'Cording'

[alex210]

Hi everyone. I had a lumpectomy and axilla node clearance five weeks ago. I did my exercises religiously and everything appeared to be healing normally until I began to notice that the area under my arm felt tight and stretched and that the pain and tightness upon stretching, extended right down the inside of my arm to my wrist.
I have since been informed that this is a common 'syndrome' known as 'cording'.
Thanks to my exercising, I have no restricted movement but it hurts and I am aware of it all the time. Opinions I have sought are varied. Some people say it goes away in time no matter what you do, others reccommend stretching, manipulation and massage.
Any other thoughts on the best way to deal with this very annoying side effect? As someone else said on this forum, cancer isn't just about the treatment, it's about living normally afterwards.
Thanks,
Alex.

[katarina777]

Yes, Alex, I always say that one can survive just about anything if you are not alone.

best, KAT

[alex210]

Thanks for all suggestions and support.
Katarina, I found your previous thread and it was most helpful.
All info and shared experience is useful.
The worst thing in the world is to feel as though you are the only one suffering.
What did we do before the internet?!

Alex.

[japdip]

Your self treatment is definitely helping ... I did my own for cording ... i ask one of my PHysicians about it and he looked at me like I had two heads ... I just laughed and said "you don't know what I'm talking about, do you?" I was glad that I did so I stretched and massaged my way to cured. Keep up the good work but do the P.T. thing too.  Regards

[katarina777]

Alex, I am glad you will be seeing a PT. In the meantime, don't be surprised if this one goes away and another one comes up. But I have not had any since I started the PT.

[alex210]

Thanks for all comments and suggestions.
I had an axilla node clearance, Muffinlump.
Katarina, I have been promised a PT but am impatient in the meantime for the problem not to get any worse. I will look for your previous post.
Thank you for your input, Dennis.

On a positive note, I feel that the pain and tightness is diminishing slightly on a daily basis. I'm not sure whether my stretching and massaging is helping or not but I'm doing it anyway.

Thanks,

Alex.

[Dennis MD]

Hi Alex,
I agree with the previous post.  You may need to see a rehabilitation medicine specialist.  There are specific exercises for patients who underwent surgery to the breast and axilla.  This will prevent contracture, limitation of motion, and possible development of edema during the wound healing process.
Take care and continue to stay positive.

[muffinlump]

did you have axilla lymph node removed or just biopsied...just wondering

[katarina777]

The best thing, Alex, is PT (Physical Therapy) Find a good one who is trained in Lymphedema massage, and that stuff.
I had the same problem and it helped me tremendously. Others as well.  We discussed this on a post a while back under my name called something like 'what feels like a tight violin string'. (it would be further to the back)