Worried about arm pain

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Rufhewn
Rufhewn Member Posts: 45
edited June 2017 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Hi, please talk me off the ledge. I am almost 3 years out from DX and other than a couple of unfounded scares, been doing great. Had a complete response to chemo. But about ten days ago, I felt a quick sharp pain in my right shoulder when reaching out. Didn't think much of it. Had some on and off minor shoulder pain since but currently gone. Yesterday I woke up and had intense pins and needles (no numbness) and tight pressure run from the shoulder and settle down above my elbow. Had it most of day and then it disappeared in the evening. This morning I woke up and shortly later felt a painful ache (didn't feel like from bone but not muscle either) in a localized area on my upper outside arm below the shoulder. Just can't imagine what it could be from. No arm weakness or change when using my arm. I'd describe the pain as a "4". Took two Aleve and a couple of hours later the pain is mostly gone. Am very fearful that the pain willcome back as soon as the pain meds wear off. Am not taking any drugs that could cause it. I did pick up a ridiculously heavy item Friday and put in a pickup. Also had a full bone scan last September that was clear. I do suffer with health anxiety since my diagnosis so my mind is on high alert for new pains. If the cancer doesn't get you, the anxiety will. Thanks for your support. Pam

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited April 2017

    "I did pick up a ridiculously heavy item Friday and put in a pickup."   Certainly, that sounds like your answer.

    The ledge is always calling.  But pay attention to what you may have done to cause the pain before you go right to mets.

    It is a learned skill.  After 5.5 years, I have gotten better at it.  You will too. 

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  • Rufhewn
    Rufhewn Member Posts: 45
    edited April 2017

    Thanks Denise, today is a better day. Sometimes that ledge just feels really narrow. Appreciate your wisdom.


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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited April 2017

    Rufhewn - you are so right!  Those ledges do get really narrow!  Glad you are having a better day!!

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited April 2017

    I always first ask myself, "if cancer was not in the picture, what would I blame this symptom on?". I usually get my answer.

    I jot my symptom down with the date on the notes in my phone and then I put it out of my mind. 9 times out of 10, but the time I look back at that list on my notes, the symptom is long gone. If it's not, I have the date it started recorded which is helpful for MO.

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  • Romi17
    Romi17 Member Posts: 15
    edited June 2017

    hi everyone, can someone please help me to determine if my symptoms sound like bone mets to arm or just a muscle thing?

    i started having a pulled muscle feeling that went from my arm, to my shoulder, to the back of my neck, after i tried to reach for something in the kitchen. That pain is almost gone, but now i have a pain in my forearm when i stretch my arm. i felt this pain 2 days ago, then yesterday nothing, and today i felt it again, its just when i stretch it or move my wrist side to side, i have no pain when the arm is resting.

    I always have had discomfort in this arm (mastectomy arm). My question is, can bone mets present like this? feeling the pain just when stretching my arm, and no pain when resting it??? i know this sounds like a pulled muscle or something, but im still worried.


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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited June 2017

    Romi - same answer as on two other threads. Post your specs. Look at what KBee said.

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  • Rufhewn
    Rufhewn Member Posts: 45
    edited June 2017

    Hi Romi, I don't have any knowledge to share with you other than I can relate totally to your anxiety. I do follow what my MO says, if pain is persistent and progressive, it should be checked out. I am still having arm problems and while my head tells me not to worry it's serious, my emotions kick in. Your symptoms don't sound worrisome but for peace of mind, have it checked out. Keep us posted.

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited June 2017

    I often get pain in my arm on the side I had nodes removed and assumed it was related to lympgedema eventhough that has never been diagnosed.

    Hope you find answers.

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