Aching arm and shoulder with breast cancer

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed with a stage 1 breast cancer 3wks who but the MRI has since shown 2 more areas which I am waiting to have biopsies on before a decision is made for surgery.

Since the first biopsy a month ago I have developed aching down my whole arm and even pain in my hand and wrist. It feels exactly like when I was attached by mosquitos and it poisons your bloodstream.

I also keep getting a hot burning sensation under my armpit on and off. Is this just a symptom of breast cancer or is this a symptom it is spreading? 

I am paranoid about it and convinced I can actually feel it taking over my body. I hate all of the waiting between appointments, it’s so hard.

Ive read that when a core biopsy is performed, the needle can push some cells to another site and start a new tumour. It can also break off some cells which can travel to your lymph nodes. I’ve read that this happens in 50% of cases! When I questioned it at the hospital, the Macmillan nurse got a bit cross with me for suggesting it and replied ‘do you think we would be performing biopsies if that were the case?’. But these are university studies I have read and in all fairness, she is a nurse.

 

Does anyone else have these thoughts or am I just being paranoid? 

 

Thanks,

Nikki x

  • Hello Nikki, 

    Don't worry you are not at all paranoid it is normal to feel this way when new aches appear and I hope you can find out soon what is causing them. It might be worth mentioning the pain in your arm and in your hand and wrist to your doctor and do explain that it started after the first biopsy a month ago. You can also ask your medical team what this burning sensation under your armpit might be. I am sure they will be able to give you further guidance on this. 

    I think it's always worth taking anything you read online - including some research papers - with a big pinch of salt. Perhaps you could give our nurses a call and ask them what their thoughts are on this? You can ring them on this free number 0808 800 4040 Monday to Friday - their line is open from 9am to 5pm. We also have an Ask the Nurses topic area if you prefer to post a question about this on the forum. 

    I hope that you will also hear from others here who have had a similar experience. 

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator