Neuropathy from mastectomy
Anyone found something that works for neuropathy from the nerve damage from the mastectomy? I’ve tried so many things….nothing works. Clothes under that arm are so uncomfortable.
Hi! I had 36 hours of iridium implants in the right breast after a lumpectomy, followed with 28 external rad treatments...back in 1992 when probably a lot more rads spread than with the direct beams now. LOL I am now 71 and for several years been dealing with a rib pain that started at the sternum. NONE of my medical drs wanted to venture on what it was and nicely indicated it might be "in my head" PAIN. WHAT!!!! So I called a chiropractor that is a good friend of my son. I kind of knew him from some family events he had attended. His name is Dr Jim Heatherman, a chiropractor with multiple disciplines of training. I asked him if he had any clues and he asked me to come in for a visit as he would check it out for me. I was needing a good workout program I could do that didn't involve the ab muscle as mine was used in the TRAM FLAP surgery in 1992. Dr Heatherman did a complete intake of history and evaluated my status. The pain I experience could be associated with arthritis in the area/or bone deterioration. He started me on a series of exercises to evaluate tolerance/comfort level for this rib pain and status of other muscles. I am pretty active and we maintain a decent size house on 20 acres with a barn. My husband and I love being outside doing about anything from garden/yard work to maintaining trees with trimming or removal. I'm not shy at using my muscles. In fact, that's probably part of the reason I still have my same height and no real back problems from the TRAM FLAP. So he developed an exercise program for me to do and one that I WILL do! In several years the rib pain has grown from just the first couple of inches of the rib to around the side as well. But, it is still tolerable and I only usually need to to use Ben Gay and sometimes a Tylenol at night for sleep...nothing needed during the day. When I see Dr Heatherman, he is very careful and caring about my health history. He has a caring heart and goes the extra mile on the care he gives. Reasonable rates as well. You can see what he says about you... F.I.T. Muscle/Joint Clinic in south Overland Park 913-808-5245. Let me know what he thinks. my contact is 913-206-4518 Julia Stegeman I thank God for all the great care givers HE has placed in my path along this breast cancer journey!
I had 10 lymph nodes taken out of my right armpit area after a double mastectomy, and I can completely relate. I decided not to do reconstruction, so I wear a cami under my clothes. It often feels uncomfortable and tight against my skin, especially after 28 radiation treatments. I talked to a friend of mine who is a PT, and she recommended light massage in that area. She also advised wearing a loose-fitting tank top rather than a tight bra or cami. She also said if you are feeling slight pain or tingling, that may be a good sign of the nerves regenerating compared to the all-numb feeling right after surgery. You can also do physical therapy to help with this area. I highly recommend Kelly at St. Luke's South because she has a specialty in cancer care for her PT clients.
On another note, I have eight treatments left of a 14-cycle regimen of Kadcyla and am starting to feel the early stages of neuropathy in my feet. Is there anything you can do to help with that? I'm feeling it on the top of my toes. I'm icing during treatments, but if anyone knows of other ways to help with symptoms, please let me know.