Cording/Underarm Webbing

Kimberlyry
Kimberlyry Member Posts: 10
in Breast Cancer #1
Anyone have any stories about dealign with "cording" or what is sometimes called "webbing" under the arm where lymph nodes were removed? I just had bi-lateral mastectomy with axilary lymph node dissection 12 days ago. The cording is really bugging me and I'm so scarred it won't go away or will take a long time. I will start PT in another week and can't wait for that. But I am a massage therapist and I need my arm back! So frustrated with how incapacitated my arm is but also grateful that it is my left and not my right. The nurse tried to "crack" it during my post-op last week and it hurt like hell. I'm going to let her try again on Tuesday (after taking much meds) - but I'm scarred. Any stories would be so helpful. Thanks!

Comments

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #2
    Axillary Web Syndrome
    The problem you are describing is called Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS). Here is a website that might give you some helpful information: http://stepup-speakout.org/Cording_and_Axillary_Web_Syndrome.htm. While I did not develop AWS I developed adhesive capsulitis after my axillary dissection and mastectomy. It was so severe that I had to have surgery to remove the adhesions in my shoulder joint. I have been going to PT for 11 weeks now and the range of motion is improving. People do not realize how debilitating range of motion problems are until they have it themselves. Good luck to you.
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #3
    jessiesmom1 said:

    Axillary Web Syndrome
    The problem you are describing is called Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS). Here is a website that might give you some helpful information: http://stepup-speakout.org/Cording_and_Axillary_Web_Syndrome.htm. While I did not develop AWS I developed adhesive capsulitis after my axillary dissection and mastectomy. It was so severe that I had to have surgery to remove the adhesions in my shoulder joint. I have been going to PT for 11 weeks now and the range of motion is improving. People do not realize how debilitating range of motion problems are until they have it themselves. Good luck to you.

    I don't have this, but,
    I don't have this, but, wanted the other pink sisters to see your post. Maybe if they have this, they will post some help for you.


    I am very sorry,

    Angie
  • Kimberlyry
    Kimberlyry Member Posts: 10
    #4
    jessiesmom1 said:

    Axillary Web Syndrome
    The problem you are describing is called Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS). Here is a website that might give you some helpful information: http://stepup-speakout.org/Cording_and_Axillary_Web_Syndrome.htm. While I did not develop AWS I developed adhesive capsulitis after my axillary dissection and mastectomy. It was so severe that I had to have surgery to remove the adhesions in my shoulder joint. I have been going to PT for 11 weeks now and the range of motion is improving. People do not realize how debilitating range of motion problems are until they have it themselves. Good luck to you.

    Thank you so much for the
    Thank you so much for the info. I'm so sorry for what you have been through. I had seen the web site you referred me to. I'm just not sure how dated that info is? Going to the nurse today to try to crack this cording. We'll see. I'll start PT next week. Can't wait for that. All the best to you in your PT - work hard and don't give up. My mom is 79 and has had 5 joints replaced. After her shoulder replacement with pig skin used to repair her rotator cuff, they said she probably wouldn't be able to raise her arm above 90 degrees. She swims 5 miles a week now. All the best.

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