"Unusual" ongoing pain
Hi everyone, I'm new to this group, thanks for adding me! I'm having a problem that I don't hear others talk about so not sure what it is nor what help to get for it. After my bmx with expanders put in (5/23/16), both sides of the outer edges and under my armpits became extremely painful. I developed deep crevice type areas and it's extremely painful to wear bras and certain clothing. My PS said she cut the bad area out (or got rid of it somehow) during my DIEP procedure (8/04/16). The first week after the DIEP I felt SO relieved because the crevices were gone and the pain was all gone. But, as time has gone on it is back again, on both sides again. I only had lymph nodes taken from my left side as there was no cancer in my right breast so no biopsies needed on my right side. Yet this problem is on both sides so I don't think it could have to do with lymphedema but thought perhaps cording, but it doesn't go down my arms at all, it's just around the upper outer area of both breasts and into armpits. I can feel hard areas that almost feel rope like. I can provide pictures if anyone thinks it can help to provide me with any answers. My PS seems to not know the cause or what it is even. Says she has never seen this happen before. I'm feeling very frustrated because living with this pain daily is tough. I know things could be so much worse, so I'm grateful this is all I have to deal with, but still, I need some relief! Any ideas? Thank you!
Comments
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Hi Rara, and welcome to Breastcancer.org!
We're so sorry you're dealing with this uncomfortable side effect. We're sure someone will be along shortly who can weigh in with their thoughts and advice. You're not alone here!
Thanks for posting and we look forward to hearing more from you soon.
--The Mods
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that sounds horrid. It does sound like cording which can be in the armpit only. Dies your hospital have a knowledgable physio you can see? That helped me a lot with tightness and pain
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I would ask for a referral to see a physical therapist lymphedema specialist. I had ongoing pain, different than the type you are describing, but pain that wasn't improving. I was getting nowhere with either the BS or the PS. Surgeons, I have learned, don't like to admit that their surgery has caused problems. My family doctor gave me a script for the PT who has been wonderful. She said any type of surgery can disrupt the flow of lymph fluids, even if lymph nodes are not removed. I don't know much about cording, but being evaluated by a lymphedema specialist couldn't hurt. I have gotten so much relief from pain that my BS said I would just need to learn to live with. Good luck to you.
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I'm going to see a lymphedema therapist today. Hoping she can help me! Thank you SSinUK and Debiann!
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