Arm pain

Hi Mum45,

Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Jo and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

Having contacted your hospital team about your symptoms, I can understand your frustration at feeling pulled from pillar to post. This sounds like a difficult time.

Whilst the pain and stiffness you are experiencing can be side-effects of radiotherapy for breast cancer, there are a number of other possible causes of this too. Unfortunately, as we are not part of the NHS here on the Macmillan support line, we don’t have access to your medical records. It would therefore not be possible for us to say what the likely cause is for you.

I wonder whether you have now spoken to your breast care nurse about this. If not, then it would be advisable to do so. They are best placed to offer specific advice and support, including arranging for you to be assessed if needed, as they are familiar with your diagnosis and treatment and have access to your medical records.

However, if you are unable to speak with your breast care nurse, or develop any new or worsening symptoms, we’d advise seeking urgent medical care.

I see that you’ve joined the breast cancer forum on our online community and hope that you are finding this supportive. There is also information and support available through the charity Breast Cancer Now.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.

I hope this information is helpful.

Best wishes,

Jo

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref: JD/PW

Thanks for replying I've been to the doctors today who has prescribed strong painkillers and if no better in a few weeks is going to refer me also have a physio appointment in a few weeks too.