Is This Normal?

The questions you type at 2 a.m.

Plain answers to the things nobody explained, sourced from major cancer centers and published research, with what to ask your care team and when to call.

General information, not medical advice. Each article lists its sources.

After surgery

What Is This Tight, Rope-Like Cord Under My Arm?Probably cording. It's common after lymph node surgery and usually eases within a few months.Read Why Is My Chest Still Numb Months After Surgery?Very common. Cut nerves heal slowly, and some numbness can last years.Read My Arm Feels Heavy and My Rings Are Tight. Is It Lymphedema?It might be. Heaviness and snug rings are early signs worth a call now.Read

After treatment

Treatment Is Over. Why Am I Still This Tired?Cancer-related fatigue can outlast treatment by months or years. Some causes are fixable.Read Why Can't I Think Straight? Is "Chemo Brain" Real?Yes, it's real, it has many causes, and for most people it gets better.Read Is It Normal to Have This Many Hot Flashes on Hormone Therapy?Common on tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, and treatable without hormones.Read