Pain in remaining breast

Hi - I had triple negative breast cancer, 12 weeks of chemo and a mastectomy on 30th December. It went great, no problems. On 9th Feb I had a tumor removed from my heart ( incidental finding), obviously I'm still recovering from that, however, since Sunday, I have had really sharp stabbing pains in my right breast in the same place, it's definitely in the breast tissue and not to do with the pain I had been getting with the sternum from the heart surgery.

 

Is this anything I should be concerned about do you think? Could it be hormonal? Menopausal? The chemo sent me into early menopause so?? I'm only asking because it is quite uncomfortable and noticeable, and doesn't feel like the ache I use to get in them the week before my period was due when I use to have them 

 

Thanks in advance for any help 

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about the pain that you are experiencing. It is still early days since you have had the mastectomy and the pains that you are feeling are probably related to the muscle and nerves knitting together after the surgery.

    I came across this thread from other women who had had mastectomies on Breast Cancer Now's website. Some women do describe pain that has gone on for some time. Have a look at the information here

    I would however for your own peace of mind let your breast cancer nurse know and if you are due to have an appointment with your oncologist  then do mention it to them. Get their advice on the most appropriate pain killers as it is important that you are not prevented from doing your arm exercises.

    There is a you tube video made by Cancer Research UK about different exercises and the importance of keeping moving after surgery. Have a look here

    I do hope that over time this pain will settle for you but do get advice from your doctors in the first instance.

    If you feel that it would be helpful to chat this through with the nurses on the helpline then do get back to us or give us a ring. Our Freephone number is 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

    Best Wishes,

    Catherine