Pain 10 Months After Having Lymph Nodes Removed

Hi

 I had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed (11, I believe) in July 2007.  Starting on May 9, 2008, I have something that appears to be either a "tendon" or a hardened vein" in my upper arm going to my arm pit. It is very uncomfortable and feels like its getting "tighter". 

I had gone through my chemo sessions (8) of them and 33 radiation treatments, which ended on March 6th. 

I went to see my radiation doctor and she had no clue what it is and she called my oncologist, who also had no clue what it could be. They just told me to use warm compresses and take Advil. She also advised me to follow up with my primary care physician. They didn't suggest CAT scan, x-rays, or anything like that.

 I am naturally very concerned because this is all on the same side that I had the surgery on.  I just don't know which direction to go to get some help. 

Has anyone else experienced anything like this or does anyone know what it could possibly be?

 I would appreciate any input that's available.

Thank you so much.

I also had the "cord" in my arm following all my treatment...I can not recall the name for this cord.....but it is not uncommon.....Mine eventually went away.......But I do remember that the discomfort limited me for awhile.....you might ask your doctor if there are at home remedies that might help ease the tightness and pain.

 

Survivor since 2004

I reread your message...sorry I didn't realize that the docs did not know about it either.  Actually my surgeon diagnosed it immediately...he said it would go away and it did.....

 

I would be careful using warm packs due to lymphedema....I gently massaged my arm and area

 

If I can recall the name of the cord......I will post it later.

 

Donna

 

On 5/15/2008 txdjn wrote:

I reread your message...sorry I didn't realize that the docs did not know about it either.  Actually my surgeon diagnosed it immediately...he said it would go away and it did.....

 

I would be careful using warm packs due to lymphedema....I gently massaged my arm and area

 

If I can recall the name of the cord......I will post it later.

 

Donna

 

Thank you so much for that information.  If you could possibly recall the name of the cord and let me know, as I have an appt. with my oncologist tomorrow to discuss this and I would like to show him this posting so that he knows what I am talking about.

 

Its good to know that eventually it will go away, but so darned uncomfortable due to my working and having to reach and stretch, etc...

 Thank you again for your help. I sincerely appreciate it.

 

 

I did not experience this "cord" but did have period pain, achiness, twinges, etc. in both the breast and underarm area.  My oncologist told me this is nothing to worry about - as nerve endings regenerate, you will experience all kinds of sensations and it can last up to 2 years after the surgery.  I am just past the 2 year mark on the lumpectomy, and almost up to the 2 year mark on the lymph node removal, and I have very little sensation anymore in those areas, just as the dr. said.  But I also didn't hesitate to mention it each time I saw her, just to be sure.

Hi,

I too am almost 2 years out and still have pain and tightness in my left arm. Had a radical mastectomy with 19 lymph nodes removed on June 2, 2006. My surgeon told me I would have the discomfort and some numbness, this is natural from the surgery and nerves affected. 

Hope this helps ease your concerns. Have never heard of the cord, but in a way it feels like there is a cord inside when I use that arm to reach for something.

My Prayers are with you.

Bev 

Hi,

Had my surgery on April 19,2007. Bilaterol mastectomy and three nodes taken out. Still have pain and was told by one of the doctors that it would last aroung two years. Have the cord feeling also and will ask my doctor on the 20th if he knows what it is. Use udderly smooth udder cream which you can get in drugstores and massage under your arm morning and night. Ask a third doctor what they think it is. My cancer came back as a rash while I was still being treated the first time and I asked the onc. if it could be cancer and she missed it. Ask Ask Ask. Doctors just practice. Walking in your footprints. Sue

I have had a mastectomy and lymph nodes removed and have had yhis problem and I know what causes this.

Lymph nodes create lumph fluid and once they are removed the fluid is supposed to be absorbed into your body on that side.  The fluid that is not absorbed will crystalize around muscles and tendons and therefore the more it hardens the more it aches and hurts.  Also if not tended to it can cause lymphodema if a blockage of fluid occurs. Lymphodema as of date canot be cured only managed.  Your arm will swellup and not deflate.

 I am a 14 year breast cancer survivor and what I have learned is that crystalization needs to break away from the muscles and tendons.

The best way I have to do this is with stretching my arm over my head and pulling in an upward motion across the top of my head and leaning over toward the pull.  This stretches the muscles and tendons and cracks off the lymph fluid crystals.  At first it may be uncomfortable but then you'll get the 'AHHHHH" goof feeling.  I do this exercise morning, noon and night daily and have never had this problem again.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Vicki325

Vicki325, you are absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I started doing that arm exercise after reading your posting and already my arm is more than 90% better.  The tightness is gone and I have an exceptionally increased range of motion and no pain. 

Thank you so very much for your help with this.  I hope that every woman who is experiencing this proble reads this posting and does what you have suggested.   I do this exercise every morning while showering and then several times while I am at work and again before I go to bed.

I can not believe the difference.

 Again, Vicki325, thank you so much. You are my angel.

Shirley

Hi sorry you've had this pain. I had 'cording' after my op but my surgeon was brilliant. He knew exactly what it was and massaged it away. When I say 'massage' - it was quite brutal and hurt like hell - but boy did it work! I could feel and hear the 'cords' snap. Afterwards I could move my arm easily and I've never had anymore problems. Apparently it's common - that's why it's so important to do the stretching exercises after surgery, no matter how painful they are.