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Would love to hear others thoughts on this from research you've done or things you've heard.

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Since my primary treatment was completed I have been seeing a naturopath on a monthly basis. Additionally therapy has consisted mostly of vitamine suplements and vitamine B12 shots every other day. I have to say that the B12 made a big difference to my energy level. The naturopath stays in close contact with my cancer health team and collaborates with them in terms of any additional modalities.

K8T

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1. After the lymphedema workshop at Princess Margaret, I followed up on a type of lymphatic massage that was mentioned (Vodder method) by doing a web search for registered practicioners. Thankfully I didn't have swelling, so the massage has been more for prevention and reassurance. I have found it to be a good alternative to the Swedish massage that I was accustomed to (and actually the RMT does both types). After surgery, I followed the nurse's advice about massaging my scars from the lumpectomy and SND, and they've healed very nicely. (I can't say enough good things about my surgeon.) However, there was still a bit of adhesion at one end of the lumpectomy scar that the RTM was somehow able to improve--a bonus.

2. I had mild but persistant arm pain (forearm) and my arm tired easily from using the computer, meal preparation, etc. I wasn't sure whether I needed to use it more (to build up strength) or less. When I met with my surgeon to get the results of my mammogram (a year after diagnosis), he suggested that I consult with my family doctor about physiohtherapy. She suspected I was getting "referred pain" from my shoulder and agreed that PT would probably help. What a hugh difference! He identified very specifically the source of the muscle problem, worked on my neck and shoulder in a few follow up sessions, and gave me some simple exercises with light free weights that I now do a few times a day, especially when I'm using the computer for a long period of time. Even though the pain was mild, it was a regular reminder of the cancer diagnosis and treatment. It's amazing what a difference getting relief from even a minor side effect can make!

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I have a quick question on that pain regarding your arm, etc. I have constant pain (nerve related I think) in both my arms/hands and neck... would those exercises help that maybe? Perhaps you could explain the exercises for me so I could try that.

Thanks!

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The exercises were quite simple, but he sketched them with stick figures to illustrate, so I don't think I'll try to describe them! Some reminded me of the type of exercises in the "functional rehabilitation" booklet that I was given to help me increase range of motion after surgery, only with light weights. I recovered my range of motion quite quickly, so I quit doing them--maybe too soon.

You mention neck problems, so I'll add a detail that I left out in the previous message. After he worked on my neck and shoulder in the second session and was thinking about how my specific areas of complaint were related, he asked me if I talked or worked with my head tilted in a particular way. (And he then demonstrated: head moving left and tilted toward the shoulder.) I recognized the pose immediately: it's the way I sit when I'm typing notes from what I've been reading for work-related research and writing. I've done it for years with some neck stiffness, but never arm pain. However, he speculated that little changes in my body position to "protect" my arm after surgery (when I was using the mouse for instance) ending up putting extra stress on it. I now do more neck stretches and shoulder shrugs when I'm at the keyboard, and try to keep what I'm working from in front of me, rather than to the side.

Without diagrams to go with my comments, this may not be very helpful, so you might find it worhwhile to arrange for a PT session. Another option might be to take a look at a book that I picked up a few weeks ago: THE BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR'S FITNESS PLAN (Carolyn Kaelin) from the Harvard Medical School series. The exercises are very clear and well illustrated (good tips on technique). She's a surgical oncologist at one of the Harvard hospitals and a breast cancer survivor herself. I found her book LIVING THROUGH BREAST CANCER one of the best resources after I was diagnosed. Hope this helps!

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I would have to agree that B12 can make a difference for many people. I find it has also been helpful. If the complimentary treatments add to your wellness then why not. Too often its an economic issue as well. It great we have programs like wellspring and gilda's club where alternative types of support are free and available.

Scott

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I've found both PT and massage to be of great benefit post surgery. After the mastectomy, PT was instrumental in getting back my full range of motion and rebuilding the strength in my arm.

Massage allowed the scars to loosen up and and "not stick" to the rib cage (sorry no reconstruction here!). Having the lymph massage also helps keep the lymphy fluid moving freely and keeps the the lymphedema swelling in my arm to a minimum. I have little swelling but some residual numbness which I fear is permanent 1.5 years post surgery. I also find the lymph massage helps me fight off infections by allowing the fluid to flow instead of build up.

Best to all,

Pat M

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I have never heard about massaging the mastectomy scar. I think I may have missed a whole section there.... I have lymphedema and cannot raise my arm properly and cannot bend it certain ways (like taking laundry out of a front loader). I have learned to adapt to the limitations. I don't think the scar has stuck to the rib or anything but no one recommended anything beyond walking my fingertips up a wall. Which I did, faithfully. Then one day my arm swelled up and that was it... I have never got it back to "normal".

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Dreamwriter...have you looked into the lymphedema clinic at PMH? If not, consider giving them a shout. You may need a referral, but if you call, you'll get the personalized info you need for your particular circumstance.

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