Breast cancer
posted by Happyness
05 October 2015

Shoulder surgery/ no lymph nodes

Last reply: 10 November 2015 19:10

I am wondering if anyone has had shoulder surgery that had previously had a full clearance of lymph nodes on the same side. I had a lumpectomy and full clearance of lymph nodes February 2012 followed by chemo, radiotherapy and Herceptin. I am now on tamoxifen. I had a great recovery with full movement of my right side. I returned to work April 2014. I was put into an administrative role as my previous job was considered too high risk. Within weeks I was in agony with pain in my hand, my arm and my shoulder. I did physiotherapy for months, ended up on pain medication that I could hardly function mentally on. (I have three small kids so being spaced out was not always a solution). Driving caused a lot of pain to the point that by evening I would have to prop my arm up on a pillow to just get comfortable. Physiotherapy and acupuncture helped to keep some movement going and relieve some tightness. Eventually an MRI showed Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. A Spur has developed which is impinging on the tendon that is inflamed, probably from radiotherapy. Being right handed I am quite limited in what I can do now. I have not been able to return to work as they have no alternative for me right now. I have been offered a great job that is nearby but was not certified as medically fit so had to turn it down. I got another phonecall this week offering me another job but I know it will be the same story again. I am on unpaid sick leave now since November last and need to get back to earning an income. I have had steroid injections twice in the last four months to relieve pain with little benefit so the next stage would be surgery to remove the spur and relieve the impingement. The problem is that I have no lymph nodes on that side. I am terrified of going ahead with the surgery for fear of triggering lymphedema. I would love to hear from anyone in a similar situation please.

3 comments

Comments

commented by Irish Cancer Society
19 October 2015

20 October 2015 15:15

Dear ‘Happyness’
I am sorry to see that you have not received a reply to your message yet.It may be that none of the ladies that post messages on this site have required shoulder surgery a few years after their breast cancer surgery. However there are situations when a woman may need surgery to an area that has had lymph glands previously removed.
You are in a very difficult situation. You have taken all the correct steps prior to surgery such as physio,steroid injections etc.You are correct to be concerned and it is a very difficult decision for you to make.
You may have to speak to your surgeon again and speak to a physiotherapist who specialises in lymphoedema .Would you like to phone us here and we could discuss this further with you at 1800 200 700 Mon-Thurs 9-6pm, Fri 9-5pm.
I am sorry to hear the impact this is having on you especially not being able to return to work.This must be so difficult.

Wishing you the very best with your decision.
Kind regards

commented by Happyness
10 November 2015

10 November 2015 19:10

Thank you for your support and advice. I have attended a Lymph Clinic and the MLD therapist is excellent and knows my case well so I will go there next for some advice. Thanks again.

commented by Happyness
10 November 2015

10 November 2015 19:10

Thank you for your support and advice. I have attended a Lymph Clinic and the MLD therapist is excellent and knows my case well so I will go there next for some advice. Thanks again.

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