Breast pain almost 2 years after lumpectomy

Hi, I have continuous pain and tenderness in the bone area on the upper side of my left breast, armpit area and the wound scar. It also sometimes feels as if I am burnt inside this area. I had two ops in January & February 2021 ( removal of lumpectomy then back in to remove lymph nodes in second op).I had problems with the drains and lockdown made everything so difficult. Radiotherapy followed in May 2021. I'm taking low dose Tamoxifen. My recent mammogram was clear. I do have low level lymphodoema and do exercises and massage for this. Sometimes my left breast hurts so much and feels so heavy I can't wear a bra. Is this normal? I felt I was healing before the radiotherapy, but since then have had varying levdls of pain. I had 15 days of radiotherapy fitted into 5 days and sometimes wonder if this was too much for me. I just wondered if this is just something I have to put up with this as mg new normal.

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  • Hello there and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about your treatment for breast cancer and the symptoms you are experiencing since.

    Everyone's story is different and unfortunately some people do experience pain and discomfort after these types of treatments, and in some cases this is for a long time after.

    Both surgery and radiotherapy can interfere with the nerves and ligaments in the breast and armpit area that can lead to the pain and discomfort you describe. It sounds like you are managing the lymphoedema well but sometimes this can worsten leading to the heaviness you mention so I am wondering if this is playing a part in the way you are feeling. Compression vests and bra tops can help with this if the swelling is on the chest wall as well as the arm.

    Do let your doctor and breast care unit know if you haven't already so they can check you out, just in case there is something else going on or they may be able to recommend other things to try to relieve things for you.

    Please get back if you have more questions or feel free to call us on 0808 800 4040 if you prefer, we're here weekdays ( excluding bank holidays) 9-5.

    Best wishes

    Naomi

  • Thanks I do have an appointment with the Breast Clinic in January. I gather it is more nerve type pain and lymphodoema, but best to check. I had a toe half removed this May due to a melanoma so am pretty bewildered. I keep trying to count my blessings but sometimes, life is so complicated, it overwhelms me

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