Back, shoulder and other pains

I am 4 years in and like you have been told the radiotherapy is to blame mostly for rib pain that is so bad some days i just stand still with arm by my side and wait for it to ease but it comes back, pain killers dont work,they didnt tell us about this pain when they showed us the glossy brochure about treatments.kind regards

I find the radiotherapy area very tight, long term effects say they won’t even look at you till at least a year after rads finishes. I’m lucky in that in my area there’s a late effects clinic that’s funded by Macmillan for 3 years, I’ve been seen and advised that anyone who has surgery and especially radiotherapy needs to continue doing those shoulder exercises for life! 

I’ve been told mine is improving but to seek out an oncology massage therapist to help tackle the deep tissues, which are scarred and tightened. 

Hugs xxx

I finished radiotherapy 12 months ago following a lumpectomy. I am also on letrozole. Immediately following the radiotherapy I had neck, rib and shoulder blade pain. They were dreadful so I was referred to a physiotherapist. After 4 sessions there was some improvement, however the pain has never completely gone. Every now and again it gets really uncomfortable. I wake up some days feeling like I have gone 10 rounds in a boxing ring. Is this it for ever more? I am really sick of it

I’ve managed to find a sports massage clinic near me and they advised that as the rads was over a year ago they could help. I got a half hour appointment yesterday with a lady who is actually starting to train in oncology massage. She questioned me about any lymphoedema (I’ve got just a little on wrist and by thumb of my affected side,) she was happy to continue but was gentle in case the swelling got worse (it hasn’t so far) but will do more next time if it’s gone well. She advises weekly half an hour appointments just for a few weeks. It definitely felt easier.  Yes it cost just over £30 but if it helps, then that’s worth it.

hugs xxx

That is interesting to know. I just never thought about the after effects of radiotherapy. They don't really tell you anything like that. Thank you for the information

I’m lucky in that in this area, there’s a late effects clinic, staffed by specialist radiographers and funded for 3 years by MacMillan. She’s seen me twice, and assessed carefully and thoroughly, last time she suggested I try and find some massage therapy but said what I was already trying was making a difference. 

They won’t consider seeing patients till a year after rads has finished. But yes, she was thorough and had great advice. 

Hugs xxx

It's just unfortunate that it only happens to some of us.I thought I was doing okay until a few months ago.  For me the shoulder and back pain can be unbearable and I can only describe the feeling in my armpit is like someone is scraping it with a potato peeler!!!!

Thanks again for listening...x

Are you already massaging? By the way, always use something like bio oil or a good gentle cream. I find doing that while attempting a tough stretch is hard work but it is (apparently) helping both range of movement and the deep tissues. I do feel there’s almost a rope-like texture deep among pectoral muscles which if I keep going for massage, hopefully will ease off. I had some cording post surgery which needed easing off too. 

Hope you find something that helps.

hugs xxx

Hi

Check to see if your breast clinic offers physio.

I had a number of sessions with a physio at the hospital funded by Breast Care Now. 

I am in South Wales.

Hope you find a solution soon

Many thanks for all your advice...take care x