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Physical therapy helped!

First post and replies | Last post by janedoe7, 8 months ago

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I had some pretty thick scar tissue in my armpit from lymph node removal that caused restriction when I raised my arm, but physical therapy totally helped. The therapist worked on it with tools and a suction cup over the course of several sessions that were not pleasant, but I wouldn't describe them as painful either. Regardless, it was totally worth it as I can't feel or even see the scar anymore.

By janedoe7 8 months ago

Resolved with physical therapy

First post and replies | Last post by janedoe7, 8 months ago

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I had very painful cording but it did go away. It started a couple weeks after surgery and extended all the way down to just above the wrist on the surgery arm. It took a couple months of PT and home exercises to get back to normal. Several months later I discovered cording below the breast, but that went away after a couple weeks of massage and stretching. I remember thinking I would never have my normal range of motion again, but I do. It just took some work.

By janedoe7 8 months ago

Anything help with neuropathy?

First post and replies | Last post by jleeh, 9 months ago

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Has anyone found anything that can help with this? My mom really struggles with this in her hands.

By jleeh 9 months ago

Started a few months after the end of treatment

First post and replies | Last post by janedoe7, 9 months ago

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I developed fibrosis a few months after my final radiation treatment. I first noticed pulling in my collarbone on that side when I would lean over but I didn't put two and two together. Then I developed terrible tightness in my pec and armpit area. It was unlike any tightness I'd ever felt. I could loosen it up with a minute or two of stretching but it would become tight again right away. I ended up doing physical therapy and home exercises for about two months, and it's mostly gone. I make sure to stretch daily though. Just know that th...

By janedoe7 9 months ago

New research on prevention

First post and replies | Last post by janedoe7, 9 months ago

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If you're reading this it might be too late, but there is new research on preventing severe radiation dermatitis that came out in 2023. They had me wash with a chlorhexidine body cleaner (like Hibiclens, which you can buy over the counter at a place like Target) and put a little mupirocin (which requires a prescription) in my nose. Google "bacterial decolonization for prevention of radiation dermatitis." You may have to ask about this as it might not be standard practice yet.

By janedoe7 9 months ago

Itchy arm during Herceptin treatment

First post and replies | Last post by Iamasurvivor, 9 months ago

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I completed a year of Herceptin IV treatment given every 3 weeks for HER2+ cancer. After my breast surgery (right side) I noticed my right arm itched all the time. First I thought it was bug bites causing the itch. Finally my internal medicine doctor looked at it and treated it as a neuropathic itch and prescribed gabapentin. The gabapentin helped significantly the keep the itch under control. I noticed the itch was much stronger the week after my Herceptin treatment. Once I finished my year of treatment I tapered off the gabapentin and the ...

By Iamasurvi... 9 months ago

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