Shoulder mobility after breast cancer treatment

[SprogTakesAQuarry]

I had treatment for breast cancer earlier this year. I was fortunate that it was early stage and only needed a lumpectomy and five days of radiotherapy.

Im back exercising again (hurray!) and my shoulder mobility on the affected side is really poor.

I’m going to do exercises and stretches etc - but just wondering whether others found this was permanent, or did they manage to get mobility back, and to what extent etc?

Did you have a sentinel node investigation?

Any interference with the lymphatic system seems to lead to weakness.

I had this, but 9 months post radiotherapy it’s all back to normal, I can lift pretty heavy weights again.

Have you thought about calling your cancer nurses? They should be able to reassure you or suggest a way to treatment?

No sentinel node investigation.

Im really glad to hear that you’re back to normal after 9 months. Was it weakness or restricted movement or both for you?

Ive done some shoulder mobility exercises tonight and that has helped.

I had the same treatment as you 2.5 years ago but did also have sentinel nodes removed. My shoulder has taken until now to get back to normal. I wasn't very good at doing the exercises early on so that is probably why. I'm sure if you continue with the exercises and stretches you will get mobility back much quicker than I did.

Get yourself a really good Pilates teacher, preferably one that does “rehab” Pilates. That’s what I did after my mastectomy -although actually I needed lots of physio first. I’m 7 years post surgery, my shoulder strength is still weaker than most women my age I suspect, but it’s improved so much more than I thought it would.