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Is arm weakness common after H&N cancer? Anyone using supports?

Posted by burakb @burakb, 3 days ago

Hello everyone,

I would like to ask if anyone here, especially those who have gone through head and neck cancer treatments (surgery, radiotherapy, etc.), has experienced upper limb weakness, loss of mobility, or difficulty using the arm in daily life.

In particular, I am curious whether anyone has tried or is currently using mechanical arm supports such as JAECO MultiLink or Wilmer 2-type orthoses. Do these devices help with daily activities like using a computer, writing, or maintaining arm stability? or any motor powered supports?

I feel this topic is not discussed very much, even though it seems relatively common after certain treatments. I would really appreciate hearing about your experiences, even briefly.

Thank you very much in advance.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group.

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56tburd | @56tburd | 2 days ago

I can't speak to the devices, but I lost a lot of upper back strength following treatment 20-years ago. I came across some research that used sensors to detect signal strength from the brain to muscles and found there was significant impairment that doesn't show up in typical PT physical evaluations. Hopefully, others will have more information that you can use.

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jcl2018 | @jcl2018 | 1 day ago

I'm at 18 years post treatment. I've had neuropathy in my arms begin cropping up over the past year. Typically the middle of the night. Sleeping position (on back or in a lounge chair helps). I also jog and exercise my neck in the morning which pretty much eliminates symptoms during the day.

I've also learned that, in addition to certain physical labor, things like driving long distances where I'm sitting in a fixed position doesn't help.

I am in the process of scanning the Jefferson Philadelphia Physical Medicine and Therapy group to determine a path forward (Dr. or therapist). I'll let the group know if I learn anything meaningful.

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taylorma | @taylorma | 16 hours ago
In reply to @jcl2018 "I'm at 18 years post treatment. I've had neuropathy in my arms begin cropping up over..." + (show)
Profile picture for jcl2018 @jcl2018

I'm at 18 years post treatment. I've had neuropathy in my arms begin cropping up over the past year. Typically the middle of the night. Sleeping position (on back or in a lounge chair helps). I also jog and exercise my neck in the morning which pretty much eliminates symptoms during the day.

I've also learned that, in addition to certain physical labor, things like driving long distances where I'm sitting in a fixed position doesn't help.

I am in the process of scanning the Jefferson Philadelphia Physical Medicine and Therapy group to determine a path forward (Dr. or therapist). I'll let the group know if I learn anything meaningful.

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@jcl2018 I’m not sure how common it is I received a higher dosage of radiation to my brachial and ended up with radiation induced brachial plexopathy and have lost my ability to use my right arm. My advice is get a nerve study to find out what exactly is going on and research all your options. I was misdiagnosed for 2 years before they figured it out and they told me there was nothing you can do but PT. My happened a lot sooner 5 years so the fact you are 18 years out you are probably dealing with something different. My main point do your research.

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