Shoulder pain, then aching arm

Feist

Hello everyone, I am looking for some advice and information. Brief history, Breast cancer diagnosed 2007. Lumpectomy (19 lymph nodes removed), chemo, radiation, Herceptin and Femara. I do have lymphedema in my left arm. Been using compression sleeves for about 5 years and have experienced 2 infections treated with antibiotics. This is my current dilemma.

In June I was lifting weights and I felt a pull in my shoulder. Lived with it for about 2 months until I couldn't stand the pain anymore. Went to my Internist, suggested PT. Had PT for 2 months with no relief. Went to an Orthopedic doctor. Had X-rays, MRI and ultrasound. Told not frozen shoulder, no tear in rotator cuff, some fluid by the joint. Doctor started asking me a lot of questions about my cancer and treatment which really scared me. He seemed a little baffled as to what was causing this. Anyway, he withdrew some fluid from the shoulder but couldn't get enough out to test, so he gave me a cortisone shot. After a few days the shot seemed to help somewhat. My range of motion got better and continues to. My problem now is that the shoulder isn't really bothering me now, but my arm is starting to ache, sort of like a bad tooth ache. It evens aches when I wear my sleeve. I do Yoga, which I love, but last night after class my arm ached so bad that I could have cried. Anyway, I have spent TONS of money so far on all of this treatment (thanks to my very high deductible) and before I seek out another doctor, I was wondering if anyone ever experienced this. I know not to use hot or cold compresses. I do my drainage exercises. It seems to feel better if I completely rest it, but that's VERY hard to do. Thanks so much for any and all input!

Moderators

Hi Feist, and welcome to Breastcancer.org!

Thank you for joining and posting. We're sure you're going to find our amazing Community extremely supportive and helpful.

While you wait for the advice from other members, you may want to check out the main Breastcancer.org site's extensive section on Lymphedema, where you may find some helpful information.

We hope this helps and that you feel better soon. Please check back in to let us know how you're doing!

--The Mods

hugz4u

Do not do any downward dog type arm weight bearing exercises if you find it makes your arm worse. You could be over taxing it causing to send lymph fluid and build up to the area.

Time to go see a qualified LE therapist to see if that's the problem.She will drain your arm etc and if you feel better then that could be your whole problem that's bothering you. Make sure your LE garments fit well not big or small. A glove or gauntlet is a must to avoid pushing fluid into the hand making LE worse and harder to treat