Cording after sentinel node biopsies

Hi there, it’s me again. Still suffering with quite bad discomfort in the armpit and running down my arm past the elbow and towards the wrist following sentinel node biopsies over 6 weeks ago. It started about 2 weeks ago. Spoke to Macmillan nurse who advised to massage the area. Is quite painful to the touch. Tried massage and hot water bottle but no relief sadly. Been away on holiday for a week and seeing GP next week. 

Was wondering if anyone else has had this and can give me some advice please? Getting really fed up with it now

  • Hi Mary

    hope you had a lovely holiday. I had similar, went to GP, who felt it was scar tissue. Prescribed naproxen for pain and it did get better. However that area still feels tight and if I move my arm in a certain way I get pain.  if you search for images of cording, you can see it’s unmissable. Here’s hoping your GP can help. x

  • Hi there Maggie

    We had a relaxing time in Northumberland, just what we needed after a stressful time over the summer! Sorry to hear you had the same, it’s a real nuisance. Don’t want it to affect my flexibility for having radiotherapy.

    As you say, it’s quite easy to spot as it does look like a cord in the armpit. Will be glad when it has stopped being so painful. Will let you know what GP says this week. Off to see the oncologist next week about radiotherapy and also got appointment for DEXA scan as have started taking Anastrazole now.

    Lots of love

    Mary xx

  • SO glad you had a relaxing holiday Mary, its well deserved 

    Do you have a 'maggies' centre, I have both a maggies and a 'haven'. if I have anything at all I just pop in there, they do lymph massages etc - Ive not to get a DEXA scan - apparently I'm too young :D

    I'm finding the anastrozole much better than the tamoxifen, so much so I'm going to start boxing lessons next week, think it will help get my arms into shape.

    Let us know how you get on with your GP Love xxx