Connect
← Return to Lymphedema in the chest wall
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
Update: I saw the Lymphedema physical therapy specialist and she said she did not think that I had Lymphedema. Maybe I misunderstood my oncologist and she meant that she was concerned that I might have Lymphedema. Anyway I still have a lot of pain in my chest. The exercises that I was given do seem to help a little. I had a telephone appointment with my Radiation Oncologist and she thought maybe I had some cording. It has been 6 months since the radiation treatments and I am still having some very sharp nerve like pains. I hope that this goes away soon. I was just wondering if anyone else had this pain continue long after radiation therapy?
katrina123
Replies to "Update: I saw the Lymphedema physical therapy specialist and she said she did not think that..."
@katrina123, @jeaniebean
I've had axial webbing (cording) and very painful breast scarring (feels like chunks of cement) from radiation, both of which the physical therapist received an order from my physician for a "swell spot" which is worn underneath my compression bra. I have had much improvement by using this and the area seems to have softened up quite a bit. Part of my problem the PT thought causing the cording was the scarring in the breast from the radiation was pushing on the nerve as well as the lymph vein which also caused numbness in my forearm and hand. Here is just one site that carries these so you can see what they look like: https://lymphedemastore.com/swell-spot-breast/
Connect
I have cording in my armpit from surgery and radiation over a year ago. It is better then 6 months ago, but I do not have the pain you described. Mine is more of a stiffness when I do exercise that involve raising my arms above head.
Here is additional info on cording:
https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects/aws#:~:text=Fortunately%2C%20cording%20usually%20resolves%20for,and%20then%20come%20back%20later.
Also, here is link to a discussion on cording on Mayo Connect:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cording-axillary-web-syndrome-aws/
Laurie