my mother underwent a double masectomy and had the lymphnodes on her right side removed. the cemotherapy and radiation burnt her skin badly. when she began treatment for reconstruction they implanted bladders in her chest to slowly streatch the skin and of course it was very umcomfortable even painful. she has had trouble lifting her arms above her head and moving heavier objects around the house. will that problem get better, worse or stay the same after her surgey? I know it is impossible to say for sure, but anything you have to say would be appreciated, hopefully from those of you who have experience with this subject.
2007-08-08 09:25:11 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
I had a double mastectomy in Dec. 05, then I had reconstructive surgery in April 06. The lymph nodes were removed from under my left arm. It takes months to recuperate.
Since my breast cancer was caught early, I did not have to have chemo. Instead, I take Aromasin, a pill form of chemo.
The pain will eventually subside. It is at it's worst now. Sometimes I feel shooting/stabbing pains in my "things" (that used to be breasts). Sometimes they feel as if they've fallen asleep. None of the pain I experience now is so bad that I need to be on pain pills.
Tell your mom to take it easy. Don't push herself to do anything that makes her hurt worse. Keeping taking the pain meds until she no longer needs them. Tell her not to lift anything that's too heavy.
Tell her to keep her chin up. We are survivors. It didn't kill us. We made it. God bless you both.
2007-08-09 15:55:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Therer are exercises she should be doing to regain the movement in her arms. I was told it could take 6 months following my surgery, however I was a keen belly dancer and found this was the perfect physiotherapy, with full range of movement returning in 6 weeks!
The radiation burns cause scar tissue, which is different for each of us. Stretching scar tissue hurts, and will continue to do so until full stretch is reached.
With regards to lifting, she needs to slowly build up to lifting weight, 2 years following surgery I still can't lift things I was once able to.
Overdoing things can lead to swelling (lymphodema) which can also be painful, particularly in the arm where the lymph nodes were removed.
2007-08-08 13:02:25 · answer #2 · answered by Tarkarri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are exercises for your mom to do that will help with the arm lifting. Standing arms length from the wall and "walking" up the wall with her fingers is one. I'm sure her doctor can give her more that will help. Eventually it will get better but will never be the same. She shouldn't be lifting anything right now; and should NOT vacuum ... do that for her. She needs to take very good care of herself right now. Let her heal. After about a year she will be much better. Just please tell her not to quit going to the doctor after she gets well. She needs to keep an eye on her health. Hope this helped you. Trust me; in about a year she WILL be better. But she really needs your help right now.
2007-08-08 09:36:39 · answer #3 · answered by isc_cooper 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had it done with one breast and it was quite painful as it healed. I didn't have radiation at that time. It gets better as it heals. It did for me. I would expect a similar response for your mother.
2007-08-10 17:28:08 · answer #4 · answered by Simmi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of her doctors can refer her to a physical therapist
they will help her increase her range of motion.
Have her Dr's considered a TRAM flap or a Gluteal flap?
this is where they use skin from her bottom or stomach to reconstruct her breasts
2007-08-08 09:45:18 · answer #5 · answered by lisa l 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋