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Arm and hand pain

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Just outside of Chicago

Hi sisters , I had a lumpectomy back in December and ever since then I’ve had pain in my right arm and hand . In my hand it’s very weird some days I’m fine and other days I can’t even open a jar. Has anyone else experienced that before? I never have until I had the lumpectomy is it a side effect from surgery or just coincidence ? Any advice about how to handle the pain? I see my oncologist Thursday . Thanks sisters stay strong and beautiful as always !

April 22, 2024
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A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member

1) No blood pressure cuffs or blood taken ever from the surgery side arm.

2) Please get a referral for a certified lymphedema PT to check out your arm and armpit.

Massage or ultrasound and the correct exercises will take away the pain. Should not have to deal with that pain.

Doctor may not get around to suggest PT unless you ask. 💜

April 23, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Totally agree! Thanks @A MyBCTeam Member

May 28, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Jennifer,I do not experience pain in my arm,or hand,after the Lymph Nodes were removed,I just have a little difficulty reaching up. I hope your symptoms will go away with time. I try to do stretching exercise.

April 22, 2024
MyBCTeam

Are you experiencing arm and hand pain related to breast cancer treatment? This type of pain can be associated with several treatments:

1. **Surgery**: After procedures like mastectomy or lumpectomy, you might experience pain in the arm or hand due to nerve damage or lymphedema (painful swelling).

2. **Chemotherapy** Show Full Answer

Are you experiencing arm and hand pain related to breast cancer treatment? This type of pain can be associated with several treatments:

1. **Surgery**: After procedures like mastectomy or lumpectomy, you might experience pain in the arm or hand due to nerve damage or lymphedema (painful swelling).

2. **Chemotherapy**: This treatment can cause neuropathy, a nerve pain that may affect the hands and arms, leading to sensations like tingling, numbness, or sharp pains.

3. **Radiation Therapy**: Similar to chemotherapy, radiation can lead to neuropathy affecting the arms and hands.

4. **Hormone Therapy**: While less common, hormone therapy can also contribute to joint and muscle pain, which might extend to the arms and hands.

Managing this pain often involves physical therapy, medications, and sometimes complementary therapies like acupuncture. It's important to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider to find the most effective management strategy for your specific situation.

April 22, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

I have the pain mostly under the arm occurring inconsistently. Its the nerves regenerating. Sometimes physician therapy is recommended or arm stretching helps. I've had it ever since the lymph nodes were removed in December 2023. I also experienced it if I have something tight on the arm which I try to avoid but there are times they've tried to do a blood pressure on that arm.
I hope the pain gets better or the doctor recommends other alternatives to help with the pain.

April 23, 2024

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