Does elbow pain happen after lymphectomy and radiation?

Many people in the breast cancer community do experience arm and elbow discomfort following lymph node surgery and radiation treatment, so this concern is quite common. It would be helpful to mention this to your medical team, as they can assess whether it's related to your treatment and suggest appropriate ways to manage any discomfort you're experiencing.

It’s hard to lay in bed bc I’m a left side sleeper. I had first stage breast cancer both of my breasts and lymph node’s were taken. I’m not getting treatment yet they are checking my DNA to see if it’s from my mom who died from b cancer. I feel like I have phantom pain

I have not yet had my lumpectomy as my doctor had me start with chemo first. However, my elbow on my right side aches constantly to the point I can barely use my right hand to grab or open things…and of course I’m right handed! I attributed mine to joint pain from the chemotherapy. My lumpectomy is coming up in 2 weeks, also on the right side. I really hope it doesn’t get worse after that.

I constantly exercise my right elbow. If I don't, my joints will get stiff. From time to time, under my armpit, I would also feel heavy. Has anyone else had that experience? I had my lymphectomy first and then radiation about five months after my surgery. I had to wait until I somewhat healed to make sure all was taken out during my lymphectomy surgery because I had concerns. Everything that needed to be removed was removed.