pain down arm two years post surgery?

Beanpole

I had a lumpectomy and radiation almost 2 years ago. I just started having pain down inside of arm ( side of surgery). It hurts from arm pit to wrist and follows the main artery. It also hurts to reach for something from that arm. Has anyone else experienced this? Concerned if it could be BC related or something else.

wirdgirl118

Hi Beanpole, my surgery is recent and I'm having a similar pain. Would it help you if we brainstormed a bit as to what's going on in your arm?

Beanpole

I had pain under my arm for about 6-9 months after surgery but haven't had any pain for a year until now. This doesn't feel anything like before. This doesn't make any sense but it sort of feels like the vein is pulling tight when I extend my arm. It is also sensitive to the touch. I would worry about Lymphedema but there is no swelling that I can tell. All a mystery.

Jennie93

beanpole, this sounds like "cording". I've had this same pain for over a year now. I have been doing stretching exercises and it seemed to be getting somewhat better over time, but then it came roaring back worse than ever a few weeks after rads. I started going to PT at that time but it hasn't helped much. Very frustrating.

Jennie93

Here's a link:

http://m.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects/aws

And another:

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

It does seem a bit odd that it would show up 2 years later. Mine appeared a couple weeks after surgery.

Anyway, read those articles and see if that sounds like what you have.

ARKIEMAMA

Beanpole,I had a bilateral mast within a year of each other chemo and rads 8 years ago still have pain in underarm and down to elbow on backside of left arm where the first surgery was done is still numb apparently they damaged or removed some nerves while testing and removing lymph nodes which were all neg .also dr. says my skin is too tight under arm and chest ,could be a problem just my new norm I guess ....ARKIEMAMA

Beanpole

Thanks! That information was interesting and sounds like it could be it.

bluepearl

I find if I do TOO MUCH with that arm, I get that feeling as well. Sometimes we do too much without even knowing it. Gentle stretching helps...never let it keep you from doing anything because then it will get worse.