Cording and flexibility

Neamster

two sentinel lymph nodes and one non sentinel removed on right side. Cording on right side.. impaired movement but no lymphoma. Question: impaired movement permanent? Should I get more nodes removed, given that I was 40% (1 sentinel, one regular out of five. I had radiation, but concerned

moth

I had cording which resolved but continue to have slightly impaired range of motion. If you do your physio stretches regularly and without skipping too many days, it's more likely to get close to return of full range of motion but might not be 100% back to normal.

I don't know about the other question. I think if the MO or BS thought that there was indication for more nodes to be surgically removed they would have done them then. I don't think if I've ever heard of going back for them later unless there is a mass.

Are you on hormonal therapy?

LivinLife

Hard for me to believe though I only had one node removed on the left, no radiation though double mastectomy and developed cording on both sides.... It came on just a few weeks after surgery, so about the 3rd week of September. Stretching exercises as moth mentioned helped tremendously - not the ones the BS gave which were more to help with some general range of motion (raising hands out in front, out to the sides, etc.). I went to physical therapy and they offered shoulder stretches using the door way, another very helpful stretch placing one hand, arm straight behind me against a wall... those really were the main ones. Those helped a lot and much cording remained.

I do not have lymphedema though developed swollen lymph nodes and upper arm and forearm pain believed related to the cording. Some folks on this site recommended I see a lymphedema therapist, esp. after recently developing a new cord on my sternum going down my diaphragm. P.T. wouldn't touch anything related to my surgery - only focused on the tennis elbow - due to my healing issues. The L.T. has focused on the cording and lymph flow and the last two sessions been willing to do a little myofascial release. It is making a big difference with the cording and "tightness" in my armpit/side and pec/chest areas.

flashlight

I had an issue with cording almost a year after finishing radiation. I also developed lymphedema in my chest, Lt, shoulder, neck at that time. When I went to PT for the lymphedema consult they told me I had cording. It did resolve with the help of therapy and daily stretching. I also started (late) gently massaging my incisional lines.

Ingerp

I've had cording show up off and on up to a couple of years after rads. Seems to be related to weightlifting. I called my BS's office the first time and they offered to refer me to PT but also said it would resolve on its own. It always has. I'm sure it helped, that, at least in normal times, I did yoga several times a week. Really opens up that armpit area!

Beclyn20

Can someone please explain the cording? I am a little over 2 years from lumpectomy with 9 sentinel nodes removed and brachytherapy radiation. I have noticed increased hard fibrosis and some tightness pulling on my arm about a month ago. I wonder if that is considered cording? Thx

MountainMia

Beclyn, it's called "cording" because it literally feels like a cord has developed. It's a firm, long line under the skin. For me, it ran from my armpit toward my elbow. My BS said it was about as bad as she's seen, for how thick and tight it was. Some people get cording on their trunk, so it does vary. I don't know specifically what that feels like.

I think mine flared up from starting exercise too soon after my lumpectomy and node excision. It did resolve with rest.

moth

yeah, mine looked and felt like a thin rope under my skin. Mine went from armpit all the way to the wrist. I was just gently stretching it and waiting for it to go away. Then one day I was standing by the dining room table and I leaned to look at something dd was showing me. I twisted my arm so my hand was out and I was grasping the edge of the table and leaned forward. I felt it snap. It was not really painful, just a weird feeling. And that was the end of my cording.

Beclyn20

I don't think I have that or I can't feel or see anything. I hope I don't get it. I just think fibrosis and tightness taking over for me. Not fun. Thank you for explanation. Appreciate it!

MountainMia

Beclyn, check with your doctor for a new PT referral to help relieve the tightness. And then be faithful doing the prescribed exercises. It will help.