Finished radiotherapy end March after chemotherapy, lumpectomy and breast reconstruction for Her2 plus breast cancer. Only had 5 days and had no side effects. In the last few weeks have pain in my arm (biceps) and in my shoulder/neck. Tried heat and ibuprofen and doesn’t help much. Is this normal
Having finished radiotherapy back in August, I last experienced cording in March, so that shows how long later symptoms can still appear. Not had cording since, but I still have some skin thickening and lumpiness under the breast that I massage away daily and still reappears ( I’m thinking by now its probably a permanent situation).
I had noticed, since radiotherapy, that the tip of my shoulder, right on the ball, can get sore with extended use ( fairly physical job), that seems to be better of late. You are still only a few months away from radiotherapy so it could be due to that. Its important to keep up with stretches after radiotherapy. I dont think this is emphasised enough and the focus seems to be exercise to get over the effects of surgery, however, radiotherapy is known to cause worsening lymphodema and fibrosis and cording too. I think its better since I’ve been more consistent with my gym visits.
Have a feel around your armpit, down your bicept, and wherever sore, while your arm is relaxed by your side, if you feel any sinewy strands, that’s cording and can be broken up by deep massage and stretching. I’d advise accessing a physio via your BCN who can refer you.
In my last appointment, in December, I got offered a referral, but unfortunately turned it down at the time as all the symptoms appeared weeks later ( I think the last post radiotherapy appointment comes too soon). It would be good if a questionnaire could be sent out to people about 4 months after radiotherapy to check on people. I have been able to deal with it all myself though, and the last thing I wanted to do was spend my valued days off work having ongoing appointments tbf.
Thanks for that. Just found out I have freezing shoulder so having physio now
I have a frozen shoulder and has been going on for months. 15 sessions of radiotherapy and started to get bad six weeks after finishing RT. Left side only (surgery and RT).
Had MRI which confirmed the issue. Have been referred to shoulder surgeon and physio. The first physio gave me some exercises and said “see you in a month”!
It’s so frustrating having to cope with more pain and restricted mobility plus all the side effects of the meds
For those of you experiencing frozen shoulders and cording months after physio, did you have a good range of movement to start with? I am starting radiotherapy in the next couple of weeks and had my surgery on February, chemo April to end of June.
Really worried about the potential lymphoedema and cording…