Upper Arm Humerus Pain?

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Hi everyone it's been a while since I posted I hope everyone's doing well.

My mom's been doing radiation and only has about 7 sessions left. During radiation she started to develop pain in her upper right arm (non cancer side). We waited for it to go away but it hasn't and it's been about 3 weeks. From what she describes it it's pain in her upper humerus not quite at the joint that's constant as long as she moves her arm (if she sits still she doesn't feel it). She says it's not very painful at all and very dull unless she lifts or moves her arm in certain ways. We can rule out pain from surgery/node dissection as it's in the non affected side. She also isn't taking tamoxifen or an AI (she's due to start tamoxifen after radiation). So therefore I brought it up to her medical oncologist and she said not to worry and it was likely a rotator cuff issue. Also brought it up to her radiation oncologist and he said it may be due to positioning during radiation but neither can really give a clear answer.

Of course my mind goes to cancer in the humerus even when I'm aware it can be many other things, so I guess we should wait till radiation is done and see if it improves. I thought I should post nonetheless in case anyone has any insight. Should we try and ask for a bone scan? She did have a clear PET/CT in March but I've heard lobular likes to not show up on those.

Thanks so much for listening!

Comments

  • 2019whatayear
    2019whatayear Member Posts: 767
    edited May 2021

    It’s probably because she is likely using that arm/shoulder more due to it not being the cancer side . And also could be from the way you have to hold your arms for the radiation - def more likely than Mets

  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited May 2021

    My mother developed upper arm and shoulder pain after radiation. I developed upper arm and some shoulder pain after radiation. I was told probably rotator cuff by my primary doc. It's gotten worse in the last few years so I'll have to finally do something about it this year. I think once it's damaged, it's not something that heals on its own.

  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited May 2021

    I’m another with rotator cuff issues from rads. Get an MRI done on it.

  • flashlight
    flashlight Member Posts: 698
    edited May 2021

    Eric9909, Also, she could be staying off her left arm/side when she sleeps and this is causing some discomfort. Is she right handed? Is she active? Cooking, cleaning, any activities? If it continues I would make an appointment with her PCP for a second opinion. She might be helped by therapy.

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