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.

  • 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

  • Hi I had surgery April 21, Chemo then  radiotherapy and still have issues. Consultant has told me it can go on for years sadly which doesn't help with the anxiety we have to live with. 

    I get swelling still and like you can't always wear a bra and sometimes my skin under breast becomes red raw nothing like sweat rash used to get. 

    Sadly like they say the gift that keeps on giving. Xx

  • Thank you. I am feeling pretty low because this year I had half a great toe amputated due to a melanoma. So I just keep trying to put this stuff behind me and forget about it. However your words have helped me try to get some perspective. 

  • 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

  • Hi,

    I have same as what you describe , but have not contacted anyone as I feel stupid if they say its normal and can go on for years , just so worrying 

  • Hi there and thanks for posting

    It can be a worry to notice symptoms following a cancer diagnosis, in many cases it won't be anything related to the cancer but it is best to get it checked out.

    Do arrange an appointment to see your doctor when you can so they can assess you and arrange more tests if need be. Hopefully it'll be nothing to worry about, but getting yourself checked out will give you peace of mind.

    Best wishes

    Naomi