Mondor's cord: What helps it go away?

Posted by lislordav @lislordav, Jun 5 7:50am

Hi. I had dmx with reconstructive surgery for DCIS back in March. Grade 3. One side had scabbing that wouldn't come off after 7weeks so plastic surgeon physically removed them and had to add 2 stitches. Day or so after that have pain in same side over ribs. Noticed thick vein over ribs that hurts. Surgeon said mondors cord and massage and warm compress. Wondering if I need PT to help it go away. Anyone else have same or similar? Thanks

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Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | Jun 8 2:26pm

How are the massage and warm compresses working? You are able to massage it yourself? I haven't this--just ongoing pain and stiffness on lumpectomy side particularly where lymph nodes were removed. I'm in ongoing PT/rolphing anyway, and my practitioner helped with this. I gather PT is good for cording in general. Maybe ask for a referral if the self-care isn't enough?

lislordav | @lislordav | Jun 9 7:20pm

Thank you. The massaging seemed to help. I was told that a PT would reach out to me 3 months after surgery. It’s been 2 and a half months and I will be calling them instead of waiting just in case. The pain/cord is down along my side and rib cage and I massage downward with some lotion.

lislordav | @lislordav | Jun 10 8:31am

In reply to @lislordav "Thank you. The massaging seemed to help. I was told that a PT would reach out..." + (show)

I really wished they would tell us what to expect afterwards before we have the surgery. Mondors cord, special compression bra and where to get, exercises, etc

dinodonna | @dinodonna | Jun 20 8:04am

I had significant cording in my armpit area and went to PT for about 3 months afterwards. I now go once a month for manual lymphatic drainage and stretching (I am out of insurance covered PT so I have to pay out of pocket now). What really helped was the therapist stretching me, massaging me, and showing me what to do at home.

Simplest things to do would be to start stretching gently and massaging your fingers over the cording with small circular motions. I am six months out from surgery and the cording is gone.

Good luck to you in this journey.

sizer | @sizer | Jun 21 7:50am

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. My surgeon recommended pt after my double mastectomy. I found a pt that works specifically with women and men who’ve had mastectomies. She was amazing. She helped greatly with my cording and gave me specific exercises to do. Blessings on you. I hope you can connect with a pt soon.