Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Is it common to have shoulder pain and stiffness post cancer surgery? I am also on Letrozole.

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Alpharetta, GA

I had a left mastectomy 9/23/25 then Diep flap reconstruction on 3/31/26. My left shoulder blade is painful and when I move my hand the upper arm between shoulder and elbow has a dull throbbing pain.

June 21
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members responded with great empathy and helpful insights to a question about shoulder pain and stiffness after cancer surgery and while on... Read more

Members responded with great empathy and helpful insights to a question about shoulder pain and stiffness after cancer surgery and while on Letrozole, with many confirming these are common experiences tied to surgery, lymph node removal, and medication side effects. Several members shared practical strategies including physical therapy referrals, occupational therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, exercise routines, and one member found full relief from shoulder bursitis through a single steroid injection from a sports medicine doctor. A recurring theme was the importance of advocating for yourself with your care team, especially when navigating insurance hurdles, to get the right referrals and treatment as soon as possible.

A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member. Thank you for these tips. Here in GA they use Emory facilities for surgery and oncological treatment performed by Kaiser doctors, In the case of DIEP you are correct since Kaiser doesnt have a microsurgeon kaiser approved the referral to Emory.
When I retired early Kaiser seemed logical at the time, as a care facility is about 15 mins away from me. I figured that it would work for my annual physicals, occasional cold and urgent care needs. I had no co-morbidities and not taking any medications.I never for a moment thought that I would need specialised treatment especially for cancer. Now that I am with Kaiser and comfortable with the doctors that I have there,I feel as if I am stuck with them.

June 22
MyBCTeam

Yes, shoulder pain and stiffness after a mastectomy and reconstruction are very common. Given that you've had both a mastectomy and a DIEP flap reconstruction, plus you're taking Letrozole (an aromatase inhibitor), there are actually a few things that could be contributing to what you're feeling.

Here's what may be playing Show Full Answer

Yes, shoulder pain and stiffness after a mastectomy and reconstruction are very common. Given that you've had both a mastectomy and a DIEP flap reconstruction, plus you're taking Letrozole (an aromatase inhibitor), there are actually a few things that could be contributing to what you're feeling.

Here's what may be playing a role:

- Surgery recovery — Mastectomy and reconstruction can disrupt muscles, nerves, and surrounding tissue, leading to pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, and upper back
- Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS) — A condition where chronic pain persists for three or more months after breast surgery, often felt in the chest wall, armpit, and arm
- Letrozole side effects — Aromatase inhibitors like Letrozole are well known for causing joint pain and stiffness, which can affect the shoulders and arms
- Posture changes — Surgery can subtly change how you hold yourself or use your arms, leading to muscle soreness over time Many MyBCTeam members have shared similar experiences, describing dull, achy, or sharp pains in the shoulder and arm area even well after surgery.

Some things that may help:

- Gentle exercises — Shoulder rolls, elbow bends, and wall finger-walks (2–3 times daily) can help restore range of motion
- Physical therapy — A referral from your doctor can make a big difference in rebuilding strength and flexibility
- Massage — Some members find regular massage helps with tightness and fascial pain around the chest and shoulder area
- Pain medication or anti-inflammatories — Ask your doctor what's appropriate for you

It's really important to let your oncologist or surgeon know about these symptoms, especially the dull throbbing in your upper arm. They can rule out anything more serious and point you toward the right treatment. You're not imagining it — this is a very real part of recovery! 💛

June 21
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member .... it makes it hard to switch when you like your doctors. My friend's husband out in California is having throat cancer treatment right now through Kaiser. They were quick to do everything he needed treatment wise, but he's been to 5 different Kaiser locations in the San Francisco Bay Area to see the various doctors, have 2 surgeries, and now radiation. My dad experiences the same thing for his various health needs. At least your Kaiser is linked up with Emory. They are supposed to be good from what I've heard.

I saw you got your referral today, that's great news!

June 22 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member, Today my Kaiser Plastic surgeon responded back that he will submit the referral.
I hope its for the same PT that I was using prior right after the mastectomy. She specializes in oncological rehab.

June 22
A MyBCTeam Member

Hi BB2. I feel you with the whole Kaiser thing. I had them for decades when I was living in California and my dad has them now. They are usually pretty proactive and thorough, but you are restricted to Kaiser for practically everything. I notice you're in Georgia. You'd have better luck with Kaiser in California because they have so many locations, but in Georgia Kaiser is far more limited. One tip I can give you with Kaiser is to be a pest. Keep bothering them about that PT referral. Call and email them. Odds are good that they'll get you the referral sooner so you will quit bothering them. That's how the system worked in California. Another Kaiser tip if you need an appointment very soon and they don't try to squeeze you in is to threaten to go to the ER and then they miraculously seem to find you an appointment. I'm guessing you were "allowed" to go to Emory because Kaiser doesn't have a microsurgeon on staff that does DIEP surgeries in Georgia. If that's the case then vocalize that fact and attempt to guilt them into taking the Emory referral. Good luck, hopefully you can get PT sooner rather than later. 🤞

June 21 (edited)

Related Questions

View All

After radiation, When do hormone inhibitors start?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Gurnee, IL
April 4

Orange Peel Skin After Breast Cancer Surgery: Is It Lymphedema?
I Was Supposed to Have a Baby, Not Breast Cancer
3 Foods To Avoid While Taking Letrozole