Cording

Public Archive
1

Hi,

 

I had WLE and 3 lymph nodes removed on the 9th April Over the weekend I seem to have developed cording in my armpit down to my elbow and pain in my wrist. My armpit is so sore and burny. I am exercising still and taking painkillers but its not helping. It also seems to affect my shoulder and upper arm muscle which feels as if it is cramping. The breast care nurse has recommended I do a self referral for physio.

I was told they had got all the cancer and I am over the moon at the same time as feeling very low and emotional and still in so much discomfort!

 

Just wondered if anyone else has felt like this?! xx

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Hi. I had some cording from armpit, under arm to elbow, it developed over a week after surgery, even though I did all the stretching.

A quick physio appointment freed up the main sticking point of around the lymph surgery and with a few more days stretch and self massage along my under arm it totally freed. The physio was quite uncomfortable but better to have it and all sorted than going weeks with cording as shoulder movement will get tighter and tighter and be more work in the long run.

 

And being over the moon but also low and emotional… yep, that’s the rollercoaster. The ride does smooth out in time but you are only a few weeks in. Everyone’s ride is different but there are lots of us on it with you to help each other.

 

Be gentle with yourself (except for where cording physio and self massage are concerned :slight_smile:  )

3

Hi pink … I had cording too and can sympathise with you as it’s not nice and quite painful. I had a brilliant physio - ring your BC nurse and get referred to a cording specialist as not all physio are specialised in cording. Mine massaged and snapped them !when snapped they don’t return. It took 5 sessions with me doing exercises as home as well. Try putting your hands on the walk and walk up the wall with your fingers to stretch the arm and elbow… This really helps to stretch the cord … Good luck

4

I was doing the exercises 3 times a day … Was painful but I carried on. make sure your physio is cording trained and she will be able to massage and snap them … Good luck

5

Just developed cording. Spoke to the registrar he said I’d probably stained my shoulder and to take paracetamol.

You guys spoke to your BC nurses? To get a physio referral?

I can feel what’s like an elastic band under my arm, that wasn’t there a couple of days ago. So shd I phone the BCnusre for support??

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Speak to the BC nurse … They will refer you to a cording specialist … Start some simple excercises like stretching slowly to stretch the cords … Sympathise as it’s painful isn’t it x

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Hi huneebee

I’ve attached a link to our publication on exercises after breast cancer surgery:

www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/sites/default/files/bcc6-exercises-after-breast-cancer-surgery.pdf

You might also find it helpful to give our Helpline a call for information and support.  They are open from 9-5 on weekdays and 10-2 on Saturdays (although they are closed on May 16th for an equipment upgrade).  The number is 0808 800 6000

Very best wishes

Janet

BCC Moderator

8

Thanks guys. Spoke to the BC nurse, they have a specialist Pilates instructor who deals with cording. So when chemo is finished I can get help. In the mean time it stretches. Thank you all xxx

9

Ive just finished physio for chemo induced cording. I was given excercises and madsaging the cords up towards the arm almost back to normal now. Rads were painful but did help stretch the cords.
Its nice that i can were a sleevless top now without seeing the cords up my arms.

10

Hi Im feeling just the same as you I had three lymth nodes removed as well as my cancer.ive been in so much pain with cording under my arm feel like its being slashed with razerblades …my breast is still swollen and bruised sometimes burning and stinging but thee under arm pain is worse pain and down to my elbow my breast nurse just tells me to exercise.Im starting my radio therapy on thursday this week for three weeks I just want to get back to normal I fell so tired all the time Im taking Letrozole tablets and feel so sick and tired and head aches does any one else feel sick off these tablets

11

Hi I feel just the same as you I had three lymph nodes removed as well as the cancer bit the pain under my arm and down my arm with the cording is painfull my breast nurse just says keep exercising it feels like razorblades slashing me and lumpy and stinging.my breast is still swollen and bruised burning and stinging I start my radio therapy in two days I cant wait to get back to normal Im taking Letrozole tablets and I feel really sick off them tired and headache Im just so exhausted does any one else feel like this off these tablets…

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I’m sorry tweeks, I’m not on those tablets. On shed loads of others!!! Kitchen cupboard full of them.

Hope your tiredness resolves a bit soon xxx

13

Hi huneebee thanks for the comment… Ive staryed taking the tablet at night instead of morninf hopeingl the sickness comes while Im sleeping its been two days now ive tried this finger crossed had a good day yesterday and just started feeling a little sick tonight… Ive read on here about different brands of the same tablets and they cause different SE…I hope my next box of latrozole is the same brand Ive got now just as im settling down with the SE.ive learnt so much from this site and listening to different people who is actually going through it onwards and upwards Xx