Cramps after Mastectomy

Hi Kathy. I don't have cramps, no. But I do have tightness through the axilla - even this far out from treatment (6years). Did you have radiation? Rads causes quite a bit of tightness as it causes damage to all the tissues, as it is not specific to cancer cells. Sometimes even with just the axillary dissection a person can develop quite a bit of scar tissue in the armpit. Have you considered asking for a referral to a good physical therapist (preferably one with a background in treating lymphedema and breast cancer patients) that can help release some of the scar tissue? I believe you may benefit greatly from this.

Consider getting some pt for it. If I don't do the stretching for a while I start getting problems.

Kathy I'm in country SA, a little town called Burra, population 1500 and about 40km north east of the Clare valley which is a wine region. 

There is also on the an Aussie Girls thread as there a few of us here.  Come on over and join us!  They are a great bunch!

Hope you get some relief soon!

Love n hugs.  Chrissy

I'm glad to read someone posting on the cramping. It's been almost 4 years since my surgery and 3 years since completing radiation. The cramping was occasional until about  six months ago and has become more often and a little worse. It just about takes my breath away for a moment. Usually happens if my side gets cold or I move my affected arm the wrong way. According to the docs, this is probably from the radiation. I was hoping that PT could show me some way to massage my side to break down some of the scar tissue, but all they offered was for me to go to the office at least 3-4 days a week for unlimited time and said it would probably eventually return. Since the PT is a 40 min drive with a $40 visit co-pay, I declined. I've been trying to work on the stretching exercising I was shown after surgery, but they don't seem to help it.

If anyone has found any method of massage that might break down the scar tissue or relax the muscles, that would be very helpful.

Hi

I had my mastectomy in 2006, but another re-diagnoses in 2009 with cancer in two lymph nodes in the pectoral muscle.  I had chemo again and believe it or not radiation again.  I have now been diagnosed again with another lymph node in the same area and am currently undergoing chemo again,  I started having cramps in my side below my armpit after the second round of radiation,  And yes sometimes it takes my breath away, almost feels like a charlie horse type of cramp, only lasts for a few seconds but it really wakes you up.  As well I have a sensation that parts of my scar are attached to my rib cage.  How does one find out what is going on?

Thanks

Betsy

I am about two and half years after radiation and just started having cramping near the incision site and under my arm.  The incision was near the arm pit also.   I had only lumpectomy and sentinal node removed and little discomfort from the surgery initially.  I did have a very bad reaction to radiation in that area-serious desquamation that left more scaring than the surgery.   Can radiation cause delayed side effects like this cramping?   I feel a little better reading these posts.  I have been worrying the cancer is back and causing it.   I see the onconlogist on 1/7, and will ask her about it.