Advice for Dealing with Armpit "Cord" After Breast Cancer Treatment

I had cording after my lumpectomy—it was a terrible burning pain down my arm & I could feel the cord. My surgeon’s PA sent out a prescription for gabapentin & that really helped.

Wow, this is why it's so important to have I forum like this because I never even heard of "cording" until this post. I just looked it up and read that stretching can help address it. I am right behind you both in my cancer journey. Knowing what to expect and ways to mitigate the side effects is so helpful for my mental preparation. Thanks for posting.

Talk with your team and ask for a referral to a Physical Therapist that specializes in cancer care. It will help you a lot.

I have cording and at times it is uncomfortable but not lasting pain. I have a therapist who has shown me how to massage the tissues with oil and stretching is a great help. With any luck, we will reduce the cording and discomfort.

If you go on you tube under breast recovery there’s a lady who’s a cancer & lymphedema expert named Kelly PT. She works with a co called Lymphie Strong. She has some videos on cording.💕

There is a lymphedema bra and also the compression sleeve available if you google it. I started cupping techniques from my therapist and it helped a lot. The roping is better and the lymphedema is minimal. I had scapula and vagal tightening and still stretch with the exercise ball and neck exercises. Hang in there

I too have cording and have been going to an oncology physical therapist for about six weeks. I went all thru radiation and now that that is finished the cording is getting better faster. I totally recommend physical therapy.

Finding something new during recovery can understandably cause concern, and many people in this community have dealt with similar post-treatment changes. Consider reaching out to your healthcare team to discuss what you're experiencing, as they can provide the most appropriate guidance for your specific situation and help put your mind at ease.