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Marlz's avatar
Marlz
Member
12 years ago

Axila clearance of all nodes

I had surgery to remove all my nodes on 30th May 2013 and arm was bad with nerves and pulling for a couple of months, but the last 2 chemos have really got into the underarm and arm and slightly round back and the whole area feels like just after surgery again.  At least I am assuming it is the chemo. I have finished my 4 high doses and will be going on to Taxel LD on 23rd Sept for twelve weeks.   I am worried about my arm and wondering has anyone else had similar issues and when will arm come good again.  I am also worried about the effect Taxel will have on me in general.  My oncologist says you should feel ok with it but just watch for toes and fingers numbness.  Please can anyone help and give me some advice on how long these symptoms will go and and when the nerves and pulling will stop.

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  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Ladies I am also having issues after 2 of 3 Docetaxel chemos with my arm pit area. I had 8 nodes removed and have been getting lymphatic massage since op to reduce fluid under arm. This was going well until the last few days. I have had an increase in the fluid and am also experiencing more nerve pain under arm and in mastectomy area. It is effecting my ability to sleep on my side again. With one more chemo to go, I will be checking what the oncologist has to say about this. I know that the side effects of Docetaxel can include nerve pain and fluid retention. I will let you know what I find out from the oncologist when I see her on the 19th Sept. I am hoping that these effects will be temporary or that there is some medication to reduce the effects. With radiation to start after Chemo I do not want lymphadema issues. Deanne
  • Marlz's avatar
    Marlz
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks Carolynvj, I have had 4 high doses of Duxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide over 12 weeks and now will be having Taxol LD (its says on my form) not sure if that is the full name of it.  I am concerned about my arm as it was coming along great then reverted back after 3rd dose of chemo, so I have assumed it was the chemo.  Physio seems to think the same. Nothing seems to help, panadol, or panadeine and as it is so tight in morns now (with no nerve issues until start to use) I am not sure what to do.  Seeing physio again on the 19th Sept.  I should hopefully be finished around Feb too, with 12 weeks of Taxol then radiation 5-6 weeks.  Everyone thought my cancer would be hormone receptive but turns out very little eostrogen and no progesterone so it is Triple Negative so Herceptin won't have any effect on mine.  I hope all goes well with you and hope someone can give us a few clues. Marlz