Shoulder and arm after mastectomy

I had a single mastectomy and 22 lymph nodes removed in February 2023 after triple negative breast cancer in situ carcinoma grade 3 stage 2b. I had a little bit of cancer in 1 node.

I was given the all clear in June after finishing 16 days of preventative radiotherapy. 

anyway I had pain in chest and arm which resolved after a few weeks but my arm and shoulder has been consistently painful and my shoulder is especially achey and sometimes i have no movement in it.. can I use heat or cold in it ? 

im petrified of the cancer coming back..

  • Shelley’s 

    I had breast cancer in July 22 august 22 had full lymph nodes taken like you thsts one year ago I still have shoulder aches arm aches ect it’s probably after the operation it can take a long time to feel normal again I also get numbness in my fingers xx 

    here to chat anytime love Lara xxx 

  • Hello and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry that you have had ongoing concerns about pains in your arm and chest since finishing treatment. It is still early days and it can take time to heal, but if you remain worried do talk to your specialist nurse (CNS) or hospital team about what you've noticed. Using heat or cold to help improve the discomfort would be fine if it helps you. 

    Life after cancer can be hard, the worry of recurrence alongside a life changing event can be difficult to navigate. This page from the UK charity Breast Cancer Now talks about living beyond a breast cancer diagnosis and maybe useful. 

    Take care and if you want to chat with one of the nurses on our helpline the number is Freephone 0808 800 4040. The lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.

  • Thank you for replying, it’s just not knowing if it’s “normal” or not isn’t it. Xx

  • Thank you so much for the advice x

  • Shelley’s 

    I had my first year check in July it was all clear , when do you get your first check ? I was happier after that to be honest xx 

  • I have an appointment in December with surgeon to discuss having the left breast removed as I’m struggling with mental health on it, it’s not cause I’m more at risk .. I literally hate it can’t look at it, and can’t feel it anymore like it’s a ghost. Then my first mammogram etc is may 2024. 

  • Shells 

    I really understand when you say ghost I was like that on diagnosis but slowly it seems to have subsided,I had a lunpectomy xxx then 2 nd operation removing all the nodes 26 in total xx but one year on you may feel better I’m a lot further than you in time I honestly feel normal. Le it takes time but you will get there I promise xx