MAJOR STIFFNESS/SWELLING UNDER ARMS AFTER MASTECTOMY/RECONSTRUCTION

Hello all

I am at the end of my wits and very depressed.  I hope someone here can help me.  I had invasive ductal carcinoma in my left breast.   I am 49 years old.  I opted for a double mastectomy with 13 lymph nodes removed (left side) 2 months ago and had tissue expanders put in.    A month later (I wanted them out!) I had silicon implants (lowest size possible) 10 days ago.   I have had major swelling and stiffness under both armpits since mastectomy.  I feel like there are 2 tennis balls under my arms. I asked my breast surgeon about it and he told me it's normal, no fluid accumulation (just tissue) and it will take time to go down.  This is very aggravating.  I can't sleep because I have to sleep on my back (not a back sleeper).  It is so stiff and u can actually see it through shirts.  I have been doing excercises with no results.  I just want to take a knife an cut myself open to relieve the pressure (no worries, I won't do that).  At this point I want to call my plastic surgeon and tell him to take everything out and be flat chested, I really don't care anymore.  Also, I feel like I have two big stones sittiing on my chest.  Everything in so non-plyable.  I don't want to keep taking meds as they r not working anymore and I don't want to get addicted. 

PLEASE DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INSIGHT OR SUGGESTIONS BEFORE I IMPLODE!  SERIOUSLY I JUST WANT TO CRY ALL THE TIME.

thanks in advance

Stella49

Thank you so much for responding Bev.   I will google Myofacial release. What do you been by adhesions?  Are u talking about perhaps scar tissue under the area that was cut?  ty again.

I have axillary web syndrome (aka axillary cording) even after 2 1/2 years. I just finally found a therapist who deals with it. My last oncologist said to me, "What's that?" So I'm switching again.

For me it started after radiation. My lymphatic system on the bad side was cooked - bottom of ribs to elbow.

There are lots of exercises on the web. I've been doing them, and they do help. They just weren't enough. I'm hoping the vigorous squashing and manual stretching by the therapist will break them up.

It works for some people.

What does your doctor say about the edema? Sometimes they will suggest a compression garment to minimize the collection of fluids. But you really need to check with your doctor and follow his/her advice.

Gentle hugs...
BEV

In 6 days I must have a mastectomy on my right breast. I have had 4 lumpectomy's the invasive cancer is gone but DCIS positive margin are still present. I will have reconstruction and was wondering has evenyone had a good experience with this procedure?