After radiation: Did you have tightness? Is this normal?

Thank you all....great info.

I get the tightness. See if your surgeon has a good PT person who only deals with breasts. I have had incredible success with her loosening my chest scar tissue and fibrosis from radiation. Going for my 4th and last session and was given 3 exercises, what a difference it has made. I can reach the high shelves again with just a slight pull now.

I had radiotherapy about 18 months ago and still have tightness between breast and armpit. I mentioned this to medical oncologist at last visit. She referred me to a lymphedema clinic (although I do not have lumphedema) because they prescribe special exercises that she says will really help with the tightness.
Glad to hear that your experience with this type of therapy really helped.

@peggydobbs
Likely what you have is radiation fibrosis. It is from the tightening of the facia/tissues as a result of radiation. I had/have this and it is very normal. My oncologist referred me to a cancer physical therapist who I continue to see even at 6 years post diagnosis. Unfortunately this is life-long as tissue continues to shrink even long after radiation. But if you have PT and they release the facia it is very manageable. I do have exercises I do but most important is the cancer PT who routinely works on that tissue to keep it stretched. I also do strength training which routinely stretches that pectoral muscle. I also was evaluated for lymphydema but I knew I did not have it. They just want to rule it out as a PT works differently with fibrosis or lymphedema.

Smiles everyone