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Pain and tightness axila to bottom of rib cage

Posted by jlgc @jlgc, Oct 18, 2023

4 months after a week of hypo - fractionated radiation RX and lumpectomy I have developed tenderness under affected axila and tightness on same side to bottom of rib cage. I’m surprised this started so long after radiation, and I remained fairly physically active throughout summer with kayaking and some hiking. Physician ordered physical therapy.
Wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

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cedar75 | @cedar75 | Oct 20, 2023

One of well known side effects from radiation is lymphedema. I had no lymph node involvement.

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cedar75 | @cedar75 | Oct 21, 2023
In reply to @jlgc "Surgical team is scheduling US to take a look. Initial assessment is that lymphedema should not..." + (show)
@jlgc

Surgical team is scheduling US to take a look. Initial assessment is that lymphedema should not develop if no lymph involvement or resection.

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I was quoted by my radiation oncologist that a study revealed 7% of women who received total breast radiation with no lymph node involvement developed lymphedema. Edema is a common complication with radiation in general

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meomurian | @meomurian | Oct 21, 2023

I was given 2 sets of chest-stretching exercises to do, one while drain was in and another for after drain removal. I’ve been doing them twice a day and am amazed at how much my ROM has improved!

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