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Pain in arms and chest after breast and axilla removal

staypositive

I am awaiting radiotherapy, currently 8 weeks after left breast mammoplasty and full axilla removal.  I have started Tamoxifen, 2 weeks ago and returned to work 3 weeks ago.  I am experiencing arm pain/ strain in my non cancerous side in addition to lymph fluid swelling at times on my left side. I continue to do my exercises which help me move the fluid around and my scars are healing.

Obviously I have been using my arms more as I am a teacher and returning to work full time is a change in my recovery. Should I be concerned at arm/ shoulder strain in my non cancerous side or is it just because I am overcompensating for my operated left side?

I welcome any advice.

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    Stay positive 

    I had full auxiliary node clearance the pain I had was on opposite side to operation , I had a few physio sessions it did calm down but I also found this strange it’s probably as you said overcompensating the other side it dies slow down and go away .

    how are you finding tamox ? I find brands of tamox are very different in side effects I’ve been a year now on these and will only take tilomed brand others have me bad side effects c 

    good luck love Lara xx 

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    I only just saw 3 weeks and back at work , that’s very soon , I worked right through but from home x it’s good that you have a few weeks holiday soon for Xmas look after yourself xx 

  • in reply to laraj

    Thank you for your reply - reassuring to hear your thoughts and experiences.  So far the Tamoxifen is ok but obviously I await the side effects to get worse!  I definitely will try and stick to brands I know have been ok!  

    Thanks again for your advice.

  • Hello and thanks for posting,

    You probably are over using your other arm without realising. Try and avoid repetitive movement in one go, and don't lift more than 5kg in either arm at the moment.

    Keep up your exercises as instructed by your hospital team. Take some simple painkillers if it's sore at the end of the day. 

    I hope that this improves for you soon,

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Yours sincerely,

    Vanda

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