Axillary Syndrome. Webbing. Web Axillary Syndrome. Cord Syndrome. Cording.

All these names mean the same thing and not many doctors discuss it or perhaps not aware that it may be more common than they think.

I didn’t know any of these names a week ago, which is about 11 months post-mastectomy. All the informaiton I’ve since found mentions it by its medical name — no one describes it and why I thought I should talk about its symptoms rather than its name to help other people who may be suffering, too.

I just thought my armpit was in a different place and that it’s extremely stiff — the numbness extends to my chest wall and across the shoulder and down to my elbow.

I’ve been concerned about Frozen Shoulder Syndrome — something I had years ago and is very painful — I’ve been forcing myself to use my arm to avoid getting Frozen Shoulder again.

I still struggle being on the computer and using the mouse for extended periods. I have to take many breaks.

So it’s almost comforting to know it has a name (almost comforting)

How Did I Hear About Cord’s Syndrome?

I haven’t been getting any exercise since the mastectomy and decided it’s about time to get my derriere up and moving. Wellspring has cancer exercise classes and I had my assessment last week with a physical therapist. She is the one that told me about this condition and said she could fix me. How wonderful!

She also mentioned that Lymphodema typically occurs 12-14 months after a mastectomy and since I have cording, I could be at risk for it. Yikes! I thought I was in the clear at this point — I’m so glad I decided to get my butt moving now instead of waiting until the summer!

I had my first cancer exercise class yesterday and I asked her for more information since I couldn’t find “Cord Syndrome” doing a Google search. She gave me the alternate names and eureka, I found information.

As an aside, my arm already feels better after the first class — it’s a modified circuit training customized to me personally. So if you’ve been like me and have been afraid to do a lot of moving and exercising, get yourself to a cancer clinic if there’s no Wellspring in your area.

Here are some links for you to check out if you are interested in getting more information:

• Axillary Web Syndrome / Cording
• Rehabilitation Oncology for Physical Therapists
• Breast Cancer Discussion Forum
• Step-Up and Speak Out (Lymphedema)

Hopefully these links will  help in your own journey with this syndrome and the many other afflictions after breast cancer surgery — this apparently can occur in those who only had a lumpectomy, too.

Peace and happiness to everyone in 2010.