Radiation side effects ( Cant move arm)

zohra

My mother done with her treatment. Chemo , surgery then radiation. It almost 2 months ago she done with her radiation. Now suddenly , she started pain in her arm and shoulder. She cant move her arm.  I did massage for her and gave her pain medication(oxycodone) Still she has pain and cant move her arm. Do I have to talk with her oncologist , surgen or radialogist. Please need advice.

Thanks

desalonde

Zohra, I just noticed your question. I had surgery, node biopsy, and then rads and I had arm & shoulder issues after surgery which persisted weeks, then got better with light therapy; after rads, I am really very stiff and there is clearly scar tissue from the surgery and radiation to the muscle area around and beneath the breast. I am working with a very experienced physical therapist.

My rad onc and surgeon did not encourage me to fo to physical therapy and made light of the problem so I had to insist each time to get that referral.

Arm and shoulder issues are common after the treatments and can be disabling so DO INSIST that your mom's doctor give her referral to therapist. Try and do some advance homework and find out who does the best therapy with breast cancer patients. It may be someplace which also has a lymphedema specialist.

Prayers for your mom, Desalonde