Tightness in breast after radiotherapy

Hi Mags,

I finished radiotherapy in July and my breast also got tight, the cording in my arm from auxiliary clearance has also got much worse. I’ve been trying to do the exercises recommended after my operation but find it very painful . Also try massaging the area which I’ve been told helps x

Just a thought Missi k.  Can you see a physiotherapist for evaluation and recommendations?  This could make a big difference as they could do stretches and help relieve tightness and then give you a home program.  
I have very slight tightness after bilateral radiation and I am planning on seeing a physiotherapist just for evaluation and home program.  
I hope you gain more range of motion.  Take care and it seems there is always something to do.  I also went for a manual lymph massage a few weeks ago and that felt good.  Don’t have lymphedema but wanted to activate lymph anyway because with breast surgery and radiation it is disrupted.  The only thing I needed was to not have active cancer and I did have negative mammo in August.  I just feel like it is up to me now to listen to my body and work with it to be the best it can be.  Doctors can only do so much.  Sometimes I feel like a baby bird that is out of the nest now .  
Barbara

Hi Hopeful Barb, 

Thankyou for your suggestion. I think I definitely will as I don’t think it will get any better without some sort of help. I think we just get fed up of hospital and constant appointments, and like you say being cancer free is our main priority x

Hi Missi k,  you are so right about constant appointments and seeing physicians.  Nice not to have that schedule.  I think you will like going to the physiotherapist as you will be in control once you are shown what to do.  
I think it is pretty common to tighten up after radiation.  I certainly have been moving , reaching and stretching but those are quicker movements and need to focus on holding the stretch.  
Hope you get stretched out soon. 
Barbara