Tight chest from mastectomy scars
Now, when I put my elbows back I feel like someone is stretching dental floss tightly across my chest. It's quite unpleasant and happens many times a day even when I don't exercise.
I kayak surf and do yoga and other stuff and REALLY want to correct this situation if at all possible. I use cocoa butter and vitamin E oil and some other quality creams on the scar areas to help keep the skin pliable.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Nancy
Comments
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My bilateral was Jan 14th,
My bilateral was Jan 14th, and I have the same issues along with some range of motion issues on the left side (lymph node dissection). I started seeing a physical therapist about 2 weeks ago. On the first visit, she showed me some stretches and did some education on where the nerves in that area are and how they function. The stretches are different than what I was told to do after surgery. On the second visit, two weeks later, she measured again. I've gained 10 to 15 degrees in the range of motion.
She also said that even if the skin is pulling, you can eliminate some of that by stretching the nerves.
All that being said, I would recommend seeing a physical therapist.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
i too have nerve damage from
i too have nerve damage from knicking the nerves during the snb during my bilateral mastectomy. i am current seeing an occupational therapist.both her and my surgeon suggested i actally do a light massage above, below, and on the scar line from the chest into my underarms.my therapist said that she noticed how loose i was compared to women who have had to have radiation along there, that rads can really tighten up the skin along there. she also said that some scars, breast mastectomy/lumpectomy or otherwise may start to or stick to the underlying tissues. i rub a vit. e creme on my scars and surroundng tissues 2-3 xs/day and i do my massaging then,according to how my occupational therapist showed me.if i am having too much pain, i either do it very lightly or skip if it is that bad. i also have my home exercises to do which i notice, dont really stretch the skin necessarily, and i can see where it could start to stick.but i always call my surgeon or talk to her about everything i have questions. what works or is recommended for me, may not be what is right for someone else. (if it wasnt for my 1200 mg of gabapentin per day, i probably wouldnt be able to any of that, as i still have pain, discomfort, and numbness in my affected areas!)0 -
How do you stretch nerves and not just skin?Gabe N Abby Mom said:My bilateral was Jan 14th,
My bilateral was Jan 14th, and I have the same issues along with some range of motion issues on the left side (lymph node dissection). I started seeing a physical therapist about 2 weeks ago. On the first visit, she showed me some stretches and did some education on where the nerves in that area are and how they function. The stretches are different than what I was told to do after surgery. On the second visit, two weeks later, she measured again. I've gained 10 to 15 degrees in the range of motion.
She also said that even if the skin is pulling, you can eliminate some of that by stretching the nerves.
All that being said, I would recommend seeing a physical therapist.
Hugs,
Linda
At 6 weeks post-op my range of motion was excellent. The surgeon's nurse today told me it's too early to think I may need physical therapy, though my surgery was Dec. 30. If I stand up straight with my arms at my sides I feel like I have on a bra 2 sizes too small, even with no bra on.
How are your new stretches different?
Thanks,
Nancy0 -
You probably need to massage your scar.
Naturally it is best to check with your doctor and/or physical therapist. After my mastectomy in Dec 09, the physical therapist showed me how to massage my scar and she told me I would need to massage it for several years or it could attach itself to my chest wall.0 -
When was your surgery?cinnamonsmile said:i too have nerve damage from
i too have nerve damage from knicking the nerves during the snb during my bilateral mastectomy. i am current seeing an occupational therapist.both her and my surgeon suggested i actally do a light massage above, below, and on the scar line from the chest into my underarms.my therapist said that she noticed how loose i was compared to women who have had to have radiation along there, that rads can really tighten up the skin along there. she also said that some scars, breast mastectomy/lumpectomy or otherwise may start to or stick to the underlying tissues. i rub a vit. e creme on my scars and surroundng tissues 2-3 xs/day and i do my massaging then,according to how my occupational therapist showed me.if i am having too much pain, i either do it very lightly or skip if it is that bad. i also have my home exercises to do which i notice, dont really stretch the skin necessarily, and i can see where it could start to stick.but i always call my surgeon or talk to her about everything i have questions. what works or is recommended for me, may not be what is right for someone else. (if it wasnt for my 1200 mg of gabapentin per day, i probably wouldnt be able to any of that, as i still have pain, discomfort, and numbness in my affected areas!)
So, is it best to keep the scars from sticking to the underlying tissues? I'm under the impression we want the "skin stuff" and the chest wall to "seal," but I still get some fluid build-up and it seems like those areas somehow are not "sealed."
I don't have pain, but discomfort from tightness is now 24/7. My numbness was very bad for quite a few weeks, but is quite minor now.
My surgeon has not spent time with patients much outside of the operating room. The nurse practitioner handles all this, but is out for 6 months with an injury. The nurse has only given me generic responses and we have gotten upset with each other on the phone.
If there's anything more specific about your situation that you are willing to share, I welcome others' experience.
Good luck with the pain! It WILL get better!
Thanks,
Nancy0 -
Not sure what you mean byhikerchick said:When was your surgery?
So, is it best to keep the scars from sticking to the underlying tissues? I'm under the impression we want the "skin stuff" and the chest wall to "seal," but I still get some fluid build-up and it seems like those areas somehow are not "sealed."
I don't have pain, but discomfort from tightness is now 24/7. My numbness was very bad for quite a few weeks, but is quite minor now.
My surgeon has not spent time with patients much outside of the operating room. The nurse practitioner handles all this, but is out for 6 months with an injury. The nurse has only given me generic responses and we have gotten upset with each other on the phone.
If there's anything more specific about your situation that you are willing to share, I welcome others' experience.
Good luck with the pain! It WILL get better!
Thanks,
Nancy
Not sure what you mean by "still get some fluid build up". Are you talking about a seroma or lymphedema? Yes - you can get lymphedema on chest/body/back/shoulder - not just in hand/arm.0 -
seromaRague said:Not sure what you mean by
Not sure what you mean by "still get some fluid build up". Are you talking about a seroma or lymphedema? Yes - you can get lymphedema on chest/body/back/shoulder - not just in hand/arm.
i was told it was a seroma a few weeks ago, then I thought it disappeared, now (at the time of month I retain fluid)some of it is back.0 -
Massage?jamiegww said:You probably need to massage your scar.
Naturally it is best to check with your doctor and/or physical therapist. After my mastectomy in Dec 09, the physical therapist showed me how to massage my scar and she told me I would need to massage it for several years or it could attach itself to my chest wall.
Was I supposed to be doing massage all this time?? I was told I could try that after a shower if stretches were too difficult. I was never told it was necessary to my best recovery.
What kind of massaging were you told about? If I massage little circles around the scar tissue I don't feel like I'm accomplishing anything.
Thanks,
Nancy0 -
Stretches are not 'easy' -hikerchick said:Massage?
Was I supposed to be doing massage all this time?? I was told I could try that after a shower if stretches were too difficult. I was never told it was necessary to my best recovery.
What kind of massaging were you told about? If I massage little circles around the scar tissue I don't feel like I'm accomplishing anything.
Thanks,
Nancy
Stretches are not 'easy' - period! The more you do - the easier it gets. Massages are great and do help but only if done in the right way/order. You need to drain the 'healthy' lymph areas so that the next lymph area you massage have somewhere to drain to. My MLD machine takes an hour to do the sequence. Unfortunately we will never be back to exactly what w were before - New Normal.
Susan0 -
I stretch but alsoRague said:Stretches are not 'easy' -
Stretches are not 'easy' - period! The more you do - the easier it gets. Massages are great and do help but only if done in the right way/order. You need to drain the 'healthy' lymph areas so that the next lymph area you massage have somewhere to drain to. My MLD machine takes an hour to do the sequence. Unfortunately we will never be back to exactly what w were before - New Normal.
Susan
I stretch but also Moisturize at least twice a day. I also had radiation 9chest) and my rads onc emphasized the importance of this. I think it helps the skin whther you have had rads or not.0 -
I had a BLMX back in Septcarkris said:I stretch but also
I stretch but also Moisturize at least twice a day. I also had radiation 9chest) and my rads onc emphasized the importance of this. I think it helps the skin whther you have had rads or not.
I had a BLMX back in Sept '10 and I still have tightness and numbness(on the side they took the nodes from.) I tried the exercises they gave me for post-op but it caused too much pain. I never thought of massage, but it sounds great! I might just go out today and buy some vit. e oil and try to massage the scars. Thanks for the tip. I have my last Chemo on Mon 3/7 then I start radiation the first week of April. Hopefully radiation won't ruin my chances for reconstruction, which I plan on having after the radiation. Good luck with your scars.
Be Well,
Dianne0 -
Nancyhikerchick said:How do you stretch nerves and not just skin?
At 6 weeks post-op my range of motion was excellent. The surgeon's nurse today told me it's too early to think I may need physical therapy, though my surgery was Dec. 30. If I stand up straight with my arms at my sides I feel like I have on a bra 2 sizes too small, even with no bra on.
How are your new stretches different?
Thanks,
Nancy
I'm not even close to being an expert but I think you should request a referral to a physical therapist for at the very least an evaluation. My surgeon referred me just two weeks after my mastectomy and I honestly didn't think I needed to go but I went for the evaluation to see what they thought they could do for me. I was convinced it would be worth the trouble. One of the things I have learned from this board is that every doctor seems to have their own way of doing things and I didn't have the best surgeon, but I am grateful that he knew I should have some physical therapy after the mastectomy. I only had one breast removed so maybe the time frame is different for you but please at least ask because it's your body. I hope you will be feeling better soon.0 -
The exercises they gave mehikerchick said:How do you stretch nerves and not just skin?
At 6 weeks post-op my range of motion was excellent. The surgeon's nurse today told me it's too early to think I may need physical therapy, though my surgery was Dec. 30. If I stand up straight with my arms at my sides I feel like I have on a bra 2 sizes too small, even with no bra on.
How are your new stretches different?
Thanks,
Nancy
The exercises they gave me after surgery were to climb my fingers up a wall, lay on my back raise my arm and squeeze a ball, etc.
The PT explained/showed how simple small slow movements can effect my nerves. For instance, while sitting down put one hand in front of you palm up. Use the other hand to gently move the tips of the fingers toward the wrist, either in or out. Take a moment to listen to your body, where else do you feel that simple stretch...armpit, elbow, shoulder? Then while still stretching the fingertips, slowly move the ear (the one opposite to the hand you're stretching) down toward your shoulder. Where do you feel that? Then, with the ear still to the shoulder, tuck your chin in toward your chest. Where do you feel that? If you slowly move the elbow, up or out, where do you feel that? Once you've found a position that stretches, hold it for a little bit. Then come back in (release the stretch a little), hold that for a while. Then go back to the stretch position again and hold for a while. Continue to repeat.
All movements should be slow and careful (I have trouble with this part). And you should never stretch to the point of pain. It's ok to feel the tension or the stretch, but you shouldn't be causing pain. She also explained there are 3 main nerves that run from the neck to the hand, and muscles will 'bunch up' or tighten to protect the nerves.
I love that these are stretches I can do throughout the day, while watching tv, at a red light, in a waiting room. I was not given a list of stretches, or a specific number to do, just told to use variety.
It's clear from all your questions, that this is really bothering you. It also sounds like you are not getting much help from your surgeon and his office. Can your onc process a referral for you? Is there another surgeon you can talk to?
Let us know what happens, and I hope you get some relief.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
Yes, this sure is bothering meGabe N Abby Mom said:The exercises they gave me
The exercises they gave me after surgery were to climb my fingers up a wall, lay on my back raise my arm and squeeze a ball, etc.
The PT explained/showed how simple small slow movements can effect my nerves. For instance, while sitting down put one hand in front of you palm up. Use the other hand to gently move the tips of the fingers toward the wrist, either in or out. Take a moment to listen to your body, where else do you feel that simple stretch...armpit, elbow, shoulder? Then while still stretching the fingertips, slowly move the ear (the one opposite to the hand you're stretching) down toward your shoulder. Where do you feel that? Then, with the ear still to the shoulder, tuck your chin in toward your chest. Where do you feel that? If you slowly move the elbow, up or out, where do you feel that? Once you've found a position that stretches, hold it for a little bit. Then come back in (release the stretch a little), hold that for a while. Then go back to the stretch position again and hold for a while. Continue to repeat.
All movements should be slow and careful (I have trouble with this part). And you should never stretch to the point of pain. It's ok to feel the tension or the stretch, but you shouldn't be causing pain. She also explained there are 3 main nerves that run from the neck to the hand, and muscles will 'bunch up' or tighten to protect the nerves.
I love that these are stretches I can do throughout the day, while watching tv, at a red light, in a waiting room. I was not given a list of stretches, or a specific number to do, just told to use variety.
It's clear from all your questions, that this is really bothering you. It also sounds like you are not getting much help from your surgeon and his office. Can your onc process a referral for you? Is there another surgeon you can talk to?
Let us know what happens, and I hope you get some relief.
Hugs,
Linda
Great for you to share some specifics of the different types of "check-ins" with your body, to get down to what's happening to YOU, specificly, or to me. I usually get generic answers, they don't satisfy my questions, and I end up struggling for a long time.
I'm going to Hawaii for the first time in a week! Yay! My sister and I. I think I should request authorization to see a PT when I get back, after hearing everyone's stories and opinions. And, yes, if I don't get satisfaction from the surgeon's office, I'll call my med onc or get a patient advocate.
I participated in Yoga for Hope today in San Diego (my area). It was great! Most participants were not survivors but 2 instructors were. My flexibility is great; doctors say it's excellent. It's difficult to get medical staff to understand that I'm not concerned about flexibility. I'm concerned about a lot of discomfort almost all the time now. It wasn't like this 2 weeks ago.
So, thanks everyone! I'll put a call in for a PT referral Mon.
Happy healing, everyone.
Nancy0 -
Nancy
I had bilateral mastectomy June 22, 2010. I finished rads Feb. 15, 2011. My chest is still tight and I should but don't do arm stretches every day. I usually forget. What Linda suggested is great. 4+ years ago I broke both my shoulders. I had PT for several months. Walking the fingers up a wall is good as is light weights raised overhead, to your side while standing and laying down. I do these when I remember. I'm still putting cream on my skin to keep it soft. For several months after sugery and occasionally now I get some sharp twinges that go away rather quickly. My surgeon had told me the twinges and tightness could last a year or more as the nerves, etc heal.
Char0 -
Hi Nancy,Since you do yoga
Hi Nancy,
Since you do yoga and surfing you sound pretty active. After surgery I went swimming a number of times. At first I couldn't really do a full stroke on my affected side (had mastec. on right). But it would always loosen up as I did more laps. It was amazingly helpful for the tight, scarred area.
Now I'm in chemo and not swimming, but doing yoga and stretching. Nothing is helping anywhere near as well as the swimming did and I've gotten tighter again. The back stroke helped the most, but sometimes I just used a floaty in the warm therapy pool and did any kind of stroke. They were all good and I felt SO MUCH more normal while swimming.
I can't wait to get back to it. Hope this helps. PS - the swelling over the scar tissue also went down - way down. Almost gone.
Hugs,
LynD0 -
LynD, thanks for the swimming reminderFindingout said:Hi Nancy,Since you do yoga
Hi Nancy,
Since you do yoga and surfing you sound pretty active. After surgery I went swimming a number of times. At first I couldn't really do a full stroke on my affected side (had mastec. on right). But it would always loosen up as I did more laps. It was amazingly helpful for the tight, scarred area.
Now I'm in chemo and not swimming, but doing yoga and stretching. Nothing is helping anywhere near as well as the swimming did and I've gotten tighter again. The back stroke helped the most, but sometimes I just used a floaty in the warm therapy pool and did any kind of stroke. They were all good and I felt SO MUCH more normal while swimming.
I can't wait to get back to it. Hope this helps. PS - the swelling over the scar tissue also went down - way down. Almost gone.
Hugs,
LynD
I had forgotten about swimming laps. I try to do as much activity as I can with our dogs, because we have so much fun together, I take care of multiple needs at once, and I get weight-bearing activity (my mother was practically folded in half by osteoporosis). I do have access to a pool. Thanks! I hope you can get back to it soon.0 -
I had a lumpectomy, but, itcarkris said:I stretch but also
I stretch but also Moisturize at least twice a day. I also had radiation 9chest) and my rads onc emphasized the importance of this. I think it helps the skin whther you have had rads or not.
I had a lumpectomy, but, it looks like the pink sisters here that had a mastectomy have given great advice. I am sure it will help you!
Good luck!0
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