Arm paranoia

Back in 2003 when I had a lumpectomy,full node clearance and radiation it took  a long time for my arm to recover.(years?)Even so I would still get a discomfort or a heaviness on and off.Last year I had a recurrence in the same breast so had to have a mastectomy and some chemo(only 1 round)and am now on Tamoxifen.My chest area feels like I have duck tape across it and I feel like I'm carrying a football under my arm sometimes and yet both areas are quite numb to touch.My arm isn't too bad now,just aches if I overdo it like move furniture.I accept it will never be the same.I have a very "gnarled"chest scar which prevents me from wearing any slightly lower neckline tops.I've sewed fake camis under my existing favourites.I also have a dodgy ankle which I broke very badly 4 years ago and had 3 operations on.So I can't wear heels or stand on it for too many hours.I'm a walking disaster!My husband calls me his little broken doll.So I know just how you feel Julie- it can be so frustrating.Sometimes the treatments/drugs that we have end up making us feel worse.But I tell myself that there are many who are worse off than me and that I must accept my limitations.I've just read an inspiring autobiography about a young man born with no arms or legs-"A life without limits"-amazing and sure stopped me moaning for awhile!

Have you thought of wearing a compression arm sleeve?I used to firmly bandage my arm overnight when it was painful.These days I try to do a lymphatic massage each evening.I also did special water aerobics in a hydro pool at the San hospital which helped get arm range back(2003). The other exercise I was given was to lie on the floor ,arms up holding a broom and with your"good"arm slowly push the broom back ,dragging your "bad"arm with it -  strain don't pain.Good luck little broken angel.

                                       Tonya xx