Arm Problems Months after Radiation?

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Hello Ladies!

I have a question. I had radiation on my left breast in June and July 2014. A few months after my arm has been bothering me. Hard to explain like tight it won't bend right nor can I lift the arm over my head or try to reach for things. Its a tight cramping feeling. I asked my surgeon on a return checkup and he said it wasn't due to my surgery. I had only 2 lymph nodes taken out which were negative thank God. The surgeon said something about radiation and the scapula. I have always had issues with the arm, neck and scapula. I am wondering did the radiation cause more problems. I am so scared is the cancer settled now in my arm? Any can help calm me or talk to me would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks

Michele

Comments

  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited January 2015

    Go see your PCP. Could be a few different things, that's the best place to start

  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited January 2015

    Rads can cause a lot of problems -- my rad tech explained radiation is like frying bacon...

    kind of sickening, but it makes sense! It could be any number of things - -

    and you should check out the Lymphedema aspect.  I've known people with no nodes

    that end up with Lymphedema.  I have Lymphedema and my arm always feels that way.

    I went through physical therapy after Rads which helped my arm.

     


     

  • Deblc
    Deblc Member Posts: 479
    edited January 2015

    I had a lot of stiffness and limited range of movement for months after surgery and with physical therapy it had improved a lot. After radiation it "stiffened up" again. I don't know if it was from the radiation, or because I stopped doing PT. I really have to keep doing the exercises, because it does help.

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