Horrible pain in arm,armpit and breast

MonaNirvana

Hi everyone I'm almost 2 weeks out since radiation and I have really really bad pain! I cant sleep even 5 min!I cant move my hand..had Lumpectomy and 12 lymph nodes removed on july 19 and after that 6 sessions of chemo 3 FEC 3 TAXOTERE..and 30 radiation treatments..I dont know what to do to reduce my pain..please help me!

Momine

Have you been evaluated for lymphedema? Have you talked to your doc? Did you have the pain before rads as well?

dlb823

Mona, that sounds like it could be lymphedema (trapped lymph fluid), but you should contact your breast surgeon for a followup exam, just to be sure it's nothing more concerning.  Do you have noticeable swelling anywhere -- like if you press where it hurts, does it leave a white mark for couple of seconds?  Go to the Forum Index above, and scroll down until you see the Lymphedema Forum.  Click on it and you'll find lots of information and specific discussion threads about it.  If it turns out that's what you have, you will need to be referred to a certified LE therapist for treatment, which will include self massage training to get the lymph moving and relieve the pressure.  But absolutely report your pain to your breast surgeon for a thorough evaluation, and please let us know what you find out!  So sorry you're dealing with that.  It sounds really painful if it's keeping you from sleeping...  Deanna

MonaNirvana

HI Momine

I hadnt any pain before radiation..my doctors both oncologist & surgeon say this pain is noraml! but it seems its getting worse every day:(

kathleen1966

No, I don't think this kind of pain is normal. Could you have cellulitis in your arm?  Is the arm/hand red?  Do you have a fever?  Go to the ER if the answer is yes, you could have an infection!  Not normal, perhaps a lymph channel has been blocked because of the rads.  Don't listen to those fools, if you can't even sleep this is not normal. 

MonaNirvana

Thank you Deanna . I am scheduled to be seen this week. I am not sure what is going on. I have noticed the pain increasing in the last few nights although i was forwarned that I would be experiencing pain after radition. I will keep you all posted and very much appreciate the ongoing support provided to me here. God Bless, Mona

dlb823

Mona, the pain you're describing is not typical post-RT pain.  Please try to see a doctor tomorrow, or consider the ER, as Kathleen wisely suggested, especially if you have either of the infection warning signs she noted.  On the chance it is an infection, that's not something you should try to ride out until your scheduled appt.    Deanna  

Momine

Mona, it does not sound normal to me. Some pain from the burn is to be expected, but there is no good reason why your whole arm should hurt. I just finished rads as well, and I did have a flare-up of the vasculitis that was initially caused by the chemo. So, I have to conclude that the rads cause inflammation. However, if inflammation is that bad, you should get some help for it and they should definitely check you.

ma111

Time to see a doctor. I have a few pain meds that help with things like that. My lymphedema doesn't hurt until it turns into cellulitis. Glad that you have doctors appointment this week.