My shoulder is sore....

[JaneP]

I had a right mastectomy a year ago, clean scans now but skin mets in the scar area, and severe lymphedema. Now my right shoulder is hurting and I have a large bump on or near the shoulder blade. My skin has broken down after radiation for the skin mets and I have a large black scabbed area there.

Anyone every hear of this? What can be done? My onc doesn't seem too excited about it. I am using Miltex and the skin is very dry and peeling.

Help, if you can. JaneP

[Lolly]

Jane,
When I had recurrence to skin and lymphs on the side of original dx, which included scar area)my lymphedema also worsened and the shoulder/clavical was quite tender, and I had shooting pains throughout the whole area. My docs thought the pain was most likely due to the extreme pressure on the nerves from all the swelling, as the lymph nodes were also very enlarged, plus the cancer in the skin causes pain. I took lots of Tylenol, and eventually the pain diminished after I responded to Herceptin/Navelbine. After a few months it was gone, except for pain to the shoulder if I prodded it. Now, I only have arthritis pain, which I had before.
Some of your pain may also be related to the radiation, it does take awhile for the tissues to heal inside, and the scabbed area is most likely pulling, causing some problems there. Are you scheduled for bone scans down the road? If the pain doesn't resolve, that would/should be the next step, to eliminate any fears you have about bone mets. Hope this helps,
Hugs,
Lolly

[Sandy]

Hi Jane: My shoulder gets sore from time to time depending on how much lymhedema I have and where it decides to settle. It goes anywhere from my arm, shoulder, chest wall (very painful with pressure)or abdomen. It is much more comfortable in the abdomen althought I look pregnant some days!!! That was the reason for stopping the Miltex burning and peeling. I even have scars from where it burned. My chest completely peeled from it. I have all new skin now. Since being on the chemo I would say I am 75% cleared of skin mets or the skin is clear with no itching or burning. That darn lymphedema is such a pain. I am careful about salt, drink lots of water and do my rebounding and still some days I just can't figure why I have it. I know I cannot ride long periods or set around. I am better by moving and being active. I hope this helps. If it doesn't get better in a week I would get it checked out. Hugs, Sandy