It has already been a year since I discovered that I had breast cancer. ?

I have completed and been through 6 chemo and 30 radiation sessions already. My problem is that my right chemo arm has been bothering me a lot for a year already. It gets so painful at night. My pain relievers are not enough to stop the radiating pain that I am experiencing. Sometimes my other arm also gets painful at the same time. Is this normal ? What exercises or medication should you advice me. My taste buds has not been back to normal too.Water taste different and bad. I have been drinking cranberry juice instead.What substitut do you recommend ? By the way, I am also a Diabetic.

It sounds like you might have or be in the process of developing lymphedema. This is caused by radiation destroying your lymph node function or by surgical removal of your lymph nodes. When lymph fluid tries to move up and down the arm you experience pain because your lymphatic system is damaged. Your having diabetes doubles your risk for the development of lymphedema.

Are you noticing redness on your skin? Swelling anywhere in your shoulder, arm or hand? My lymphedema started as a swelling under my arm that got infected and then soon spread into my shoulder and upper chest and back and then moved from my shoulder down my arm into my hand. I now require daily treatment for the swelling and pain. Lymphedema is a chronic problem that is incurable once it gets started so if you suspect this may be your problem I suggest you seek early treatment.

http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/lymphed...

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MIT/conten...

If you suspect that you might be developing lymphedema then you will need to see an lymphedema accredited physical therapist for an evaluation and possible manual lymphatic drainage. You might need to wear a compression sleeve on your arm and/or hand. Ask your Dr whether you need a lymphdema evaluation. In the meantime, take excellent care of the skin of your arm and do not cut, injure or puncture your skin. Watch closely for any signs of infection and if you scratch yourself immediately wash the area with soap and then apply antibiotic ointment. Hopefully you do not have lymphedema but this is a very common condition that can develop days, weeks or years after treatment for breast and many other types of cancer where the lymph nodes are removed or damaged.

good luck

I am a breast cancer survivor...All that is normal..it takes time, especially if you had a mastectomy. All the questions you ask..you need to talk to your oncologist or call the 800 cancer in your phone book and ask them all the questions you have.. They all have had cancer and know the correct answers to give you.
I wish you luck, and happiness and i hope you watched STAND UP FOR CANCER Tonight.

Hey there,
Cranberry juice are high in anti-oxidants thats really helps removing cancerous cells but which. But that cranberry is what brand and has it hit the ORAC standard?
If you are interested to know how I can help you to solve these problem, would you mind calling me by viewing at my profile as my number is there or MSN me @ IGT_Ben@live.com

Cheers

my mom just finished her treatment about 2 months ago. She went to the Dr. today due to thumb pain and inability to use. She says it was due to the radiation, anyway she now has to have surgeryon it. They say it is nerve damage?????????????????
Maybe that could be what your feeling in your arms

1) Ask advice of your Oncologist AND Oncology nurse
2) It passes - everyone reacts differently to treatment and eventually it will hopefully be a forgotten memory.
3) I found things got me down after treatment, so went looking for lovely treatments such as massage - look on website HAVING FUN AFTER CANCER www.after-cancer.com

Verite R