radiation and fibromyalgia

Susan,

 You are not alone!  I've had fibro since the mid 80's and went through radiation last summer.  I had a lot of zinging random pain in the breast during rads and afterwards that was quite uncomfortable.   The treatment center recommended anti-inflammatory meds, which did nothing to treat the pain.  When it started waking me up at night, I contacted my Dr who gave me a script for Darvocet, which helped alot.  I still have some pain in the breast and affected arm, probably related to lymphedema and continue to take an anti-imflammatory.  Staying on schedule with rads is very important, so I hope your Dr is able to adequately address your pain this week.  You might try gentle stretching exercises to maintain the range of motion in your shoulder.  Many people, myself included, also take anti-anxiety or anti-depression meds during treatment.  Don't hesitate to do whatever you need to to get through treatment, and be sure to get as much rest as possible. 

My QOL has been greatly affected by fibro, and was impacted by the pain & discomfort of rads and the 4 hour round trip each day.   I'm happy to report though that the pain is subsiding and I'm able to get back to walking which helps me to manage my fibro. 

I wish you the very best during this journey!

I had posted a thread a couple months ago asking if anyone else had fibro and no one answered! It made me feel very alone...

Lyrica is amazing but I gained weight and had to stop. Apparently Neurontin is good too, but I haven't tried it yet. NO ONE understands the pain. Absolutely no one. That is the reason I am not getting reconstruction. I am amazed I didn't fall into a flare with the mastectomies! 

I had radiation last year and I went to rheumatologist when ALL aches, pain, etc. Dr. said I do not have fibro. Now after getting the permanent implant I'm hurting again. I don't know if I should go to another rheumatologist or see a nuerologist? I'm so confuse I could think of MS, fibro, arthritis, post mastectomy pain syndrome and go crazy.

Any advice?

I have fibromyalgia and had breast cancer surgery for stage 1 Sept 2011, followed by radiation.  Chemo was not nec as field was negative and nodes were negative.  I was suppose to have 21 rounds of radiation.  The last 4 radiation appts are called boost appts.  I had one boost and it stopped me completely form functioning.  I consulted with the Dr. who wanted me to continue but I knew I could not so I opted out of the last 3 appts.  Prior to the cancer surgery, I had reduced my full time work to 30 hrs / wk.  Since the surgery and radiation, my bad days are increasing.  I've just gone though a physical therapy appt because the fascia around my left breast is so tight, I have limited range of motion.  The PT appt has hit me like a brick wall.  I have only been out of the house 1 day since.  AM continuing to rest and do mild stretching and marching in place because they say mild exercise helps.  Let me know how your treatment progresses.

I was just dx with stage 1 idc and am facing 5 weeks of radiation treatment. I am concerned with being able to work (I'm a 2nd grade teacher) while receiving rads. Wish there were more posts here for input.