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TNBC: Pain in armpit, how do I ensure it's not cancer coming back?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Jun 9, 2023 | Replies (44)Comment receiving replies
There is also something called lymphatic cording. Thin little cords form and pull. Most doctors do not know what it is and some PT clinics don’t know because they don’t have a specialist in lymphedema or breast cancer. I went to a PT lymphedema specialist in the hospital as an outpatient. They said they had to break up scar tissue and that I had a lot more “cording” than I realized. Lots of exercise involved. Hope it’s as simple as that and be persistent about being evaluated for lymphatic cording. It’s a real thing.
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@lcr217
You are spot on. Besides lymphatic cording, it is also called axial webbing. I could barely lift my arm at one point and you could actually see the lymph cords from my armpit down to my wrist. Luckily, our PT department are highly skilled in treating breast cancer patients. It took about 6 appts to get mine under control. I learned how to put pressure on the pressure points from my wrist upward through the armpit and then breast. Part of the problem @maryk65 also may be from radiation which can cause the area in your breast to become scarred and harden. Mine felt like blocks of cement which caused a lot of pain and I still have a bit to this day but not as bad. The PT specialist has me using a "swell spot" for a week or two under my bra which helps break up the lymphedema and it also helps to soften the area. In addition, I do the exercise program which they teach breast cancer patients (at Kaiser) that include stretching, weight lifting, and core strength training. One bit of advice is if you drink caffeinated drinks or eat chocolate, caffeine can cause inflammation of lymph nodes which can also cause pain. My best advice -- see if PT in your area are educated in helping breast cancer patients. It really makes a difference.