Nerve damage after mastectomy

[clanqc]

I am a 5 year breast cancer survivor, with slight lymphadema on my left.  17 nodes were removed, 4 had cancer.  When I remember to wear my compression sleeve I feel better.  I have been on pain meds all this time because of the sharp pains in my pit and down my arm off and on all day long.  I decided to see just how bad the pain is, so I went off my meds cold turkey, spent 3 days in bed crying and then my primary care physician said *no* dont go cold turkey.  I am now taking 2.5 mg twice a day and hoping to completely get off of these soon.  I still have pain, but it is mild, my mast scar feels like I have a sock strapped to it and I dont think this will ever change.  I decided to try to just deal with it.

[SueYoung55]

Excellent information from bluebutterfly.

You may also want to arrange for physical therapy. Be sure to ask for someone specifically trained in treating mastectomy/breast cancer/lymphedema patients.

Best wishes.

[bluebutterfly2222]

Thank you for sharing your experience and your decision with us.

Since you feel better when you waer the compression sleeve, you might want to work on some cues to make sure you remember. Maybe a not on the fridge or the inside of the front door saying, "Are you waering your sleeve??"  If part of the "forgetting" issue is not liking the appearance of it, there is a company that makes decorative coverings for them.

Here is some info  from one of the creators:

"As a 7-year breast cancer survivor who also happens to suffer from lymphedema, I know firsthand the challenges.

Those challenges include  physical, financial and emotional, that women and men face trying to manage this chronic condition. That's why my sister and I created MySassySleeve™, a decorative cover to wear OVER compression garments that helps the wearer regain their self-image through vibrant colors and empowering imagery while at the same time helping to create awareness not just of breast cancer but one of its little-discussed side-effects: lymphedema.

As part of our mission, my sister and I have commited all of our fund raising efforts (15% of every sleeve sold online) in 2010 to Klose Lymphedema Care (KLC) to assist in their efforts to help patients obtain medically necessary compression garments that they might not otherwise be able to afford."

Regards,
bluebutterfly