Tightness and sharp pain in under arm and torso.

redrobin09

I had a bilateral mastecomy w/immediate reconstruction 2 years ago.  I have always been a stomach sleeper resting my head on my left arm raised above my head.  Of course I couldn't sleep that way for a while after my surgery and reconstruction but went back to sleeping that way well over a year ago.  The past several months I have found that when I raise my arm above my head I feel a tightness almost achy feeling under my arm and down my torso.  I will get like a kink or something in the muscle in my torso that is sharp that I immediately have to move positions.  Has anyone else experienced this?  Should I make a call to the dr or just wait till my yearly check up in December?  Thoughts?

kayfh

redrobin.  I have this, you described it perfectly for me.  I an four years out from a mastectomy (L).  I have had all of the scans and followup appropriate to my diagnosis.  The oncologist thinks it is scar tissue.  I think she is right cause I have had no signs of cancer since I finished chemo early because of a robust response.  I am still on herceptin and unless there is new research will likely be on it until I die of something else.

My oncologist said that I should talk with her about any signs or symptoms that caused anxiety about my health.  If it is worrying you don't take my word for it, go talk with your oncologist.    kay

DC197

Hi redrobin,

I had a partial mastectomy with complete lymph node dissection In Dec. 2010.  I also had radiation to that area, and am now experiencing some of the pain that you describe when sleeping in certain positions.  I, too, think it is scar tissue because it never hurts during the day, just while sleeping.

Diane

redrobin09

Thank you for your responses ladies.  It is helpful to know you are not alone.