CancerCompass message board discussion started by Roz57 on 11/16/2005 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,3486,0.htm Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ a recon or both from an op done a long time ago? I had a mastectomy November 2003 then a chest expander recon which started in August 2004 and finished January 2005. I am now getting a very bad ache in the muscles of the upper arm, across the back of the side of my neck and across the chest and under the armpit. It is a nagging ache continually and it is really getting me down. I don't know if I am being a wimp or if there is something perhaps trapped from one of the operations. I do not know if I should go back to the surgeon who did the reconstruction. I get better days than others, today all I want to do is lie down to take the pressure off the arm and chest. I am not ill and not tired so it is so annoying to go and lie down just to rest the areas with a heat pad. I really hope that someone can relate to this and try to help me. Thanks Love Roz xx Roz57 Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT I had a lumpectomy in 2002 and still have pain from it. I had a lot of training for lymphodema which bothers me off and on, too. I think that is probably what causes most of the pain. All the surgery severs lymph tracks and they are supposed to make new ones but I'm not sure they ever actually do. That lymph fluid gathers and without anywhere to go, I believe, causes swelling which puts pressure on nerves and causes aches and pains. The pain you described sounds very similar to the pain I experience whenever the lymphodema acts up. A shower head with a strong spray, or pulsating spray, seems to help me with the lymphodema. I start with the spray under my arm near the side of my breast, go under my breast toward the center of my chest where the main lymph duct is, then I do the other side. After that I spray from my hand up to my armpit then let the spray hit my neck, shoulders and upper back. It seems to help a lot. Gets the lymph fluid moving again. I wear a "sleeve", similar to support hose, on my arm whenever I fly. The pressure will cause a lot of swelling if I don't. Also, in case you don't know, you need to be careful with your arm(arms) on the surgery side(s). Try not to lift heavy objects, keep from getting it(them) too hot or cold. Actually heat can cause the swelling to get worse. Use a light massage from your hand to your shoulder to get the lymph fluid moving, after you have massaged the armpit under the breast and toward the main duct area in the center of your chest. I hope this helps. I know how miserable it is to ache and pain all the time. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2000 and breast cancer in 2002. This February I was diagnosed with metasis to the bone and marrow. I'm not sure now if my pain is from that or the fibromyalgia. I just know I hurt all the time somewhere. God be with you, and keep you. I stand for myself for healing by Jesus' stripes and have communion every day with Him. May you receive His healing, too. Cathleen Louise M. Sat, 19 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT I to have breast pain mine is caused through having a lump removed after my cancer surgery and now the tissue is not growing properly and the cavity is filling with fluid which can be very painful. I have it fluid removed but as soon as it is done by the time I get home it is filled again. Also have pain in arm due to Lymphodema massage does help but not always. I suppose one has to get used it. Janome Sun, 20 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT I had a lumpectomy then bilateral mastectomy, the pain is very real. I find that when it get very uncomfortable I will use a heating pad and three Advil. Health care professionals seem to think this is what is described as (phantom) pain, but I am here to say, it is very real. Karen44 Tue, 22 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT Hi roz I had my breast removed last October. I have pains in my arm on and off. It appears to have increased now the winter has started. I go swimming a couple of times a week.(swim 2/3 miles a week). I know that they say repetative excerse is not good for the arm but i have found that it has worked for me. It has not stopped the pain but eased it off. I have been told that it is just something you have to live with. Kschool Sat, 10 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT