Radiation Induced Brachial Plexopathy

mlc96

Has anyone else received this diagnosis? If so, are you getting any treatment for it? Did anything help?

I completed radiation to right chest wall in 2013. In the last year and a half I've had right arm swelling, lymphedema, a new lymph node tumor, then 16 weeks of Taxol which shrank the tumor. I still had arm swelling, tightness, loss of strength and motion. Following an MRI of the brachial plexus, the nerve root that controls hand and arm function, and a nerve conduction study, finally got this diagnosis. The doctors are happy that it's not tumor related, however I'm left with loss of use of my right hand and I'm right handed! The neurologist says he hasn't seen this before in his practice and that it will be permanent. So I can't fasten clothing or jewelry, I'm putting on makeup and penciling eyebrows with my left hand, I can't hold a razor to shave my left armpit, I can't open anything that requires 2 hands, not even a zip-lock bag. I'm basically operating with one arm and not the dominant one. The doctors suggest I have Occupational Therapy to learn how to function with one arm, learn to write with left hand, get voice recognition software; yet no one says I might be disabled from work. I'm very frustrated as I've also lost the ability to do crafting hobbies.

SimoneRC

I am so sorry. Have you been tested for ATM gene mutation?

Moderators

Hi mic,

We're so sorry to hear you're dealing with this terrible side effect of treatment!

We noticed there is another thread on this topic in the Lymphedema forum that is very popular and may be able to connect you with others managing this problem. Here is the link: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/64/topics...

We hope this helps, and that you get relief soon!

--The Mods