Soreness after 3 months surgery/radiation

BlingBling

I'm very new here....this is my first post.... So many topics I didn't know where to start and post....

I had a lumpectomy in April 2015 and radiation finishing 3 months ago.... I was getting better everyday almost getting back to normal, kinda .... Now the past week it's been sore to sleep and especially at my incision of the lymph nodes. Even stretching my arm is now getting harder . I went to my surgeonto get it checked out and she sees nothing out of the ordinary and I shud wait for my 6mos post mammogram. I know there is short and long term radiation side effects , is this what it could be? I Thought it should be getting better not worse .... Anyone can help?

april485

Hi BlingBling, sometimes after rads, the muscles contract and cause some discomfort. I found that some gentle stretching (which you should have been told to do by your BS or RO) helped me to alleviate some of the discomfort. I did not have any lymph nodes taken so cannot speak to that issue. I say give it some time and if it keeps being painful and is keeping you awake, speak to your doctor about what more they can do. Wishing you the best outcome possible and a pain free Holiday Season!

ksusan

My radiated area started tightening 2 months after I finished. A little time with a physical therapist (also trained in lymphedema) restored most of my range of motion.

Elaine56

I had my lumpectomy Aug 13, 2015. I searched YouTube for "exercises after breast cancer surgery". There are lots of short videos for stretching the arms and exercising the shoulders. I found this to be very helpful.

Brutersmom

I found by week three my shoulder and arm became very sore. I mentioned it to the RO and was told that radiation causes the muscles in the chest area to tighten. Having injured that shoulder in the past I have started doing the stretches and exercises give to me by the PT in the past. I find that I have to keep doing the stretches and exercises or I tighten right up and it become painful.