Weight bearing/ vit d and calcium sounds good.. or sunshine on skin.. early moring /or evening?
Yes, I too have ongoing issues with discomforts/ pain more so at times.
I pace myself and do daily self massage and manual drainage, plus weight management and stress management etc.
Listen to your own body, but get all info too about other treatments.
I had a lumpectomy on right side in 1998 plus axillary clearance ( 1/11 ), chemo, radiation. I was hormone negative.
Then in 2003 I had a lumpectomy on left side, sentinel node biopsy, radiation.
I have ongoing issues with slight swelling/ pain/ discomfort.
I have had some scanning light laser therapy ( big machine where you lie on bed and it moves over you, no pain and usually takes an hour; costs about $65. You can have manual massage afterwards ), which helped with reducing pain, softening scar tissue, and reducung swelling. 2 or 3 treatments over a few weeks may help. I also suggest a GOOD massage person to teach you how to do manual drainage. It is simple once explained, and I think would help all people. It is tied up to the acupressure points also etc. BE kind to yourself and listen to your body. I think it is best to take it slowly to start with and adjust to maybe a new way of being... etc. It IS hard I know. I found it difficult at first. Now I say " if you cannot do it today, do it tomorrow. " Also " slowly, gently, carefully ."
Lately I have been getting a new pain.. in central chest and down left arm, more so on excertion. I had a heart stress test, but it was ok. I am wondering if it is blocked lymph flow from my back area, or something from double radiation to both sides on chest? It helps if I start walking slowly, sometimes stopping and pressing back of neck acupressure point ( which is connected to lymph drainage points also. ) I am wondering if it is due to maybe reflux ? I have not had this in the past, but since chemo and menopause, my body has changed and I feel physically 10 years older than a lot of my peers etc. So we have ageing to consider now, with our health.
I am still investigating the chest/ arm pain. Hope it can be fixed, as it is quite uncomfortable when it is there.
I also had pain after first surgery, which is a lot better now, so TIME does help. I think look into things yourself, listen to your body etc. Also the medical profession, but they do not know everything. Men do not experience menopause etc. LOL.
I have learnt to accept going in 2nd and third gear now. I did " fight " it initially.
Also, the zoloft I take.. helps with reducing " perception" of pain. ( so psych said ) It also helped with reducing severity of flushes etc and helped my mood and sleep. I take 50 mgs daily.
So if the pain is very severe, maybe look into taking something for it, or looking into some other things.. acupressure/ acupuncture/ shiatsu, laser, reflexology, manaul massage for lymph, water therapy ( e.g encore programme ) TIME., gentle exercise/ yoga.
Do not do too much too soon. It is early days yet, and you have to come to terms with physical and emotional changes. Also we are all getting older too. I will be 56 thid February. I was 42 at time of diagnosis in 1998. I have lost, but also gained too.
all the best for 2012, Kathy.
