cording and 2nd TC chemo cycle

I heard them snap. No pain at all, just movement freed up. Leaning into corner should be for about 30 seconds.

However, your description of your symptoms does not sound like cording. To quote from the physio handout - " It is described as a fibrous band that runs down your arm. It usually starts from your scar in your arm pit and can run down to your wrist. It is common for the cording to be also noticed in the inner elbow area. It can look and feel like a sting. There can be more than one cord visible at a time."

Is your area squishy? Could be the start of a seroma, a build up of fluid that can be drained if necessary. This also doesn't hurt as they place the needle in the area still numb from operation. If this becomes a problem contact your Breast Care Nurse or breast surgeon for their advice.

Good luck!

Joy K

 

Hi Joy,

 I am 1 week post-op lumpectomy and axillary clearance and have the cording sensation too. I can actually feel 2 ropy-like lines running across my armpit. I''m going to give your exercise a go to see if it works for me. Just a quick question though - do the cords hurt when they "snap"?

Cheers

Nic

Thank you so much for this information, I will definitely be giving this a go,

I am sure it will help,

Thanks again, regards,

Maria L 

Cording and lymphoedema are two different things. I believe the exercises you are doing will be to regain shoulder movement after surgery and also to help drain the lymph from the affected side.

My physio gave me the following exercise for cording.

1. Find a spot in your house where two walls meet in a corner (I used the shower so I didn't have to shift furniture to get to the corner)

2. Place your hands at shoulder height on each wall and really lean into the corner until you can feel the pressure in your armpit.

3. Repeat exercise a few times and can extend arms to head height and even above your head. It is the leaning into the corner that is important.

4. Don't be surprised if you hear a "pop" as the cord gives way. 

Hope this helps

With love

Joy K

Definitely worth seeing a physio (preferably one that specialises on lymphoedema).  And keep on doing your exercises.  I also found massaging my arm gently a few times a day helped.

Good luck.