Reassurance needed about underarm cording ....

[sashbash]

Hello all... I had axillary clearance two and a half weeks ago and now have horrible 'cording' in my armpit which I'm finding really really distressing. I managed the mastectomy fine, the chemo, hair loss, nipple removal, you name it, but I'm really struggling with this. It makes me feel horrible and I feel frightened that I won't be able to lift my arm properly because the cords are so tight. Have any of you ladies experienced it? Does it get better? How much should I stretch it? Do you have any tips? I would love to hear from anyone who's been here already....

[PennyHopes]

I have two large " lumps" under my armpit from my lymph node removal that are making it impossible to lift my arm -3 weeks post surgery now too - I'm due to go to the doctors next Wednesday so I will let you know what mine says!

[Debster2016 in reply to PennyHopes]

Yes please Penny, me too please thanks

Deb🌹

[Lainey66]

Hi Sashbash. I have a cording in my armpit following my left axilla clearance. I Had mine done January 5th 2016. I was worried about arm movement and so immediately did arm exercises immediately. I still stretch and now do the exercises that I used to when I swam in races years ago stretching my arm over my head and gently holding it there. I now have full movement in my arms after my double mastectomy and lymph node removal. The tightness of the cording does loosen and ease if you do the exercises. It does tighten a little now and again. You do end up getting used to the sensation. I am still trying to get used to the 'tennis ball' like feeling from the 'shelving' from my mastectomy. That is the part I find uncomfortable. I wish you well with your continuing recovery. Lainey xx

[Maggie18]

Hi yes o know what it's like I do Pilates 3 times a week and stretch it it was uncomfortable now I can do all movements even diving again it's an odd feeling at times just keep up the stretches and I often sleep with my arm above my head to gently stretch during my sleep , avoid lifting heavy objects and take care of it I am 6 months post total auxiliary clearance now and yes mastectomy was easier to recover than lymph nodes but feeling returning not quite so plastic like feeling and no lymphodema yippee

[PennyHopes in reply to Maggie18]

Your answer is giving me hope because every day I'm trying to move my arm a little more and becoming despondent that this will be my natural condition forever ..... if I can't swim anymore I will never be a pleasant person again lol

[Rosebud1803]

Hi, there is a blog written by a Consultant Oncoplastic Breast surgeon about her experience of breast cancer.

Within her blog she talks about cording and subsequent treatment with a physiotherapist.

You may find it useful, I wish you well and hope that you can get this resolved.

Best wishes. Xx

[Mac99]

I had bad cording from the wrist the whole way up. The exercises are crucial they must be done. I was also gently massaging constantly, I think the U.K. Breast cancer website had the techniques was las year. It is really satisfying when they pop and does not hurt at all. It is scary beforehand but once the first goes it gets quite addictive. Mine kept coming back for the for 8 months or so but completely gone now. Some research out there says if you just leave it it will eventually dissolve, obsess notnprepared to risk that. Good luck

[julesab]

Yes I had cording I used exercises out of breast cancer care booklet or MacMillan I not sure which but found both organisations fabulous help. It did go I not sure how long good luck with your journey mine started 2010 and I been back at work for five years and marching forward

[julesab in reply to julesab]

I do have lymphoedema wearing a sleeve all the time 😈

[Lorraineam]

You should have been given physio exercises to do. Do these daily and it should improve. I had cording for a while but it did go after a few weeks

[sashbash]

Ladies, thank you. Your answers really helped. Good to know the exercises have worked for you all. I'll just keep going with the ones I've been given and have faith I'll be able to stretch my arm above my head eventually and the horrible bands will go. Note to self - be patient and give the poor old body a chance to heal!

[Angelmummi]

Speak to your breast care nurse there are exercises you can do and she'll advise on the amount you can do. The important thing is to use it as much as you can and it will get better. If you can take some painkillers as it allows you to push that little bit further but don't over do it.

[Maggie18]

Same as me I love my swimming and so missed it during treatment I would definently say Pilates a couple of times a week has made a huge difference . Where do you live

[sashbash in reply to Maggie18]

Hi Maggie,

I'm in Clapham... not yet ready for Pilates (only 3 weeks post surgery) but maybe further down the line...

[Maggie18 in reply to sashbash]

Sorry 6 weeks post surgery just try and do the exercises given it should loosen up xx

[togetherforever]

I had my surgery 4 years ago and can still feel the cording. I now have full range of movement but that arm is lot weaker than my other. Keep doing your exercises and it will get better x

[Mandywilson]

Hi .. I also had a lot of cording .. I was told to keep stretching my arm , it was a little uncomfortable but eventually it went away ..xx

[mags4]

Hi Sashbash,

Like you had cording very dishearting but went to physio and kept doing the exercises,

I thought i would never be able to lift my arm again but thankfully the exercises worked 😊hang in there and you will get your movement back too

[sashbash]

Even in the last few days my 'reach' has improved a lot. painkillers have helped enable me to extend a bit further than I was doing before. patience patience patience. that's the hard bit, isn't it...?