Muscle spasms in chest region after masectomy

keri.lyne79
keri.lyne79 Member Posts: 4
in Breast Cancer #1

My mother had a double masectomy in December 2014 for Triple Negative, Ductal Carcinoma, Stage 3. She did not have reconstruction. She went through 5 rounds of chemo with Cytoxan and Taxotere. She did 33 rounds of radiation. She is in remission and having few side effects from the treatments and surgery. She has some fatigue, still has some memory deficits, but mostly she complains of muscle spasms in her chest. She said that her chest gets very tight at times. She uses personal massager with heat 3-5 times a day. Does anyone have any experience with these symptoms and what to do to relieve them?

 

Keri 

Comments

  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    #2
    Keri

    Keri I had a single mastectomy in December and I find I have definite chest tightness and sometimes spasm.  I think this is perfectly par for the course after the surgery.  Even the weather ...(low pressure) can cause surgical scars to ache.  personally I have found exercise to be the best solution for me. I am 70 so no spring chicken......but i try to get to the YMCA at least 4  or 5 times a week.  Yoga and gentle stretching seems to help my pain and tightness rather than amking it worse.......and heat too ......I love a heating pad.....

    maggie

  • button2
    button2 Member Posts: 421
    #3
    I agree with Maggie

    I have muscle spasm and tightness sometimes too, esp when I have slacked off my exercise regime. It only takes about 5 days of not moving for me to tighten up again. You don't have to do a difficult work-out, sometimes I just lie on the floor stretching my arms above my head and hold for a few minutes. It's important not to overdo the housework or lift heavy objects as well. I think your mom should check with her surgeon. Physical therapy may be suggested. Best to you both, Anna

  • keri.lyne79
    keri.lyne79 Member Posts: 4
    #4
    button2 said:

    I agree with Maggie

    I have muscle spasm and tightness sometimes too, esp when I have slacked off my exercise regime. It only takes about 5 days of not moving for me to tighten up again. You don't have to do a difficult work-out, sometimes I just lie on the floor stretching my arms above my head and hold for a few minutes. It's important not to overdo the housework or lift heavy objects as well. I think your mom should check with her surgeon. Physical therapy may be suggested. Best to you both, Anna

    Thank you Maggie and Anna!!

    Thank you Maggie and Anna for your replies! I will pass on your stories to my Mom! KeriSmile

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #5
    Movement and massages helped

    my surgeon staff provide me with massages techniques-- it was a struggle and hurt at first, as time went on - a little easier for me.

    best wishes ..  Please update is as time goes on.

    Vicki Sam

  • bonbondidit
    bonbondidit Member Posts: 116
    edited May 2016 #6
    Spasms for sure!

    Hi Keri,

    I called them toothpick stabs, lolol. I completely did the spasms and it also felt like I had a three sizes too small bra on for quite a while. I thought, is this normal?? Of course it is. My muscles would have little lightening strikes go off inside but I eventually learned it's the right of passage for your nerves come back to life and allow you to feel sensation again. I still can't feel under my left arm all the way but realized that the feather light touches up and down my skin are training my sensations to feel again. I have been sort of doing a science project on my own self once I realized that your body has to learn how to feel again. The muscle spasms are part of the process. The more time goes by and you become more mobile and start reaching for further away things and or turn a little further the next week with your back, or do a little more in the tub or shower, the zaps will occur again.  My double masctectomy was Aug. 5, 2014, plus I had 18 lymph nodes removed on my left underarm. I have only 10% of the zaps that I had 6 months ago. I honestly think sweeping gave me the most zaps. BUT at the same time, it helped me regain my strength and eventually my spasms went away for the most part. Swimming or wading in water really helped and felt good too.  Epson salt soaks are the BEST!

    Hope this helps,

    Bonnie

     

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