Piano Playing, Numbness, after PBMX

Yes. I'm having total hand numbness on the right hand. I just started physical therapy for it. It was due to shoulder rotator cuff tear and we think some scar adhension. Any slight swelling can pinch a nerve. (I'm unilateral, not reconstructed)

I'm a recreational piano player and I had a UMX. I started reconstruction, but then had to remove the tissue expander.

In my case the mastectomy and reconstruction did not affect my ability to play after things healed.

In my opinion and experience, lymph node removal is a bigger threat to the arm and playing ability. I've had lymph nodes removed three times, and although I can still play about as well as before, my arm isn't as good as it used to be. I also worry that if I ever develop arm lymphedema that wiIl also cause problems for my playing. I usually wear a compression sleeve when playing now too.

Is your Dr wanting to take lymph nodes for your PBMX? It'd be nice if you could skip that part, although we do what we must for the cancer I suppose.

Slightly off topic, but also beware of any chemotherapy that causes neuropathy - that is also a big threat to musicians. My MO said he's had some professional musicians refuse those chemos. Hopefully if you're doing this prophylactically you'll never find yourself in that place. Wishing you the best! Keep us posted.

Hi Lea and MexicoHeather,

I would ask your physical therapist if anyone on staff is a certified lymphedema therapist. The symptoms you're describing could be a lot of things, but one of them is early lymphedema. Don't mean to scare you, but my very proactive lymphedema doctor (Physical Medicine and Rehab) told me that you can be at risk for lymphedema for life even if you only had one lymph node removed. It can show up years after the surgery. Tingling, rings feeling too small, fingers/knuckes swelling can all be signs. Please see a lymphedema specialist to be sure. Blessings to you