Hi everyone,
Just wanted to ask you all a question.
I have had WLE then had total node clearance.
The clearance was on my right side and I am right handed.
I have from time to time noticed my arm aches. I want to hold it above my head and rub the underside to get relief. I have problems wearing my bra sometimes as they dig in a porgy bit under my arm which I think is lymphoedema.
When I wake on a morning my arms feels fine but as the day goes on it starts to ache. I also have an ache in my right shoulder blade which makes me feel like I need to massage it but can’t get to it.
I had hoped it would settle down as I have just had my second mammogram after treatment.
Has anyone else had these problems?
Love Jugsy
Hi Jugsy
Must be a bit of a bummer having it on your right hand side and being right handed (mine was on my left but am right handed).
I would think about contacting your breast care nurse to tell her what you’re experiencing as she may well refer you to a lymphoedema nurse (if you have one).
I suddenly got lymphoedema out of the blue 11 years from my initial diagnosis! Another bummer!!!
Pinkdove
My arm aches from time to time too. I too am right handed with right clearance. I find swimming helps, as I think it is strengthening my arm, and the aching is not so often now I am swimming again. I try not to do anything that would strain my arm, and have switched various tasks to my left arm (tho I’m not very good with them).
As Pinkdove says, you need to watch for lymphoedema. I have mild lymphoedema in my right hand, which appeared as I was having rads. I was very upset about it, but it has reduced since I’ve been following the instructions from the lymphoedema clinic.
I am right handed with left clearance and I also get shoulder pain. I used to love going 10 pin bowling and had hoped to join a league with my OH, but I found the movements were affecting my arm big time.
Just letting you all know I have contacted my B.C.Nurse and I am attending a lympheodema clinic next wednesday. I will let you know how I get on.
Thanks to everyone who replied.
Love Jugsy
Hi Jugsy
I wanted to let you know about a booklet Breast Cancer Care have published about lymphoedema which you may find helpful to read whilst you await your appointment. You can read or download it from this link:
breastcancercare.org.uk/docs/bcc_lymph06_0.pdf
If you need a chat to someone for support, advice and further information at any point please feel free to call our helpline, it opens 9am-5pm Mon-Fri and Sat 9am-2pm on 0808 800 6000 .
Best wishes
Lucy