Pectoral Muscle Damage on Rad Side?

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tlfrank
tlfrank Member Posts: 199
edited April 2018 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I finished RADS on December 13th and since then my entire pectoral muscle is stiff and hard when I stretch. I can feel it pulling from the center of my armpit all the way to the sternum and it's quite painful even to the touch. I've been doing the exercises as directed, plus taking yoga twice a week and my instructor is focusing the area. I'm getting no relief at all, if anything the muscle is getting worse. Anyone else experience this?

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  • ABeautifulSunset
    ABeautifulSunset Member Posts: 990
    edited April 2018

    hi. I had radiation to my left chest wall over 6 years ago. The stiffness you are feeling is scar tissue and atrophied muscle. The only way mine was eased was during some reconstructive surgery they cut out the scar tissue. It helped a lot but not 100%. I had to get rid of my implants because the tightness and pulling aRound it was so uncomfortable. It’s been a 6 year battled but I’m finally comfortable. I still have scar tissue and atrophy that’s mkes it look like my ribs are sticking out. It’s ugly but doesn’t hurt. Unfortunately, radiation is the gift that killed keeps on giving. Hopefully someone will chime in with a more positive experience.

    Sunsey

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited April 2018

    Hi - radiation can indeed be the gift that keeps on giving but there are ways to manage the late effects of treatment. Sometimes the challenge is in figuring out what is causing a particular symptom and finding someone to help you address it.

    Do you have a good lymphedema PT? If so, she should be able to help you at least some with this issue. Sometimes there a combination of fibrosis and a build up of lymph that creates very tender spots. Working on the fibrotic areas (which may be more extensive than you realize AND doing a bit of manual lymphatic drainage might help a lot.

    You could also talk with your RO, BS, or MO about a prescription for Trental and Vitamin E. This is an inexpensive, effective, pretty much side-effect free treatment for fibrosis. Personally, I think it should be universally discussed and offered at the end of radiation treatment but usually you have to ask for it. I only knew about it because my BS had mentioned it prior to tx but my RO was completely on board when I asked her about using it.

    Some women also have good results adding acupuncture and/or perineural injection therapy.

    Whatever you do, don't go on suffering. Let all your providers know that you have this issue and keep bugging them (if needed) to provide the referrals (for PT, for example) and treatment that you need. Good luck with it. PM me if you have questions.

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  • tlfrank
    tlfrank Member Posts: 199
    edited April 2018

    Thank you so much for the information - I was going to wait until July when I have followup appointments with the BS and RO - but lately I don't think I should be waiting that long. Now that I know it's not just me being a baby.

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited April 2018

    No - I wouldn't wait. It's not just you!

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited April 2018

    I have the same. I get a monthly lymphatic drainage massage, and a monthly scar tissue release massage from a massage therapist trained by a LANA-certified MLD nurse about how not to damage my lymph nodes. I also do stretches a PT gave me, and self-massage. Still tight, but few adhesions, good skin quality, and reduced cording.

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited April 2018

    Yes - dealing with this is a multi-pronged, on-going project. The stretches and self-massage are vital; my PT even taught my husband to do the massage in areas that I can't manage. It takes time and consistency. I'm not sure I'll ever be completely done with it but at least it's improving.

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  • tlfrank
    tlfrank Member Posts: 199
    edited April 2018

    I'm going to start with my RO, but am not expecting her to take me serious - she was very dismissive of my complaints during RADS. I'll come armed with articles about radiation induced fibrosis....LOL If I get nowhere with her I guess I'll try my surgeon next.

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