Women often say that once they have completed breast cancer treatment, they are set adrift and left to navigate the next part of their journey alone. “Where should I go?” “Who can I talk to?” “Who can help me with the side effects from lumpectomy, mastectomy, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy?”
You are not alone. Pain, lack of energy, lymphedema, cording in the armpit, and chemo-brain affect our ability to return to usual activities. Holding our arms to our bodies to protect our vulnerable shoulders and chest may lead to long-lasting problems. This “broken wing” scenario may cause muscle shortening/tightening, making it difficult to regain full motion in our arm/shoulder, trunk, and neck. Putting on clothes, sleep on your side, doing housework, and participating in sports activities can all be challenging.
Our quality of life after diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer strongly relates to physical movement. The more we can move, the more we do move.
Dr. Kathleen Nazar Corbett, diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, uses a variety of treatments to help patients deal with issues that arise from breast cancer treatment. Treatment may begin after a full assessment, including arm/shoulder, neck, trunk, and range of motion.
Connect with Dr. Kathleen if you are experiencing pain and limitations from breast cancer surgery. Life shouldn’t hurt.
Breast Cancer Resources:
- Canadian Cancer Society – Breast cancer statistics: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/breast/statistics]
- Knot A Breast – Dragon Boating. If you have received a breast cancer diagnosis and are looking for a new challenge in a supportive and encouraging environment: https://knotabreast.com/
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre – Breast Cancer Resources https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=pynk-breast-cancer-resources
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