Forum Discussion
cording and lymphedema
Hi all
This wretched disease...I finished rads in Feb and a couple of months later, noticed my breast was hard, and the movement in my arm was a little restricted - I can't straighten it fully above my head. The rad onc said the hardness is not unusual, and my breast would soften. I've been going to a physio for the past few months with not much improvement, so yesterday went to a lymphedema physio. She's found cording in my arm, and lymphedema at the bottom of my breast. We've started treatment and my breast is softer and I feel somewhat better. I had Stage 1 BC and only 5 lymph nodes removed. Straight after treatment I was advised to go to the lymphedema education session, but told that my chances of getting it were extremely small - so going to the education session was optional. I know this is bad luck, but I can't help but feel depressed. Surgery was in Nov, and I'm still battling the after effects. On the upside, I'm taking Tamoxifen, and while it initially made my hair thin, this has stopped and I don't have any side effects. What a huge pain in the bum all of this is...
Rose
This wretched disease...I finished rads in Feb and a couple of months later, noticed my breast was hard, and the movement in my arm was a little restricted - I can't straighten it fully above my head. The rad onc said the hardness is not unusual, and my breast would soften. I've been going to a physio for the past few months with not much improvement, so yesterday went to a lymphedema physio. She's found cording in my arm, and lymphedema at the bottom of my breast. We've started treatment and my breast is softer and I feel somewhat better. I had Stage 1 BC and only 5 lymph nodes removed. Straight after treatment I was advised to go to the lymphedema education session, but told that my chances of getting it were extremely small - so going to the education session was optional. I know this is bad luck, but I can't help but feel depressed. Surgery was in Nov, and I'm still battling the after effects. On the upside, I'm taking Tamoxifen, and while it initially made my hair thin, this has stopped and I don't have any side effects. What a huge pain in the bum all of this is...
Rose
5 Replies
- Thanks everyone, and thanks Riki - I'll certainly watch the webcast.
- Hi @Rose you may find the webcast on lymphoedema really helpful for the general good advice provided and the benefits of early intervention, which you are doing. Take care and if you would like to talk to a cancer nurse further about lymphoedema or any concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the BCNA helpline 1800 500 258
https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/resources/webcasts/ - It's taken 18 months to resolve my cording (not the sort that pops) and no guarantee that it won't come back but it's so good to have movement again.
- Don't be hard on yourself. It is what it is! You have now got someone working on the lymphedema and cording!
Pleased to read that tamoxifen isn't an issue for you!
Take care - You've said it, @rose, the gift that keeps on giving. Many of us had the cording but you will find it resolves quickly, especially once you hear that loud 'crack' ! :) The body is a strange thing, some of us get the Lymphoedema and some don't - no hard and fast rules re the timing either. I have a remedial massage, rubber cupping (not flame) and acupuncture when things are building up. Listen to the specialist and do what they tell you and you'll get through. All the best. <3
