Help...is this lymphodema

Rachel1

BC was right side. (Inside 4:00) Surgeon said I had a partial mastectomy though it was a lumpectormy and a full node dissection. I finished rads in December. When I try to move my arm forward, almost like a swimming motion or motion to open the door, I get a pulling sensation. Like the muscle isn't stretched enough. It's even making my ribs sore. Anyone else have this or should I freak?

TIA, Rachel

kira66715

Rachel, the pulling sensation sounds like cording/or axillary web, which are clotted off lymphatics that form "wires" from the arm pit and down the arm:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Cording_and_Axillary_Web_Syndrome.htm 

Now, cording is very common, but it is a risk for lymphedema. The latest position paper of the National Lymphedema Network recommends that all patients be measured pre op and post op and followed closely.

Some women who develop lymphedema get an achey feeling or pain in their arm. Here's a link to how to find a qualified lymphedema therapist:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm 

Since lymphedema therapists treat cording (only some know how), if you can, it might be best to see one. At least get checked out by one of your treating physicians, and have them measure your arms, and look for subtle signs of swelling.

With a history of a full axillary dissection, it would help you to be evaluated by a lymphedema therapist.  

Let us know how it goes.

Kira 

Anjanita

I'm having similar issues.  Had a lumpectomy in my left breast which appears to be a considerable amount of tissue.  One node was removed.

A couple of weeks ago I began to notice a tightening of the muscles around my left armpit and a pulling when I raised my arm or moved it toward my back.  Several days later I had a swelling of my left wrist and ankle which has since gone away.

I've got an appointment with the doctor next week.  In the meantime I'm doing some shoulder exercises.

Thanks for the reference, Kira.

kira66715

Rachel, I had one more thought, and that's truncal lymphedema--it can be subtle and cause pain along the ribs, and often is not recognized.

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htm 

Best to be checked out.

Anjanita--glad the information is helpful. Let us know how you make out at the doctor's.

Kira 

DFC1994

I have been bothered with this on and off since my bilateral mx in Nov 2009.

I have therapy when it flares up and it doe's help.

it sounds like what you have and the last couple episodes have been down over my ribcage under my breasts. I would ask about therapy.

Suzybelle

Hi, Rachel - so sorry you're having trouble - I had cording and you could actually see it when I held my arm out sideways shoulder-length - palm up.  You could also see it in my armpit.

It eventually got better- I just did the exercises they recommended.

Best wishes to you -

Suzanne

gfbaker

I had cording too; you should see a PT who knows LE therapy; they can not only help you get the cording resolved, but check your arm to see if you have any LE present. The excercizes do help alot. Oh, and they call a lumpectomy a partial mastectomy, so you got what you were expecting.

Rachel1

I found a PT who specializes in LE. I told her all my symptoms and she said they were totally consistent with LE. She was also able to give me an appt. for Monday a.m.  I also put in a call to my onc. and described everything. He also said LE and he'll be waiting for the PT evaluation.  I feel relieved that all of you, the PT and onc. are in agreement!

 Thank you so much. I'll keep you posted.

((((Hugs)))))Rachel 

Rachel1

One more thing. For those of you with cording. I have cording on the arm where they did chemo. I didn't realize you could have cording on the bc/node dissection side. Is this common? Do you always see it? Or is it something you can just feel also?

TIA

Rachel 

kira66715

Rachel, when I had cording, I could feel it--a tightness when I stretched out my arm, and could see it in the arm pit. I wonder if the cording in your chemo arm is irritated veins.

I"m so glad you're getting an evaluation. Let us know how you make out.

Kira

One last link: to the NLN position paper on LE treatment: it's on their position paper page. Good to know what the ideal treatment is as you go to see the PT

http://www.lymphnet.org/lymphedemaFAQs/positionPapers.htm

mommyrnx2

Hi.  I had my surgery, Thursday, May 26th.  I had BMX with TE's and bilateral SNB's 3 on right removed and 2 on left.  During surgery I had an ON-Q pain pump placed and it worked well everywhere except my left upper chest to my armpit area.  So that left arm has been stiff and sore, where the right arm feels like I never even had surgery.  Since surgery on the left it occasionally feels achey and heavy, I usually rub it a few times and it feels better.  Do I need to worry about lymphedema this early or is this just something with the healing process so soon after surgery?  There is no visible swelling and the OT did measurements of both arms prior to surgery, so when I have my f/u I can have that checked. Just didn't know if I'm over worrrying or if it could possibly be early signs of LE this soon????

bdavis

I had a lumpectomy and SNB (2 nodes) in December... have had no problems since... and then the other day, after doing some gardening (digging in the dirt with my hands) and helping my son grout a table, I developed an achiness in my lower shoulder blade area on BC side... I assumed I had pulled a muscle, but I now realize I have an achiness in the outter side of my armpit... I look in the mirror and I look symetrical. Does this sound like LE?

BeckySharp

bdavis--I had lumpectomy, two nodes removed, followed by radiation in February.  Two weeks later after a lot of lifting (no one told me not to) and a liver scan that was a lot of pressure I started having a heaviness and achiness from my shoulder to elbow.  I decided to get a referral from reading this site.  I was so sure I did not have LE as my arms looked alike but I was wrong!  I would recommend a referral to be sure.  Becky

bdavis

Thanks Becky... My achiness is not in the arm, but in the back... from the outer armpit to below the shoulder blade... I may give it another day or so and see if it subsides (if its muscular pain) and if not go forward with seeing a doc.

Betsy