Radiation fibrosis vs axillary webbing

Posted by bunnymoon @bunnymoon, Aug 7 8:27am

I’m six months post op lumpectomy and SLN biopsy, radiation. All healed and doing ok but now new tightening armpit and affected chest so limiting my range of motion. Will look for PT/breast cancer rehab focus. In meantime….do any of you have knowledge or experience with this? How does one tell the difference between axillary webbing vs radiation fibrosis ….? Thank you.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

Zebra | @californiazebra | Aug 7 9:35pm

PT will really help

bunnymoon | @bunnymoon | Aug 8 7:30am

Thanks for your response ….Yes, and from what I’ve learned so far it might be the only thing. I am interested in how one can tell the difference? One is self limiting and the other progressively functionally disabling…

mchler73 | @mchler73 | Aug 8 8:03am

@bunnymoon
Do you feel any lumps near where you are feeling the tightening? I have 2 new lumps in that area and am hoping it’s either side effects from radiation or scar tissue from the SNB surgery and not a reoccurrence.

tullynut | @tullynut | Aug 8 10:35am

Have you been diagnosed with both? Either?

bunnymoon | @bunnymoon | Aug 8 11:18am

In reply to @mchler73 "@bunnymoon Do you feel any lumps near where you are feeling the tightening? I have 2..." + (show)

No I don’t feel any lumps - just super tight. Have diag mammo in Sept. I hope all is ok with you.

bunnymoon | @bunnymoon | Aug 8 11:20am

In reply to @tullynut "Have you been diagnosed with both? Either?" + (show)

Just Dr Google 🙃- see my new surgeon in September and hope to get some more info!

tullynut | @tullynut | Aug 8 1:13pm

I am 5.5 years post mastectomy. I exercise regularly and that is what keeps my arm and axillary area fluid in movement with good range of motion. Scar tissue is far different than regular skin and muscle. If I miss one week my axillary area is much tighter. It loosens with exercise.

tullynut | @tullynut | Aug 8 1:13pm

Dr Google is the devil sometimes.

mchler73 | @mchler73 | Aug 8 1:58pm

In reply to @bunnymoon "No I don’t feel any lumps - just super tight. Have diag mammo in Sept. I..." + (show)

@bunnymoon
Ok, thanks for your response.
I have an MRI scheduled for August 16th so hopefully whatever the lumps are, they are benign.
Hope you feel better soon!

mdr3 | @mdr3 | Aug 9 5:10am

In reply to @tullynut "I am 5.5 years post mastectomy. I exercise regularly and that is what keeps my arm..." + (show)

So helpful! I have been lax with targeted exercise to the area. Add to this 2 tick bites on that side and things are pretty uncomfortable. I'll dig those exercises out this morning. Thanks for the inspiration!