's Fitness Plan (Harvard Medical School Guides) - Carolyn M. Kaelin

I also found that taking B-50 twice a day and a spoon of nutritional yeast has done wonders for nerve pain.

You are a good friend.

Hugs.

Lesley

msccolon

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions. I will pass them on, and the physical therapy, massage, etc really makes sense.

msccolon

KathiM said:

She should ask about physical therapy. Also, look at her physical routine. I was out cutting branches off my nectarine tree, an hour later, my left breast (lumpectomy-2005) became slightly swollen, and red. This is continuing. Not the typical lymphodema, but my onc suggested massage...this works. The pain in my shoulder from the radiation comes and goes...seems it takes awhile to find a comfortable position when I sleep on that side.
As for the mammogram....remember the pain you were in (I was...I also am a colon cancer survivor) when they did your scope???? They need to rule out anything cooking in her breast.

You are a wonderful friend to be supporting her, especially with your own reoccurance!

Hugs, Kathi

I do remember the pain i was in the first time they scoped me, prior to discovery of the cancer! At least they put us out before actually going in! No such luck with the mammogram! Hope your colon cancer journey is going well. It can be very interesting at times, huh?