Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS)

I forgot to tell you that I finally found out what is wrong with my arm..........

I have Axillary Web Syndrome.

I got this information from the BC Cancer Agency web site for you so that you would have a brief idea of what AWS is
(this is kind of technical, so I hope you can understand it):

"Axillary web syndrome is a post axillary lymph node dissection pain syndrome that occurs in approximately 6% of patients.

It is characterized by a "visible web of axillary skin overlying palpable cords of tissue that are made taut and painful by shoulder abduction.

The web is always present in the axilla and extends down to the antecubital space, and occasionally to the base of the thumb.

Typically, there are two or three taut, tender, nonerythematous cords of tissue under the skin."

"In the majority of cases these cords extend across the antecubital fossa and into the forearm, occasionally as far as the radial aspect of the wrist at the base of the thumb."

It can present as early as 7 days post-op, but there is no documentation of it developing more than 8 weeks post-op.

It often presents after an initial postoperative delay and resolves within 3 months of onset.

It can occur in diverse populations of patients with invasive breast cancers.

AWS is usually self-limited, resolving without any specific treatment.
Although some patients have been treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, and range of motion exercises, these treatments do not shorten or change the self-limited course of the syndrome. "

You see, I am having alot of trouble stretching my left arm out straight.

For example:
When you carry a full bucket of water, you usually have your arm straight down by your side and it feels like the bucket is pulling your muscle from your shoulder right? The longer you hold the bucket, the tighter and painful the feeling gets.

Well, when I hold my left arm out, as straight as possible, it feels like all of the muscle is pulling from my arm pit.
It feels like it is going to rip at my wrist, and I am not even carrying anything!

It seems to be getting better, the more I exercise it, but I still cannot lift anything over about 15 pounds.
It could take up to 3 months to go back to normal. YIKES!!!!

I have been really emotional and sometimes depressed.
I am seriously considering joining Gilda's Club, WNY.