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pupfoster1
pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Just wanted to get the "experts" thoughts on my latest "issue".  Since the all clear CT I have been having shooting pains not only in my arm pit where the nodes were removed, but at times under the left side too.  The removal side is very hard and bumpy.  The onc and the RN both have felt these areas in the last month or two and didn't say anything looked or felt suspicious.  But of course it's now gotten worse since I went in for the CT.  I have not been stretching as much so I've started to do that again as well as trying to work out more to see if it goes away.  So far it hasn't.  And I guess besides the hard, bumpy things I am kind of freaked out about the shooting pains in the NON cancer side.

I really wanted to try to avoid any more tests before Christmas, but I can't explain this away.  Anyone experience this or what are your thoughts on what I should do???

Thanks Ladies,
Sharon

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  • Bugs
    Bugs Member Posts: 1,719
    edited December 2010

    Sharon, it sounds like scar tissue.  Stretching and yoga REALLY helps me with this.  I notice a huge difference when I am consistent with this.  It takes time, however.  Just doing it for a few days will not really make a noticable difference.  Give it a month or two of daily yoga or stretching.

    Regarding tests, you've been through so much lately that I would be assured that all is clear on the cancer front and go at this from another angle.  ie...downward facing dog. (yoga pose) LOL

    Hugs!!

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  • Pure
    Pure Member Posts: 1,796
    edited December 2010

    I had the same thing about 4 months ago. I was sooo scared and didn't say a word to anyone for 3 weeks. Finally I talked to my breast cancer consultant and she said that is the area healing-scar tissue she also said I needed to stretch daily. She suggested laying ona foam roaller and letting my hands drop to the side-that really helped. The paid went away and never came back.

    My husband is 12 years out from his colon surgery and still gets shooting pains from time to time. You really need to trust your doc and yourself that your ok.Lets yourself be ok for a while.

    My bc consultant had pain in that area for months and still does from time to time and it's been 10 years. I know your concerned b-c it's on the opposite side at times but that would make sense with the scar tissue healing as it could be hitting a nerve.

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited December 2010

    Thanks Pure,

    I'm trying hard to think that's all it is.  Glad to hear you are doing well!

    Sharon

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  • Pure
    Pure Member Posts: 1,796
    edited December 2010

    Your doing well too you know your just mentally struggling:) It will get better...You just need  some pain free time so you can feel confident...

    One thing that really helped me is changing my lifestyle- I am super into eating right and working out. I feel phiscally good all the time so it's really hard for me to imagine my cancer coming back with me feeling so good. It took months of clean eating and working out to get her but I feel sooo good and it's addicting.:)

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2010

    Sharon, I've had exactly the same issues in my armpit were the nodes were removed and in my left mastectomy area.  Throbbing, shooting pains can come on suddenly, and bumpy in the armpit.  I even have asked my onc about the seeming like thickening in the clavicle area over my breast bone, like edema, and got especially nervous about "bone edema" mentioned on my scans.  But I was told all is ok, just scar tissue pulling and I've also noticed I feel it the most when the weather system is changing in my area.  I hope this helps.  Feel better, Hon.

    image

    Barb

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited December 2010

    Thanks again Pure, I know you are right, I just need some time without any pain and the healthy living thing has been a struggle for me.  I used to be in FAB shape, almost addicted to working out but this whole shit plus other things have gotten me out of the routine.  I went to the gym twice this week so far and today's workout went great----then I went and got a burger and fries from Five Guys that just opened---go figure---I'll keep working on that---and salad for dinner tonight, and no more red meat this week!

    Thanks too Bugs and Barb, what you both said makes sense and I'll try to not over react.  My stretching and workout today at the gym really felt good so if I can get more days like this (sans the burger and fries) it will make me feel better.

    Love you all,

    Sharon

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited December 2010

    sharon, i don't know if this will help ...but i still have issues in my arm pitt...along my breast and ribs...this is after 8 years.  some of it is scar tissue....some of it is from rads..all from what we go through.  at times there is swelling; at times there is some pain....i do stretch it...when there is swelling i use ice....i have had it checked with ultra sound...and various scans. 

     i think you need to pay attention to all these changes that happen in your body; but remember; if it is cancer....it will grow....and won't improve.  i have not had lymphadema; but i also take care of the left side..(where my cancer was),  they really hit us hard with rads when you have a lot of nodes....

     i hope it is nothing. hang in there. something i have learned; is to find a balance between the damage that was done in the aggressive treatment....and still being clear of cancer. it is hard and takes time.

    hugs

    diana

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited December 2010

    Thanks Diana,

    Yes, your post does help reassure me that this can be "normal" at this point after treatment.  Every new ache and pain brings questions that I wouldn't have had if I had not had cancer.  It's so hard to know how to trust your body anymore!

    Take care,

    Sharon

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