Posting here to ask if anyone else has suffered with this - my radiography breast nurse is on hols and no one else to ask really as my BCN is not very helpful. I finished radiotherapy 2 1/2 weeks ago.
My scars are under armpit one below the other the bottom one on side of boob - skin has gone very dark - will this return or lessen or will my skin stay two tone? Its also become very tight and seems to smart - have started the exercises again to see if that helps but have this constant pulling feeling. Will this return? back of my arm which initially ached from surgery has become really achy now - anyone else? thanks
I don't know about the skin colour problem (mine still all very pink/red and rashy still) but I do recognise the pulling problem and ache. I had this at 4.00 am every morning, the pain went off if I got up and had cup of tea. I did all the exercises but it was only the Physio (on the NHS) who managed to manipulate it, to instant relief. I had to fight for the appt - was urgently referred twice and nothing happened. I thought time would cure it but it didn't. They said could have been cording - I couldn't be bothered to argue the toss. I couldn't feel any cording but the muscles got tight. This caused difficulty with radiotherapy position, as very painful initially and took more time up.
Venicelagoon thanks for the response. I will try another nurse but now treatment has finished - who to ask? Mobility is ok i just feel like its pulling and its very achy. Will keep going with painkillers and exercises and see. I think my skin will take ages to calm down. still have red welt and no skin under boob. its calming down now so have hit the peak and am on other side but is still not comfy x
I have been told by Oncology not to go to my G.P., if any breast problems now, but to go to Breast Cancer Nurses now. Because I didn't hear anything re physio though, and hurt, so I emailed my local hospital and something got sent by them via PALS. I didn't know this, as just found an email address under Physiotherapy on the local hospital website.The Physiotherapy Dept was dealt with not directly by the health authority where I live, but by a community service, attached to a G.P. Surgery. I only in fact needed one very intense session of 45 minutes with Physio and was given certain exercises which he tailored to what I needed. This was though halfway through the Radiotherapy. If I hadn't persevered I don't think I would have heard anything until after the radiotherapy ended. I can go back to him if any further probs. Where I live the Breast Cancer Nurses all answer to the Breast Surgeon in charge. You could contact your Breast Surgeon's Secretary if getting nowhere. I must admit, to pressing all buttons when I see I'm getting nowhere and it does shake them up a bit to do something. I know the Physiotherapy Dept in my case just sat there looking at two letters declaring urgency of action.
Thank you Exraygirl I appreciate you have the knowledge but didn't want to contact you direct as am sure you have enough on your plate. Its just that not knowing time when you aren't sure if this is how it is meant to be and how long its going to last. I have to admit the radiotherapy has been a lot harder to handle than the surgery. Boob is less red and certainly not as sore as last week so yes hit the peak and out the other side. Think I am just impatient! x
I was contacted by physio post surgery so have a number - all done by phone of course. I may ring to ask if there is anything else I can do to help the achiness and pulling x
Hi all, I'm starting 5 days radiotherapy (Oxford) at the end of this month. Aveeno cream was recommended at planning meeting. Slightly concerned this won't be enough if skin starts to burn - what other products would people recommend please? I'm happy to buy in a few options just in case.
I used E45 as I don't like Aveeno. I did have some burns under boob post treatment and used Sudocrem (but wear old clothes as its very white!) Good luck x
