Pain in shoulder and chest wall

BLinthedesert

Hello Ladies,

 I had posted this in the radiation area, but have not received any responses, so I thought I would try you out! 

I finished radiation about 2 months ago. First, let me say that I sailed through radiation with minimal short term side effects.  I was tired, but managed to exercise every day; I had radiation dermatitis that cleared up within 2 weeks of finishing rads.  

My lumpectomy tissue was 6cm x 5.5cm x 2cm and when down into the facia of my chest wall.  I had an awesome surgeon who "moved stuff around" during the surgery so although it is noticable that I am missing ~ 1/4 of my breast when I am naked (and I have to wear padding now) it is barely noticible when I wear a bra (even a sports bra - as long as it is good compression).   

I have had shoulder pain since my lumpectomy that has gotten worse since finishing radiation.   I did have cording during radiation, that apparently also has "healed" (according to my RO).  Mobility in my shoulder is extremely limited, and I have pretty much constant pain in it.  I also have a very very tight chest wall that makes it difficult to take a deep breath.  I can't really put my arm over my head - the muscles just feel super tight.  It pretty much hurts all the time, it is not the same "stabbing" pains that sort of come-and-go every once-and-a-while. The chest wall tightness was so bad that I thought I had asthma (because I couldn't take a deep breath).  My chest wall doesn't really "hurt" it is just so tight, and "heavy feeling" that I can't take a breath.

I can run (I run a lot and am in very good health overall) - but I can't run fast, because I can't take a deep breath, and I can't "pump my arm" because of my shoulder.

My question for you all - have any of you had this?  How long did it take to go away?  Did you try any physical therapy?  (does it sound like truncal lymphedema?).

Thank you! 

mckenna

Hi Bl i likely have truncal lymphedema (even without nodes removed) i had it prior ot radiaion but my pt told me that radiation can cause it, but there is obvious swelling (imprint of sports bra after i take it off, etc).  i too am in constant pain/irritation but mine is mostly the boob and under arm. i just started with a physical therapist.  i have good range of motion in my shoulder.  i think i would request a referral to a pt/lymph specialist. they will evaluate you and see if further treatment is necessary.  i get those stabbing pains sometimes too but no chest wall pain.  good luck, let us know how things are going

BLinthedesert

hi mckenna!!  Fancy meeting you here ;-).  I had seen that you were referred, originally, your symptoms (swelly breast ;-)) sounded different from mine, but see we have similar problems now. I like your approach, get evaluated and have them tell me whether or not they can help me!

Hi Jo, thank you for the response.  The link you sent goes into an email, and I don't know what to say.  I have not had lymphnodes removed, which why, in part, I wasn't sure if it could by lymphedema.  It is annoying .. that is for sure!! 

Binney4

BL, substantial damage to the lymph system is possible when surgeons "move stuff around" for the sake of cosmesis. There's new interest in this procedure in the U.S., and while the outcomes are pleasing, they're also too likely to result in truncal lymphedema. So that's definitely a possibility you might want to check out with a well-qualified lymphedema therapist.

Cording can recur and be a longer-term issue, so there may still be some binding from that. An experienced lymphedema therapist can treat both. Let us know how we can help!

Be well,
Binney