Tight and slightly sore armpit
3 months after the end of RT, I am finding my armpit tight(ish) and sore when I stretch it in the last couple of weeks. I had my check up with surgeon on Monday, and he said it's normal reaction after RT, and was generally happy that all was OK. I asked should I exercise it, he said no need it will pass, I said should I NOT exercise it to avoid aggravation, he said no do as normal.
I also asked whether massaging would help, and he was ho hum noncommittal.
Generally, as far as he's concerned, all's well, so what am I bothered for...
Anyway, just wondering whether others here have experience this, and what they might have done to help matters?
I must say it is not debilitating, just tight and tender when I stretch, which I feel in the gym, and am concerned I might aggravate.
TIA!
Catherine
Comments
Hello Catherine
I now also have a very stiff armpit following rads (July & August ) so presume the oncologist is correct. I had no bother until about 4 weeks ago when it began to 'change' and feel stiff. Some days are better than others & I wonder if perhaps it's because I overuse it... Like when I wash the car etc. I also find my arm swelling more at nighttime (again maybe from overuse?) . Hopefully things will improve with time?
Best regards
Resolute x
Thank you Wicklow Lady and Resolute, for taking the time to respond.
I am aware that it is "normal" that a few weeks after RT one's armpit (and side of breast) gets tight and sore(ish). I have taken it upon myself to do gentle stretching exercises daily and to massage the spot every evening with lashings of E45 (am I the only one here who's completely addicted to the stuff as an all over body moisturiser???).
I'll report progress.
Resolute, I would get a swelling arm checked out - I was warned of lymphodeama after surgery and RT (basically, interfering with the armpit lymphnodes, as both surgery and RT do, affects the flow of lymphatic fluid), and it manifests itself with arm swelling. I am a frequent flyer and was even warned that I should wear a compression sleeve when flying - which I have only ever done once, and not bothered with since as I don't appear to need to.
Anyway, thanks again to both of you!
Catherine
Funny I'd forgotten mine was tight, but yes mine was very tight and a little sire when I stretched but just stretched and it's gone!!! I finished radiotherapy the beginning of May. Now I didn't stretch it a lot so I don't know if that will make a difference but I'm fine now