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Chest tightness after mastectomy - radiotherapy starts next week

BethS
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Hi - I’m new here - I had a simple mastectomy 7 weeks ago and still struggling with chest tightness. It feels like spasms that last a long time.

I‘M  due to start radiotherapy ( 5 sessions ) next week and worried about the chest tightness getting worse. I described it a few weeks ago as an elephant sitting on my chest! It’s not as bad now but still hasn’t gone away. I am very worried about the side effects of the radiotherapy. I’ve read lots on moisturising, drinking lots of water, resting etc  but haven’t found anything on this tight feeling - Whats causing it or how to relive it. I’ve been my exercises every day twice a day and even added more in after experiencing cording in my arm. I couldn’t get my arm in the ideal position when they did the pre visit for radiotherapy but they said it was good enough. I did have a sore shoulder after that one visit. Any ideas on how to get rid of the tightness would be a great help.

  • Maybe give the Macmillan nurses a call and they can give you some advice?

  • in reply to F1 petrolhead

    Thanks I’ll try tomorrow. I did phone my BCN but she’s away. Her stand in just suggested phone the radiotherapy team. But I spoke to them about my limited mobility of arm at the previsit and all they suggested is keep doing the exercises. I have been doing them religiously from the start so feel a bit down about it. 

  • Hi, I'm 13 months post mastectomy, had 15 sessions of radiotherapy. What you describe sounds very normal for where you are in terms of treatment & recovery, but do chat with your Team to check

    My arm wasnt great but I managed 3 weeks of radiotherapy just keep doing the exercises before & after. They will give advice on skin care.

    Try not to worry, 5 sessions will fly by & you will be on the path to recovery, but it takes time

    Take care & best wishes x

  • in reply to Kitty1

    Thank you very much for your reassuring words. I did manage to see a consultant today following advice from a MacMillan nurse ( who was excellent). He has advised its scar tissue and quite a tight scar but nothing to worry about. Just keep up the exercises. I feel less anxious now. Can’t wait to get next week over though. Then I need to be patient! X

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