Forum Discussion

Mousie's avatar
Mousie
Member
4 years ago

recommendation

I am hoping that I can ask about this, but please delete if not. 
I am 18 months post treatment for hormone positive breast cancer stage 1.  I had a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy which finished in November 2019. I am no longer under the care of the radio-oncologist and see the surgeon six monthly.  I am on femera from which I suffer a range of side-effects. Over the last few months I have been having increasing neck and shoulder pain on the side of the cancer.  My physio, who I have consulted, is a sports physio and has very little experience in breast cancer related things, so I was wondering if anyone has come across a physio in Perth who has specific expertise in breast cancer? I tried to contact my breast care nurse who I only had minor contact with way back when, but no answer. Any assistance would be helpful
Thanks
femara
pain
post-treatment
survivorship
  • Julez1958's avatar
    Julez1958
    Member
    4 years ago
    Hi there
    I am in Sydney so can’t help you with a Perth recommendation but would definitely recommend a physio who specialises in women who have had breast cancer surgery.
    I go to a physio at “Women in Focus “ at Bondi Junction who I found via the Wellness Centre at the Kinghorn Cancer Centre.She has really helped me get back ( almost) my full range of movement.

  • FLClover's avatar
    FLClover
    Member
    4 years ago
    Hi @Julez1958, is your med oncologist at the Kinghorn? Mine is there. Dr Lim, and his registrar Dr Lau. I found my lovely psychologist through them, but didn’t know about the wellness centre. Would you be able to PM details, such as cost etc? I’d really like to see one too 
  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    4 years ago
    Hi @Mousie, I developed lymphoedema in the very early days after my surgery. My lymphoedema is currently well controlled but I still see my lymphoedema therapist regularly as she also works on my shoulder issues extensively

    From that perspective, I wonder whether it is worth you looking at this site:

    https://www.lymphoedema.org.au/accreditation-nlpr/find-a-practitioner/

    to see if there is a practitioner nearby that you could see?
    If nothing else, a lymphoedema therapist may be able to point in the direction of who may be able to help

    Are there any physiotherapists at the centre where you were treated? That may be another avenue
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    4 years ago
    I work on the basis that pain is an alert - I see my oncologist or surgeon. If it’s nothing, they don’t feel annoyed,  they feel happy. If it’s something, I get them onto it fast. Check it out for your own peace of mind. Best wishes. 
  • Julez1958's avatar
    Julez1958
    Member
    4 years ago
    Hi @FLClover I don’t know how to do the private messaging can you help?

  • kmakm's avatar
    kmakm
    Member
    4 years ago
    After getting checked by your BS or oncologist, perhaps try an exercise physiologist? Mine has experience with oncology clients and understands the issues. Best of luck. K
  • FLClover's avatar
    FLClover
    Member
    4 years ago
    Hi @Julez1958, thanks so much for your PM! Sorry I couldn’t help you with instructions on how to send it, I get up quite late on holidays and I’m just checking the site now. I’m glad you figured it out though 😊. I’m going to meet a friend now, but I’ll reply after that. I’m not ignoring you 😁😘
  • Kattykit's avatar
    Kattykit
    Member
    4 years ago
    There is a lymphoedema therapist at Rockingham hospital,  you just need a referral from your doctor or oncologist. 
  • Raich's avatar
    Raich
    Member
    4 years ago
    Hi! 
    Charlie Gairdeners Breast Cancer Clinic have an excellent lymphodema physio, who’s name escapes me atm. She saw me pre and post surgery, last year. 
    Which hospital did you have your treatment at? Your McGrath Breastcare Team should be able to put you in touch with someone. 
    Xxx
    Good luck xxx