Forum Discussion

annie2's avatar
annie2
Member
15 years ago

radiation pain

Hi all,was just wondering if anyone has had the same problem as me.  i had a mastectomey and all nodes removed.then 6 mnths of chemo.I thought i was doing well with my arm. ended up with nearly full movement so was really happy with myself.Now i have started radiation and it has tightened up again and is quite tender,the oncologist said i have to keep moving it. all very well but it has gone back to very painful like it was when i came out of surgery.Is this normal with radiation and does it come good again?????Hoping someone out there has had similiar???

6 Replies

  • Amy's avatar
    Amy
    Member
    15 years ago

    After my mastectomy I manged to get full movement back in my arm but then lost it again during radiotherapy.  The physio warned me this would happen but told me to keep going with the post-op exercises which I did and it did come good again.  I have, however, had pains in my arm since which I thought at first could be cording but now I'm not sure.  I just keep doing the exercises, stretching and massaging the area.  Some days are better than others.  Good luck!

  • annie2's avatar
    annie2
    Member
    15 years ago

    Thankyou Debbie and Tonya, if its normal and gets better im glad to know. would hate for this to be permanent.I hope so much that it settles down and goes back to normal or normal as can be thanks for your reply.

  • debbie63's avatar
    debbie63
    Member
    15 years ago

    Annie,

    I too had reasonably good movement after mastectomy and chemo, but when I was having radiation and afterwards my arm was aching so bad. It took about 6 -8 weeks for the ache to settle, was told it was due to more scar tissue happening and swelling from the radiation. The best thing is to see a physio or OT to help you get more movement and release the scar tissue, it is a long process for  some. Have to keep doing all those arm exercises. I have also started in the Encore program, if it is in your area that would help too.

    Deb

  • debbie63's avatar
    debbie63
    Member
    15 years ago

    Annie,

    I too had reasonably good movement after mastectomy and chemo, but when I was having radiation and afterwards my arm was aching so bad. It took about 6 -8 weeks for the ache to settle, was told it was due to more scar tissue happening and swelling from the radiation. The best thing is to see a physio or OT to help you get more movement and release the scar tissue, it is a long process for  some. Have to keep doing all those arm exercises. I have also started in the Encore program, if it is in your area that would help too.

    Deb

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    15 years ago

    It's 8 years ago now but I seem to remember my arm aching from radiotherapy.I used to soak in  a warm salt bath each evening and do gentle arm massage.It improved once I stopped treatment. I guess the radiation is destroying good cells under your arm and you might have some arm fluid retention.Your cells can't repair quick enough and then you get zapped again. Keep up gentle arm massage and elevate it on a pillow when you think of it. Maybe a compression sleeve or a bandage might help- ask your doc.

                                  Tonya xx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    15 years ago

    It's 8 years ago now but I seem to remember my arm aching from radiotherapy.I used to soak in  a warm salt bath each evening and do gentle arm massage.It improved once I stopped treatment. I guess the radiation is destroying good cells under your arm and you might have some arm fluid retention.Your cells can't repair quick enough and then you get zapped again. Keep up gentle arm massage and elevate it on a pillow when you think of it. Maybe a compression sleeve or a bandage might help- ask your doc.

                                  Tonya xx