Just want answers

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mschaben
mschaben Member Posts: 87
in Breast Cancer #1

I hate to always complain but I have so many things happening that  I don't know what's normal.  I had bilateral mx in dec .. I had six rounds of aggressive chemo followed my six and half weeks of radiation as well as eleven more herceptin treatments.  I am also on tomixifen for ten years,  I am currently doing physical therapy for my arm that had the lymph nodes removed and I developed axillary web syndrome (cording).  I have been having excruciating low back pain especially when standing or going from sitting to standing or vice versa.  I have tenderness and pain around my right shoulder blade as well as a constant dry cough and the feeling that I can't get a good deep breath.  My family dr thought my pains could be fibromyalgia but idk if excruciating low back pain fits that.  I have a follow up appt with my radiation onc tomorrow and will discuss this all with him.  Does anyone else have or had any issues like these. Thanks for listening to me and for your advice ..

Mary 

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  • button2
    button2 Member Posts: 421
    #2
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    I'm sorry you are going thru so much

    I think it's a good idea about the physical therapy. I had full underarm clearance because I had 9 positive lymph nodes one of which had a 2cm tumor. I have to be very careful about lymphedema and my arm does not have full range of motion even now 3 years later. I'm good though, because I have built up to a good amount of exercise which I do every other day with light weights. My cording has gradually subsided. I also only use an electric shaver on that side about once a month, use no deodorant (I can't sweat there anyway), use a doctor prescribed moisturizer after every shower in the whole area of radiation (chest/underarm), wear gloves when gardening or handling raw meat, and am religious about applying hand cream. I make sure to wear gloves and long sleeves when frying foods. I never lift heavy objects with that arm. It is so important to take care of ourselves. Let us know what your doctors say..... stay strong...Peace & hugs, Anna

  • MrsBob
    MrsBob Member Posts: 77
    #3
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    Hi!
    I think you need to

    Hi!

    I think you need to discuss with your Onc about the possibility of the Tamoxifen causing your aches, pain and shortness of breath. I was on Arimidex for two years and just within the last several months was the back pain and joint pains too much to bear. I had also been having tightness/shortness of breath and depression. She took me off my Arimidex and it all cleared up. First the depression lifted, then the aches went away including the horrible back ache. I started a new med after being off of Arimidex for a couple weeks. Very slowly I feel the aches in my feet and legs coming back and I find I am very irritable. These meds are not good to us besides keeping the cancer away, but there are so many to try to find the one with the most tolerable side effects.

    Missy

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #4
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    Have you

    Have you had a Bone Density test? How about checked for arthritis in spine/hips?

    I do deal with arthritis in upper back (have for years before IBC DX and TX).  Also osteoporosis.  So find out what is going on.

    As one who deals with LymphEdema daily, you said that you are seeing a "PT" but have you been evaluated by a LymphEdema Therapist - either a PT or OT(my fantastic LET guy is an OT) with actual additional education dealing with LE.

    Fibromyalgia - it does see to be a 'catch phrase' that is used rather than finding out what is really causing the pain.  It came on rapidly and after months left just as rapidly.

    Winyan - The PowerWithin

    Susan

     

  • mschaben
    mschaben Member Posts: 87
    #5
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    Rague said:

    Have you

    Have you had a Bone Density test? How about checked for arthritis in spine/hips?

    I do deal with arthritis in upper back (have for years before IBC DX and TX).  Also osteoporosis.  So find out what is going on.

    As one who deals with LymphEdema daily, you said that you are seeing a "PT" but have you been evaluated by a LymphEdema Therapist - either a PT or OT(my fantastic LET guy is an OT) with actual additional education dealing with LE.

    Fibromyalgia - it does see to be a 'catch phrase' that is used rather than finding out what is really causing the pain.  It came on rapidly and after months left just as rapidly.

    Winyan - The PowerWithin

    Susan

     

    Thank u

    Thanks for your replIes .. No my onc hasn't had me do a density test .  Also yes my pt is a lymphedema specialist. I started with her after first radiation treatment because my rom was horrible and I had developed cording which was super painful. It has been a slow process but it's getting better.  Thanks for the advice

    mary 

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