Hand, Wrist, and Forearm Pain

nye1980
nye1980 Member Posts: 69
edited December 2016 in Pain

I had a mastectomy with 28 nodes removed back in June. I recovered well and after exercising my affected arm, had almost full range of motion back. I completed chemotherapy a few weeks ago. I have been on Aromasin for a month now. About two weeks ago I noticed that my affected arm was sore. The pain is in the tendon in my inner forearm, my wrist, and my hand, specifically the back of it and my middle, ring, and little fingers. I notice some swelling at the wrist. I am super confused if this is lymphedema or something else. i don't live in a country where we have lymphedema specialists and I have no idea who to speak to--my oncologist or breast surgeon. I sometimes feel like the pain radiates up to my shoulder as well. Is this an SE of Aromasin? Mastectomy? Everything? Just seeing if anyone has experienced the same.

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  • Zillsnot4me
    Zillsnot4me Member Posts: 2,687
    edited December 2016

    I have very mild lymphedema. I do experience pain and slight swelling,mainly from over use. Could be a simple as opening a tight jar lid. I've had more swelling since starting arimidex.

    If you ask this question in the lymphedema section you'll get some very good answers. There's a post on breathing to move lymph. Or they might be able to recommend a you tube video to show you manual lymph drainage since you don't have the resources where you live.

    I find Zumba or yoga helps keep my swelling down. Drink lots and do fist pumps several times a day. See if any of that helps before you check in with the dr.

    Good luck.

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  • Maya15
    Maya15 Member Posts: 323
    edited December 2016

    I don't know if it's lymphedema, but one other option is cording (axillary web syndrome). I got really bad cording after my first surgery and had pain in the same places as you describe. Some options if you can't get to a lymphedema therapist would be to restart the arm exercises and/or look up arm exercises for lymphedema/cording, and if you Google it, there are videos for how to do manual lymphatic drainage.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2016

    Nye - below is a link to a Lymphadema site that might answer many of your questions. Good luck.

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


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