Forum Discussion

Angie1966's avatar
Angie1966
Member
12 years ago

Sore arm/shoulder

Hello ladies

I've been on tamoxifen for about 3 months, having a few hot flushes/night sweats but nothing I can't put up with.  I have however got a sore and stiff shoulder with the pain running down into my upper arm (on the side of the breast cancer).  I've mentioned it to my GP, Oncol and Rad Oncol and they all just basically nodded and said the pain will go away; well its not going away, its getting steadily worse. 

Is this something that others have experienced as a potential side effect of the breast cancer and/or tamoxifen?

(I tried swimming today as a means of freeing it up, not sure if this will help or hinder)

hot-flushes
side-effects
tamoxifen

6 Replies

  • VivW's avatar
    VivW
    Member
    12 years ago

    Contact your local Breast Care Nurse to find out about the encoure program, my bc nurse was a bit slack and I found out about this by googling,  for me it is based at the local public hospital.

    Pleased swimming has helped, I cannot wait until summer when I can get in the pool each evening after work.

    Take care

    Viv

     

  • CarmelS's avatar
    CarmelS
    Member
    12 years ago

    I have had a sore upper arm & round the back of the shoulder (non bc side) & have seen a physio at times. The one thing they have all said was about my posture. Now I don't walk around with my head down or anything like that but I dont keep my shoulders back  & head high enough at times & it makes a huge difference. When I was away recently it played up & one of my friends massaged my back & down my arm & we iced it for a while, it was instant relief. The other thing I find that helps are the post surgery arm exercises the hospital gave me......I still have them after three years ......& use them !

    I know physios are expensive, I go to the local uni health clinic where they have a student run clinic (final years) fully supervised by local physios & lecturers. Much cheaper at $20 or $30 depending on health or student cards.

    Carmel

  • VivW's avatar
    VivW
    Member
    12 years ago

    I also get a sore stiff shoulder, no one can say why, perhaps it is a combination of surgery, drugs and radiation.  

     I also have breast and truncle lymphoedema, my physio has given me exercises for this. Did you know you can have 5 sessions per year through Medicare for physio treatment under your GP Management Plan.

    I am doing the encore program starting next week, will be nice to meet other ladies in the same situation. 

    Viv

  • dmed's avatar
    dmed
    Member
    12 years ago
    I am a hairdresser and had issues with my arm and shoulder after my treatment. Radiation has effects on things as well. I do pink Pilates once a week and it has been amazing for me. Have you done the encore program?i also had swelling in my arm and Breast not a lot but still was a issue for me saw a lympthodema physio and now wear a compression bra which is great as well. Don't take tamoxifen so can't help with that. Take care Deb xx
  • dmed's avatar
    dmed
    Member
    12 years ago
    I am a hairdresser and had issues with my arm and shoulder after my treatment. Radiation has effects on things as well. I do pink Pilates once a week and it has been amazing for me. Have you done the encore program?i also had swelling in my arm and Breast not a lot but still was a issue for me saw a lympthodema physio and now wear a compression bra which is great as well. Don't take tamoxifen so can't help with that. Take care Deb xx
  • dmed's avatar
    dmed
    Member
    12 years ago
    I am a hairdresser and had issues with my arm and shoulder after my treatment. Radiation has effects on things as well. I do pink Pilates once a week and it has been amazing for me. Have you done the encore program?i also had swelling in my arm and Breast not a lot but still was a issue for me saw a lympthodema physio and now wear a compression bra which is great as well. Don't take tamoxifen so can't help with that. Take care Deb xx