I had 2lots of surgery in July , 1 lymph node removed for testing and a lump removed from breast, second surgery to get a Wider margin. Oncotype came back as 1%. Had 5 radiotherapy sessions and 3 boosters in September. Did the excises a few times aday since surgery. Started back at daily yoga early October.Saw oncology in mid October and prescribed 20mg Tamoxifen . Due to lockdown couldn’t go to yoga and stupidly didn’t do breast excises, now have limited arm movement can’t get it behind my back . Tender under armpit , side of breast. Feels like a total set back. Rash on breast, limited movement. Cry at the drop of a hat, thankfully no sweats. Tired and no motivation. Is this normal? Any advise? Should I ask for a change from tamoxifen?
Hi geordiedevon - I am really sorry you are feeling so bad but glad you have come on here and hopefully you will get some answers and support. You might also want to call the nurses on here tomorrow.
Let me start with the exercises - you won’t be the first or last person to stop doing the exercises, so why don’t you start again today. You also were also very disciplined in the early days so you probably made some good progress then. Start gently again, go back to the beginning and see what you can do without straining yourself and build from there. I was told to do mine 2 - 3 times a day, so see if you can do them twice today. Even though I did some exercises I still needed physio, so maybe see if you can arrange some physio - give your BCN a call and see what your hospital can arrange. Or maybe do some yoga on your own at home, that may help your mind as well as your body - I have taken up yoga this year and really love it.
The tenderness sounds like it is from the surgery, but do get any pains checked out by your team just to be sure, and also ask about the rash.
Tamoxifen can affect people in different ways, I’ve been on it for about 3.5 years now. Your symptoms could be from Tamoxifen, but could be other reasons - including the shock of what you have been through with a cancer diagnosis. However, I think it is always good to discuss issues with your team if you have concerns. It is early days with Tamoxifen and I remember my oncologist said it can take about 3 months for side effects to settle, so yours might also settle. Why don’t you discuss this with your team or the nurses on here.
You have just had your world turned upside down, so now you need to give yourself time to heal, both your body and your mind. Please don’t beat yourself up because you stopped the exercises, instead it’s time to be kind to yourself and be proud of how you have got through this. Many people feel really lost once treatment finishes and you are suddenly on your own without regular appointments.
Please feel free to chat more, or ask any questions. I’m sending you a big hug, I hope you will speak to someone to get some answers to reassure you. Evie xx