cording.....help!

CarrieFitz41

I'm 11 days post BMX with 2 nodes removed as well (left side). Developed painful swelling around left breast (beginnings of reconstruction with tissue expanders in place already), and now have cording in left armpit so bad that I can barely raise my arm at all. Very painful and tight. Also tightness trying to straighten my arm around the inside of my elbow. I'm scared of this side effect!!!! Anyone have any words of guidance??

Binney4

Hi, Carrie,

I'm sorry for this new scare. I can tell you that it's fairly common, and that with some patience (and some good guidance) you'll get on top of this before long. Here's information about cording (which is also called Axillary Web Syndrome):

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

Lymphedema therapists are most often trained to deal with this and to help you gently get it under control. Any doctor on your team can refer you to one. Here's how to find one near you:

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

Please keep us posted on how you're doing. Gentle hugs,
Binney

Jennie93

Carrie, believe me, I know exactly how you feel. I've been dealing with the cording for 11 months now. It is surely the most frustrating part of this whole journey!

jnprsn

Hi ladies,  At what point should you get physical therapy for cording if you are getting TEs exchanged?  I stretch and stretch and my armpit "cord" doesn't get better.  Also, has anyone been told about surgery options for cording of the armpit?

Jennie93

I have never heard of any surgical solutions for this. On the contrary, I've always heard that any kind of surgery in the area will raise your risk of lymphedema.



I've been going to PT for three months now and no improvement yet. I'm really starting to think that the cording is going to be permanent.



No recon for me so I can't say how long you should wait after that, but you probably need your doc to ok the PT anyway, so ask them. I was referred by my RO once the skin had healed enough from rads.

jnprsn

My PS said he can cut the cord at the time of TE exchange so that's a bit of a relief.

Shira

I had one node removed 9 days ago. The docs didn't tell me anything about stretching it, being careful with my arm, not to let anyone take blood, or anything remotely related to LE.  

They did tell me to be careful not to open the stitches, so I was very careful with my arm, didn't lift my arm or anything that could open the stitches.

Well, yesterday my arm started feeling tingly, and under my arm is swollen. It was the first day that I really used my arm all day. But, the incision area looks like a big fat catapillar, and reading this forum, I was wondering if this is what cording looks like, or hopefully it's just normal healing ?

I am in the middle of switching doctors, and it's the weekend, so not sure what to do! Thanks!

Binney4

Shira, this soon after surgery there are a number of things that could be going on. A seroma is a possibility--a pooling of fluids. These can be drained (usually painless) when you get in to see your new doctor. (Really sorry about the change of doctors, BTW--that's always so frustrating).

The "fat caterpillar" incision is possibly just normal healing for now. Cording runs down the arm, from axilla to the base of the thumb, though it may only be noticeable in the axilla or elbow. Another kind of "cording" called Mondors can run from under the breast down the rib cage. But yours sounds like neither of those, so that's a good thing.

You'll want to watch for redness, pain or continued rapid swelling, any of which could indicate an infection. If you suspect that, please don't wait for Monday, just take yourself to Critical Care or the ER and get started on antibiotics.

Go easy with your arm through the weekend until you can be seen. In case it's lymphhedema, don't use hot or cold compresses, which can draw more fluid to the area. Stay well hydrated. Rest up!

And please keep us posted. Gentle hugs!
Binney