Hi there, its taken me a long time to pluck up courage to write, but i have no idea who to ask for help or info.
I had a lumpevtomy in 2020, twice, they didnt get it all first time.
Followed by chemo, i was ill but not to bad with EC however Docetaxel made me very very ill, so bad they stopped it and put me on pixitaxel weekly,. The taxore has caused pulminary fibrosis, and other issues. I have a respiritory consultant looking after me now.
The biphosphinates unknown to me were causing problems, i ve necrosis of jaw, and in April this year my left femursnapoped cleanly in two. I had emergency surgery, the surgeon came next day to tell me the biphosphonates had caused the same in my right femur and put a rod/ nail in it to prevent trauma if a bad break.
Apart from all of the above, which are all explainable and being dealt with i have an issue now where my skin around my bra line front to back and back of my shoulder has thickened and feels tight and rubbery. Its getting tighter, restricting my movement and causes pain at times.
My question, is there anything can be done to help this. I cant find anything on line about this issue. Your advice would be appreciated. Im doing my best to get better, get on top of these issues but dont know what to do with this. Thank you.
Proud Gran
Hi granC
Thanks for posting.
It sounds like you’ve had a difficult time during your treatment for breast cancer and It’s understandable that you have questions about the skin symptoms you have.
Whilst it’s not possible to say what is causing the skin tightness you have, we do know that radiotherapy can cause some long-term skin changes and tightness which can lead to ongoing discomfort, as you describe. It’s also possible to develop some breast lymphoedema, which can cause similar symptoms.
It you haven’t done so already, we would always recommend you discuss these symptoms with your breast care nurse or treatment team. They will be able to make a full assessment and advice on how to manage and improve the symptoms you have. They may also be able to refer you for additional support, such as physiotherapy, to help with the restricted arm movements.
You may want to post a question in this section of the forum, If you’d like to ask about other’s experiences of pain and tightness after radiotherapy.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events. For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen to your concerns, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Cassie
Breast Care Nurse
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