Input please.....

CR1954
CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had right breast mastectomy with several lymph nodes removed. That was in August 2008.
I am right handed and so that has always been my dominant side.
When I tried raking the yard, I had trouble, both with strength and also with pain and tightness in my chest muscles and my arm on that side. Finally gave up after a few minutes and took ibuprofen until the aching subsided.
I tried to use my right arm to mostly "guide" the rake, using my left arm to do the actual "work", but it still caused uncomfortable tightness in my right chest.
I use my right arm all of the time, well, except for heavy lifting, so was surprised when it bothered me to rake.

My question is, will it improve with more time or does the tightness and/or aching always happen when doing strenuous things with that side?

Thanks for any input!
CR

Comments

  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #2
    :-)
    I am wondering if you have swelling in your right arm that usually is not present. It could be the onset of lymphedema which I have in my left arm. Sometimes there is a sensation of heaviness to the arm as well. It is just a thought and may not be the case but I wanted to run it by you. I have quite a bit of weakness in that arm as well as nuerapathy. I have several pages on lymphdema on my csn page if you wish to read more about it. My best to you!

    RE
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    #3
    OUCH!!!
    Oh sweetie, it is obvious to me what it means~ it is simply President Obama's way of telling you to stimulate the economy by hiring a gardner!

    I had a right side lumpectomy plus positive node removal,and yeah, even six YEARS later my body talks to me on that side and doesn't always say nice things. I recently joined a Jazzercise class which I attend 3X a week, in conjunction with the 5 miles I walk 3X a week, and regular everyday chores, etc. I am right handed too, so it is my dominant side as well. The Jazzercise wasn't just talking to me after the fact, it positively yelled mean things at me on the "affected" side. I was surprised,as I thought I was physically strong, all things considered.

    I was much better after the second go-round of dance, so I think perhaps I was simply using different muscles....perhaps this is what is happening to you. I personally think the node removal is much harder on my range of motion than the breast surgery.

    RE is correct, be watchful about lymphedema. I have not been visitied by that side effect, but I know it may be waiting to attack me!

    I hope you get some good advice ( call your Dr perhaps? ) and of course some relief. soon!

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #4
    Small spirts work best for me....
    I work for 15/30 minutes, then rest.

    I warm up my arms before....light stretching.

    Yes, it got better for me...

    Hugs, Kathi
  • dbs1673
    dbs1673 Member Posts: 203
    #5
    KathiM said:

    Small spirts work best for me....
    I work for 15/30 minutes, then rest.

    I warm up my arms before....light stretching.

    Yes, it got better for me...

    Hugs, Kathi

    aches/pains
    I had a bilateral mastectomy in June 2008. I've gotten back to regular workouts and my yoga class. Despite doing that there are still things that feel like a no-no. I constantly have to remind myself how many nerves and muscles were moved during that surgery. Now that I just had the expanders removed and replaced with the implants I'm reminding myself again. Pain is often the last thing we get and the first thing to go away when our bodies are going through changes. Doesn't mean we are totaly healed but we are well on the mend.
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #6
    tightness
    I've been going to a physical therapist for about a month know. I do have lymphedema in my left arm (this was my cancer side and nodes were removed). My shoulders just don't land right and I do exercises to strengthen my arm muscles and stretches to get my alignment back. I believe this should be a standard part of our treatment! I mentioned in an earlier post today that this is a crying day for me and this shoulder/arm stuff is part of my pity party - constant reminder of how cancer and its companions have altered my life.

    I was in good shape before my dx and so went into it thinking I would do all the treatments and then get back to my life. HA!

    Seeing a doctor who may refer you to an orthopedic specialist or a lymphedema specialist are good steps to take. I hope it all gets better FAST. Love, Lynn
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    #7
    lynn1950 said:

    tightness
    I've been going to a physical therapist for about a month know. I do have lymphedema in my left arm (this was my cancer side and nodes were removed). My shoulders just don't land right and I do exercises to strengthen my arm muscles and stretches to get my alignment back. I believe this should be a standard part of our treatment! I mentioned in an earlier post today that this is a crying day for me and this shoulder/arm stuff is part of my pity party - constant reminder of how cancer and its companions have altered my life.

    I was in good shape before my dx and so went into it thinking I would do all the treatments and then get back to my life. HA!

    Seeing a doctor who may refer you to an orthopedic specialist or a lymphedema specialist are good steps to take. I hope it all gets better FAST. Love, Lynn

    Lynn
    Lynn,
    As Meg Ryan's character said to Tom Hanks' character in ( I admit it!) one of my favorite silly movies Joe vs The Volcano: "It's always going to be something with you, isn't it?"

    I have a good feeling about you Lynn~ you do not take any of this lying down, and Pity Parties are not only allowed , but should be prescribed now and again! If you had been in a severe car accident, and you were in a full body cast and then traction followed by physical therapy for a year, would you be able to resume running the NYC Marathon the day you got released from your therapist??? Even if you had been a world class, record holding marathoner, I think not! Baby steps would be the order of the day, with GRADUAL progress.

    Well this journey is so like that! You will get yourself back; albeit it with a few twinges as gentle reminders that mortality has tapped us on the shoulder. Ok, maybe NOT so gentle reminders, but you are an amazing woman, and you will get there. I just know it!

    You meantioned the "companions" which have altered your life~ I know you meant side effects and the like, but I'd like to say that the Warrior-Survivor-Caregivers on this board are also part of the companions who have hopefully altered your life in a postitve good way! Just as reciprocally, you do ours.

    Hang in there sister, we love you!

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #8
    chenheart said:

    OUCH!!!
    Oh sweetie, it is obvious to me what it means~ it is simply President Obama's way of telling you to stimulate the economy by hiring a gardner!

    I had a right side lumpectomy plus positive node removal,and yeah, even six YEARS later my body talks to me on that side and doesn't always say nice things. I recently joined a Jazzercise class which I attend 3X a week, in conjunction with the 5 miles I walk 3X a week, and regular everyday chores, etc. I am right handed too, so it is my dominant side as well. The Jazzercise wasn't just talking to me after the fact, it positively yelled mean things at me on the "affected" side. I was surprised,as I thought I was physically strong, all things considered.

    I was much better after the second go-round of dance, so I think perhaps I was simply using different muscles....perhaps this is what is happening to you. I personally think the node removal is much harder on my range of motion than the breast surgery.

    RE is correct, be watchful about lymphedema. I have not been visitied by that side effect, but I know it may be waiting to attack me!

    I hope you get some good advice ( call your Dr perhaps? ) and of course some relief. soon!

    Hugs,
    Claudia

    OUCH for input
    yes ouch, but Chenheart, I like your solution, hire a gardener! I too had trouble with playing in the yard, but since I consider it playing, I will continue, and sit in the jacuzzi for an hour later in the evening. We do take time to heal, I am two years out and it still hits me occasionally when I overdo. You should have seen me trying to drive my car (manual transmissiion) after surgery, try shifting and driving with your left hand when you are right handed. My boss, so considerately, said he would rent me an automatic until I started doing better. Take care!
    Cat
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #9
    I'm thinking that.......
    RE & Lynn, I don't think it's lymphedema, although I'm always mindful of that. I always will be. And RE, I'm going to read that.

    I use that arm normally all the time. I mean, I carry grocery bags and I do most things that I did before the mastectomy with it. Although, it is not as strong as it used to be. Or maybe I'm just being too cautious with it.

    The muscle tightness I get is like when I first started vacuuming after the mastectomy. I could only do one room at first and then had to stop because my chest muscles there started screaming at me. But after doing it enough times, that was no longer an issue. So I'm thinking that these are muscles that I haven't used and probably I just need to use them more often. However, digging the holes for new roses doesn't sound like fun. Maybe I will get some help on those.

    Do you think maybe if I do stretching exercises regularly, maybe even using some light weights, it will help?

    Or............HIRE A GARDENER! (LOL Claudia!)

    Thanks!
    CR
  • seof
    seof Member Posts: 819 Member
    #10
    CR1954 said:

    I'm thinking that.......
    RE & Lynn, I don't think it's lymphedema, although I'm always mindful of that. I always will be. And RE, I'm going to read that.

    I use that arm normally all the time. I mean, I carry grocery bags and I do most things that I did before the mastectomy with it. Although, it is not as strong as it used to be. Or maybe I'm just being too cautious with it.

    The muscle tightness I get is like when I first started vacuuming after the mastectomy. I could only do one room at first and then had to stop because my chest muscles there started screaming at me. But after doing it enough times, that was no longer an issue. So I'm thinking that these are muscles that I haven't used and probably I just need to use them more often. However, digging the holes for new roses doesn't sound like fun. Maybe I will get some help on those.

    Do you think maybe if I do stretching exercises regularly, maybe even using some light weights, it will help?

    Or............HIRE A GARDENER! (LOL Claudia!)

    Thanks!
    CR

    It sounds to me like it is
    It sounds to me like it is just using the muscles in a way you are not used to. Maybe start slow and do a bit of gardening a few days a week, adding just a bit each time till you work up to the level you want to be at. You could check with your Dr. to see if the facility has Physycal therapy available...maybe your insurance would pay for it? It might just take one or 2 visits to get some excersizes you can do to warm-up and avoid pain/injury. Or see if there is a fitness center that does not cost too much where you might have access to PT (they might charge more than the hospital, don't know).

    Be well, seof
  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    #11
    seof said:

    It sounds to me like it is
    It sounds to me like it is just using the muscles in a way you are not used to. Maybe start slow and do a bit of gardening a few days a week, adding just a bit each time till you work up to the level you want to be at. You could check with your Dr. to see if the facility has Physycal therapy available...maybe your insurance would pay for it? It might just take one or 2 visits to get some excersizes you can do to warm-up and avoid pain/injury. Or see if there is a fitness center that does not cost too much where you might have access to PT (they might charge more than the hospital, don't know).

    Be well, seof

    Pain in the Ar.....
    I couls barely use my right arm after suregery chemo and rads, that was not even finished a year ago, now I am managing full time, heavy bending and lifting (80lbs fertiliser bags) And the main problem is back ache and feet ache.....My Right arm is still dead at the top, and I have had attacks of lymhedema... very painful, but for now, I am doing OK

    Hey I will soon be EVERY mans' DREAM!!!!!!!

    --Hairy chest
    --Muscles
    and Tattoos!!!!!!!! ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!

    Hugs to you all! Jxxxxxxxxx
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #12
    CR1954 said:

    I'm thinking that.......
    RE & Lynn, I don't think it's lymphedema, although I'm always mindful of that. I always will be. And RE, I'm going to read that.

    I use that arm normally all the time. I mean, I carry grocery bags and I do most things that I did before the mastectomy with it. Although, it is not as strong as it used to be. Or maybe I'm just being too cautious with it.

    The muscle tightness I get is like when I first started vacuuming after the mastectomy. I could only do one room at first and then had to stop because my chest muscles there started screaming at me. But after doing it enough times, that was no longer an issue. So I'm thinking that these are muscles that I haven't used and probably I just need to use them more often. However, digging the holes for new roses doesn't sound like fun. Maybe I will get some help on those.

    Do you think maybe if I do stretching exercises regularly, maybe even using some light weights, it will help?

    Or............HIRE A GARDENER! (LOL Claudia!)

    Thanks!
    CR

    I like the GARDENER idea.
    I like the GARDENER idea. I'm thinking it just might be your muscles way of protesting since you haven;t worked them too much since the mastectomy. You should start exercising slowly and always do some warm up stretches before. Mention it to your doctor at your next appointment, he may send you to physical therapy just so that you can learn some exercises to stretch the area. Hugs, Lili
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    #13
    CR1954 said:

    I'm thinking that.......
    RE & Lynn, I don't think it's lymphedema, although I'm always mindful of that. I always will be. And RE, I'm going to read that.

    I use that arm normally all the time. I mean, I carry grocery bags and I do most things that I did before the mastectomy with it. Although, it is not as strong as it used to be. Or maybe I'm just being too cautious with it.

    The muscle tightness I get is like when I first started vacuuming after the mastectomy. I could only do one room at first and then had to stop because my chest muscles there started screaming at me. But after doing it enough times, that was no longer an issue. So I'm thinking that these are muscles that I haven't used and probably I just need to use them more often. However, digging the holes for new roses doesn't sound like fun. Maybe I will get some help on those.

    Do you think maybe if I do stretching exercises regularly, maybe even using some light weights, it will help?

    Or............HIRE A GARDENER! (LOL Claudia!)

    Thanks!
    CR

    Hello, CR!
    I think everyone else has already said what I might have... And, I think you've probably already figured it out, too - probably using muscles not used all the time and/or in a different way (carrying groceries vs. raking) since your surgery. I, too, had surgery in August. And, like you, live in a four-season climate with cold weather during autumn and winter. Therefore, less active during those two seasons for different reasons. Recuperating while being cooped up indoors.

    The most important thing is to not injure yourself. My guess is that, even if you FEEL much better - your body is probably still healing from the surgery. That's where the doctors and possible physical therapy come into the picture. Light stretching exercises & very light weights sound like great ideas. But, please first get medical recommendations and approval, for safety's sake.

    In the meantime, as Kathi suggested - and I wholeheartedly agree: try a little bit at a time when attempting to do something you haven't been doing regularly. Then, give it a rest. And if your pocketbook can afford it - sure, hire a gardener! Don't live without the flowers you love so much! Or - how about that handsome husband of yours? Get him out there with you! You can go shopping, choose your precious roses, bring them home - he could dig the holes where you want them, help with the planting. Then, you can continue with the easier chores of maintenance: watering, deadheading, cutting for vases, etc. ...

    One way or another, enjoy your garden this season, CR! I know you missed out, in many ways, last season. Our seasons are much too short - gotta make the most of them! :-)

    From one gardener to another, and always with...

    Kind regards, Susan
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #14
    Very good advice.......
    Very good advice. Thank you all! My future daughter-in-law is working on her second Masters right now in sports medicine and I know that she is also involved with physical therapy. I think maybe I will ask her about some easy exercises I can try to get "back in shape".

    I really appreciate your input on this because as Susan says...it's time for me to get going in that garden!

    Love you guys!
    CR

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