Anyone Have Cording NOT on Arms but on Torso?

hlya

I read on internet that cording seems only happen on arms after mastectomy - from armpit all the way to wrist.

Did anyone have cording NOT on the arms but from the surgery scar down to the lower ribs area such as liver or stomach area?

Did anyone experience pain 5 years after surgery when you stretch your arms? I thought it only happens months after surgery and will go away.

Racer19

Hi hlya,

I am having problems similar to what you are describing.  I have pain under my breast down to the bottom of my rib.  I can physically feel the cord going accross the bottm of my breast down toward the rib.  I have had the pain for a year and a half and just thought my bra was irritating the skin but just yesterday in the shower I felt the cord.  I am planning to go to the doctor to see what can be done.  I had a lumpectomy and radiation 1.5 years ago.  No lymph nodes removed but I am also having trouble with pain from my elbow up through my arm pit and accross my upper breast.  This occurs when I stretch my arms as you mentioned.  I am anticipating that this is cording as well.  Wish my docs were better at recommending physical therapy after the radiation so maybe I could have avoided all of this.  Hope others are reading.  I don't think they realize that this can happen just from the radiation.

Take care and good luck,

Racer19

hlya

Hi, Racer19

Thank you so much for your prompt reply!  

If you do not stretch your arm,  but press the area where the cord is, do you still feel the pain?  Or the pain is only felt when stretching?

I saw some women experiencing the same situation as you on internet - from elbow through armpit until upper rib,  this symptom is not unusual,  because it's basically horizontal.   

http://www.pinkribbonconnection.org/sitebuildercon...

I google again and again and didn't see anyone experiencing the same as me - vertical cording.  I am going to see my GP on Monday to see what she says, but she makes me feel that she doesn't know BC very well.  If she couldn't answer my question I would need to see my onc. 

boobieprized

Now I'm wondering if that is what I have. I have had a pain under the breast and on my back as well.  Both on the side of lumpectomy.  Feels like bruising, but no visible bruises.  Would that happen all the way to blade in the back?  Seems far fetched, but can't think of any other causes.

Binney4

Hello, shanitis, Racer, and hlya,

What you're describing on the torso is similar to cording in the armpit and arm. It's called Mondor's Syndrome (or Mondor's Disease, though it's not a disease, just a condition). Try googling Mondors, or better yet use the search function here at bc.org and you'll find lots of references to it. A well-qualified lymphedema therapist can address both Mondor's and cording (which is actually called Axillary Web Syndrome, or AWS). Plenty of doctors, though, are not real familiar with it and may dismiss it.

Here's information about how to find a well-trained lymphedema therapist near you:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified...

And here's information about how to deal with the Axillary Web Syndrome (cording in the armpit and arm):
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Cording_and_Axillar...

Please do keep us posted on what you discover. Hoping you find relief soon!

Gentle hugs,
Binney

Amoc1973

I had that. My plastic doc said Mondors as well. He said they develop purpendicular to the lumpectomy incision. Mine exactly went from my scar to my ribs. He told me stretching & moist heat would make them go away. I can't remember now but something about a wet warm wash clothe to the area (not hot). I actually never did the moist heat. I can still feel one sometimes but i have to really really feel/look. At first they were really noticable. Although I really don't notice it anymore. It's been 15 mo since my surgery. I still have a lot of tightness thru my axilla, etc. it's slooooowly getting better. I saw a PT 2x a week x3 months. Now I go about once a month. She worked on the cords, my pec muscle, my back. Therapy help a lot! 

vlnrph

bumping for Angie from another forum