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Re useless arm...
I had so much nerve pain in the weeks following my surgery that I was too scared to let a physio near me. But when it was obvious that it wasn't getting any better and indeed cording was setting in I found this video on the web
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bfCG0Fg-Sk
It's a health professional from a unit in America with a set of exercises for after surgery.
I did these exercises multiple times a day for several weeks and they made a HUGE difference (still do them now and then to keep limber). My pain went away eventually but by that time I had made so much progress I decided not to bother with the physio. I found the key was to push and hold when you feel the stretch but NOT when you feel pain. I have almost full range of movement back, and that's still improving, and I'd say the numb and sore bits are feeling fairly normal now (or as much as they ever will I expect). Massaging the cording (sometimes bits of its made a popping sound LOL) and numb parts also really helped.
You should DEFINATELY ask for a referral to the physio, as they are miracle workers (taught me to walk again after a nasty car accident a few years ago) but I thougt I'd post this as you might find some of these exercises can begin to help you whilst you wait for your appointment. The video is for folk without reconstruction (not sure if that fits you) but I guess a couple of months down the line that part probably isn't so crucial. I think one thing that IS crucial is that when you get a referral to a physio make sure its from the breast unit to a physio who is familiar with post-breast-work as a non-specialist physio won't be nearly as effective (also found that out with my leg, when the first physio admitted to googling my injury to see what to do with me 
needless to say I got myself a second physio who was the one who got me walking again).
Hello everyone 
not posted since last week so hope I have not lost the thread must try to keep up!!!
Debtex the chemo brain! I didnt really believe it could happen until I misjudged a cupboard door to put my boiler on bent down to wrong cupboard cut my eye and now have lovely bruise to match flushed face! Been doing all sorts of weird stuff tried putting the kettle in the fridge the other morning!
Zelda Thank you for your kind words as you say its always a sad time remembering a loved one, we never stop missing them but all the emotions seem to be so heightened while we are going through treatment.Hope the anniversary of your dad passing passed peacefully and you were able to recall happy memories. How is your hand now? its so painful when they can't get the cannula in love and hugs to you Xx
Lainie G Thank you too for your kind words, our pets become such a big part of our families! Dont think I will get anymore so upsetting when they go! I'm so so sorry to hear you are still in hospital and have had such a dreadful time of it Hoping you can rebook your mum and dads special anniversary dinner soon. Don't worry about having a good cry it makes you feel better and helps you to relax down. Hoping by the time you read this you have had some good news xx
Nicnac 15 We sure do get attached to our pets dont we? Glad to hear that your treatment went ok last Monday hope your doing well. The hair loss is so upsetting I can't believe how much I cried but do feel much better now that its shaved, hope your coping a little better now. lxx
Peta So good to hear your news about the house exchange good luck with the move how does the date fit in with the treatment? Hope your doing well XX
Murphy 1963 Thank you for your kind words re my rotten day feeling much better about it now. Did you get over your UTI that can be very nasty hope its cleared. I have found less nausea and more tiredness this time. I know what you mean about leading a normal life again sorry to hear you have been feeling down sometimes the UTI contributes to that as well. All of the treatment and talk of the BC takes over your life rant away we have to get through this anyway we can. It must be very hard with young children its hearbreaking what they have to worry about! My children are both grown up and married but both have young children my 10 year old grandson couldnt see me the other day because he had a bug and could not stop crying not because he was unwell but because he could not come to see me. Anyway thinking of you take care xx
Betty poppit Thank you I am feeling much brighter than last week emotional wise had 2nd treatment friday just so tired lack of sleep through blasted steriods! As you say its all part of lif'e rich tapestry. Hope you are doing okay xx
Jingo X Is it tomorrow you are switching to T and C I know its always harder worrying about the unknown its far more scary than knowing what to expect. Will be thinking of you I know its hard but try not to worry let us know how it goes love and hugs xx
Hi Lah 21 welcome I joined a little late on but group are fantastic and excellent support. Hope when you read this you are feeling much better. It does help to share with people outside of your family I find I have to filter quite a lot its better to let it out here than bottlr it up! I admire you so much for working.
I feel your pain like you I only had one lymph node involved just seems so unfair and so frustrating but we must look at the chemo as a preventative for the future and a battle against this nasty disease. Hugs xx
Nana Jane Welcome to a lovely group its really helped me a lot looking forward to chatting in the coming weeks.
To everyone out there and apologies to anyone I missed have a good week and good luck with those having treatment Im off for a sleep sooooo tired love nd hugs xxx
Nana Jane
