Hi everyone I had a mastectomy in 2006 and anc. Since then I have had a breast reconstruction - Oct 2007. Since then all ok but in the past few weeks the arm and arm pit where I had anc has become very sore - not swollen just uncomfortable and sore. Anyone know what this is or what can cause it. My arm is always stiffer on the mastectomy side but it is now feeling tight and sore.
Any advice appreciated.
Hi abcde
My little lymphoedema bible suggests that early warning signs for lymphoedema include “feelings of heaviness, pain, tension, bursting pains, pins and needles, numbness, a sensation of heat, redness, warmth, prickling, itchiness, and the like”. Having these doesn’t mean you will develop/are devloping lymphoedema, but they can be an indication.
I think you should try to see a bcn/gp and ask for a referral to your local lymphoedema nurse/clinic. You may need to be very persistent, especially if your arm isn’t visibly swollen. They may also need to rule out the rare possibility that there is something else causing this problem.
One thing you can do whilst waiting is take measurements of your arms at various points and then repeat the exercise on your ‘at-risk’ arm a week later for comparison. And a week later again, and so on. It may give you and the bcn/gp an idea if anything is actually happening to the size and shape of your arm.
Hope this helps a bit.
X
S
Thanks for this advice - it has helped a lot.
xx
Hi, l have joined this thread because l have a really sore arm and can’t seem to get much in the way of advice over here in Spain.
I had a quarter of my breast removed in June 2009(invasive lobular cancer)and the sentinal node, finished radiotherapy 27th July, slowly getting back to normal but last few day i’ve had a sort of heavy feeling at the top of my arm on op side, not in the armpit a bit lower down, it’s gets quite painful at times and l have needed to take painkillers. Is it just everything settling down and the normal process of healing?
Be grateful to anyone who can give me advice.
Hi BarbaraAnn
Sorry to hear that you’re in pain. It sounds as tho’ you might have the beginings of a problem - but hopefully not.
Not sure what route you take in Spain regarding diagnosis/treatment of lymphoedema (I’m in SW France and my treatment is through a docotor’s prescription which I take to the physio) - but I think it would be a good idea to talk to someone asap.
It might be an idea to leave off housework, ironing etc for a bit, and rest your arm a bit (supported, especially under elbow) during the day if you can.
One thing you could do while you’re waiting for an expert assessment is measure both the circumference of both arms at identical points. Then remeasure your affected arm at few days later at the same time of day (this is because we all swell up a bit in the day, more so in the heat). And again after a few more days, etc. This might give you some indication of changes to your arm.
I think painkillers are a good idea. As is drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. Also, keeping cool generally by staying out of the sun and using air con if you have it.
Hope this helps a bit.
X
S
Hi,
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, i was wondering if l should make an appointment to see my local doctor or would it be best to go back to my surgeon or my oncologist?. It sounds a bit like lymphoedema but can you get this with only one lymph node removed?
Your advice was very useful l appreciate you telling me.
I do keep out of the sun, still 35 degrees here, so indoors, air con on.
I do have an appointment with the oncologist at the end of september but if this pain keeps up l won’t be able to wait that long.
I shall have to look back through the threads and see what your history is, you are obviously well informed so sounds like you’ve ‘gone through it all’
Keep well xxx
Hi BarbaraAnn
Yes, you can get lymphoedema with only node removed, but the risk should be less :-).
I freely admit I know nothing about Spain’s medical system, but I think you should try to see your surgeon/onc asap rather than GP, as this pain would seem almost certainly to be linked to your treatment.
Lucky you having aircon - it’s been 37 here recently - bit cooler now!
Take care - hope things ease up for you soon.
X
S