Pain in arm after radiotherapy

Hi
 

I have had my first session of radiotherapy after a lumpectomy today and I already have shooting pains in my breast and pain in my left arm (bicep)
I am not sure if the arm pain is from the radiotherapy or from being too tense whilst in the position with arms behind my head.

I wasn't expecting discomfort so soon! Also can't believe how emotional I felt after the treatment on my way home. 

Can anyone else relate or is this all in my head?  

 

Monika
 

 

  • Monika 

    I had this I had to go to see a physio for weeks after radiotherapy as my opposite arm hurt from holding my arms up 

    good luck love Lara ️

  • Thanks Lara, hope you are all good now :)
     

    Monika

  • Hi. I had five days of higher dosage of radiotherapy instead of the usual 15.  After day four I started getting sharp pain in my breast and still get them now though a lot less frequently. Sometimes I still get a burning sensation too amd a pain in my shoulder.  People I've spoken to say it's normal. Got to see the oncologist in two weeks so will talk to him if still getting pains xx 

    nope. Definitely not in your head xx

  • I too am having just 5 doses - I hadn't even thought that they might be stronger but Dr Google says you are right. Essentially each session is double the strength of a session from a 3 week course.  I was just shocked that I have pain from the first session as everything I have read so far had been from the point of view of a longer course of treatment. My breast which was already still a bit hard from surgery feels super solid and it is painful to touch as well as shooting pains. Off to buy some moisturiser in the morning! 

    Thanks

    Monika

  • Monika 

    I'm suprised they did not tell you to moisturise that's such a key part in radiotherapy, it's like bread and butter lol 

    I used to put the moisturise on so so thick at least every hour I didn't have any pain only a hot feeling whilst doing this , I'd put it on and use that much my pj tops would be wet but it worked a great messy but worked I done this for a few weeks after also when I was at home 

    the only pain I had was from holding my arms up as mine was left side and the breathing was hard to do and sometimes I'd be on the bed long periods of time getting breathing correct 

    hope it helps lovely 

    Love Lara ️

  • Hi.  I wasn't even offered to longer session.  Glad I got ot done and out the way though.  Still getting sharp pain but it's j no ow a lot more bearable.  Had to go back to the clinic a few weeks ago as had a rash develop. They  gave me cream and silicon patches. It went after a week.  My boob is still slightly swollen.  And I still get tired a lot.  Sleeping at night is a absolute nightmare. I'm lucky if I gwt atleast four hours a night.   Moisturising the boob really helps xx 

  • I also had the 5 sessions the last 2 years they only do the 5 sessions instead of the standard 15 they have researched that this works just as good as the 15 it probably saves time and money but it's strong that's for sure , I don't no anyone on this site since I've been on here about a year whos had 15 it's only 5 now as standard most of the time x 

  • Right, I will make sure I don't skimp on the moisturiser :) 

    I think my arm pain may well be from holding onto the bar and how tense I was for fear of moving. I am also having to do the breath holding technique which seems to add more of a feeling of jeopardy. I came away with a headache which I think was just from all the stress as my jaw ached because I was clenching my teeth will be glad when the sessions are done and dusted.

    Had a terrible night last night and couldn't get back to sleep at all from 5a.m. so will try to have an easy day today to recover. I don't have my second session until Monday.

     

  • Monika 

    I sypathise 

    the left is absolutely horrendous the breathing is so hard it upset me I couldn't do it 

    halfway through I had a new planning session and they changed it nlt for me to do the breathing this worked a great 

    and you are there so long holding arms up if it's on the left hun x 

     Cream uo lots of water and it will be much better xlove Lara ️

  • How long has it been since the end of your treatment? I realise everyone is different and bodies react differently. It does seem odd that the same doses are given to everyone.

    I hope that your boob settles down and you start to feel better soon and your sleep improves.