While getting treatment for breast lymphoedema I have been experiencing pain on the arm at the same side as lumpectomy. I mentioned it to my specialist and it turns out to be cording. It is very sore. I am just wondering if anyone has experienced both these diagnoses. Thanks in advance x
Hi
I have had both.
I experienced cording after a lumpectomy and auxiliary node clearance. I was referred by my BCN to a Physio who gave me a combination of massage and exercise which really helped and I’m pretty much symptom free now.
Ive not been so lucky about the lymphodema. Mild lymphodema has been diagnosed in my arm and breast. I haven’t been able to get a referral for treatment or advice on managing it. Apparently it needs to get worse before I can see a specialist though everything I’ve read or been told says that it should be treated as a so that it doesn’t get worse. The hospital have been great so far so I’m reluctant to make a fuss, and I’m gearing myself up for it.
It seems that is quite unfortunate to get both, but as their both the result of the lymph nodes being affected I suspect it can’t be that rare - though I don’t know anyone else before you who has both
Hi Amber-rose. Sorry to hear about your troubles. We seem to have been really unfortunate. I waited 7 months before treatment began for the lymphoedema. It was initially diagnosed as scar tissue and then hormonal. It was only when my breast became very sore and very inflammed that a biopsy was carried out to rule out a possible reoccurence. I feel, like you, that if it had been treated earlier it wouldnt have progressed so far. The treatment is very gentle massage, exercise and wearing a compression garment, which is like a sports bra. I had my treatment today for both and I am struggling with the pain of the cording. I was like you, in that I didnt want to complain because all through my treatment, the Gps, specialists, nurses etc. have all been great with me. Could you maybe contact your BCN and tell her that you are worried about the delay. It was my BCN who contacted my consultant and finally got the ball rolling. Hope to hear from you soon and hopefully you will be getting treated soon. Take care x