What caused the decreased mobility in your arm (surgery, radiation, or both?)? Have you regained any mobility since it began? If so, please tell us how.

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FBG (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) - 10 / 22 / 2011

My (unwanted) friend Twang Arm came into being the day of my mastectomy. I had 15 lymph nodes removed and had significant cording as a result. This was something I had been totally unprepared for.

I found that each chemo cycle made my arm more stiff and painful and it was difficult to progress much in the months following surgery. Then radiation over 5 weeks contributed further to the restricted mobility and pain/discomfort.

One of the disadvantages of being in a remote setting means that I did not have access to appropriate physiotherapy which has meant that I have not regained as much mobility in my arm as I would have liked. However, there is definite improvement. I am no longer in constant pain, the numbness has improved considerably and I no longer have such a strong "pulling" sensation.

I have done the recommended physio exercises at home, but without professional guidance I don't think they have been as effective. Without supervision it is too easy to this that I am moving my arm further when actually I am subconsciously standing on my tiptoes! ;)

The main difference though has been by my determination to swim regularly. increasing distances and increasing in speed. Throughout chemo I swam regularly, even when my legs were so weak from Taxotere that I could hardly stand. At that I could swim a kilometre (very very slowly!) but not walk up more than 10 stairs without my legs giving way!

I now swim daily (30 minutes before work) and longer distances at weekends. Twang Arm is strong but I still have restricted mobility. It is greater than before but not back to "normal".

I plan to have an intense physiotherapy "holiday" with a friend (out of country) as she has an excellent physio who has sorted out her post surgical arm very successfully.

If you have any suggestions I would be delighted to hear them.

Thanks
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