Forum Discussion

Lindyloo's avatar
Lindyloo
Member
10 years ago

Radiation

hi everyone,

had my mastectomy 4th December. Op went well but still requiring aspiration of A seroma. Getting about 100ml of fluid taken off about twice a week. I am due to go to the hospital next Monday 4th to be measured for radiation. My main problem is that I have scar tissue which is sticking to the chest wall and some slight cording under the arm which is making it difficult for me to raise my arm above my head. Have a great physio who has improved movement of arm but after having had physio feel quite sore. I suppose this is all normal?

has anyone else had these issues before radiation and how long was it between op and radiation? A friend of mine in the UK had a wait of two months by which time she had ease of movement. Mind you she didn't have the problems with drainage or cording either.

Happy New Year to everyone, hope 2016 will be a good year for you all! ??????????????????

Linda xx

 

cording
radiotherapy

6 Replies

  • ssheen's avatar
    ssheen
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Lindy

    Best to ring wherever you are to go to have your Radiotherapy planning and ask to speak to the Radiation Therapists actually performing your CT Simulation Planning Scan. They may still ask you to come in for your appt so they can see under the scanner whether they anticipate it being an issue through treatment or not.

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Linda, after my mastectomy I had a seroma on my chest scar that needed syringing twice a week for 6wks.I also had trouble getting my arm up after a full node clearance(which I'd had 7 yrs earlier) My physio rubbed my scar tissue with an ultrasound and that helped.I think I had radiation about 8wks after my lumpectomy and node clearance. I hate to say it,but my skin has been stuck to my chest wall ever since my mastectomy 5yrs ago. It feels like I have duck tape strapped across it.My surgeon says it's adhesions and can't do much about it.Its weird but the tight sensation improves when I'm wearing my prosthesis - something to do with pressure on the area. Talk to your team as you may need to delay radiation until your issues improve. It's a tough time but you'll improve and get through it all- best wishes,Tonya xx

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Not applicable
    10 years ago

    Hi Lindy, 

    That cording and scar tissue is so frustrating as we all just want to get better. I had chemo after my mastectomy, then radiation, so can't advise how long between treatment starting. We all have different treatment plans. 

    Heres hoping that your seroma, cording and mobility improve. Wishing you the very best for your rads treatment. Sending you a big cuddle, Trace ????????

  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Linda,

    Happy New Year. 

    I don't really have answers for you, but my understanding is that they would prefer seroma's not to be drained during RT, as it may change angles of the area being treated. I'm halfway through RT, had an ultrasound due to a collection just before Christmas, and my radiation oncologist wasn't keen for it to be drained for that reason. However, when th ultrasound was done, the radiologist felt that it looked infective, & wanted it drained. My next 4 sessions all took about an hour, to get my positioning correct. Believe when when I say you don't want to do that.

    Have a good talk to the radiotherapy people on Monday, & be guided by them. 

    Take care, Lyn

  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi linda

    happy new year. I haven't had your issues but I would suggest that you give the radiotherapy people a call and discuss with the nurse there. They may be able to give you more info as I am sure you won't be the only one who has trouble raising their arms. If nothing else, this may ease you mind. Good luck with it. Karen xox