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Constant breast pain - what pain killers can I take?

Sharon_H
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I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer recently and waiting for my operation at the end of this month. But my breast is so painful all the time. I'm not sleeping well because the pain is waking me up. I've taken paracetamol but it's not really doing anything. What other painkillers could I try whilst I wait for surgery?

  • Hello and thanks for your enquiry,

    I am sorry to hear that you have some current pain. There are stronger painkillers available, but beyond lower dose codeine, these will be obtained via a doctors prescription only. So, maybe ask for a more urgent GP appointment, rather than wait. You can speak with your local pharmacist as well. They can sell a certain codeine and paracetamol combination from over the counter.

    I hope that you get help with this soon,

    Kind regards,

    Vanda

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    Hi Sharon. Hope you don’t mind me jumping on your post.

    i was referred to breast cancer clinic 3 weeks ago. I’ve been having pain in my breast on & off for several months and I could feel a lump above my nipple. As I’d a clear mammogram in June I stupidly ignored it & blamed peri menopause (I’m 50.) I have been ill over the summer with stomach issues, UTIs, weight loss, no appetite etc. Dr kept putting it down to IBS, stress & anxiety. After my 4th trip to Dr they finally spoke to a senior Dr and next thing they’re asking about changes in my breast. Also had a CT scan which showed enlarged lymph nodes so possible lymphoma.

    I’m just wondering what the pain is like you are feeling? Mine can vary from stabbing kind of pain to a burning sensation and sometimes feels like it radiates to my shoulder. Unfortunately waiting times here are horrendous & I was told it could be 6 weeks before I get an appointment and that’s for a red flag appointment. 

    I hope you are feeling well & I understand if you’d rather not reply.

    Take care xx 

  • Offline in reply to Ms_D

    Hello Ms_D, thanks for reaching out. I'm new on this forum and didn't know what to expect but everyone seems to be really lovely. 

    I found my lump because of the pain. I rolled over in bed one night and got this stabbing pain in the lower part of my breast (under the nipple) I had a feel around and found a small lump the size of a pea. I've had numerous cysts in my breast over the years and they are normally bigger and a bit more squishy. They've been sorted each time by being drained and then antibiotics. This lump felt different. My doctor tried a week of antibiotics first just to rule out another cyst and when that didn't do anything I was fast tracked to the breast clinic. In my area we are fortunate that they are meeting their targets of getting an appointment in 2 weeks.

    After 2 mammograms, 3 biopsies and a marker inserted, I then had an agonising 2.5wks to hear my diagnosis. Since then I've had constant stabbing pain. Mine isn't sharp like the pointed end of a pencil. Mine is like the rubber end of the pencil pushing hard. It's a throbbing pain and can stop me in my tracks sometimes. Paracetamol isn't doing much but takes the edge off. I'm also rubbing in Ibuprofen gel.

    I do get the sensation of the pain travelling up into my armpit but I'm also doing exercises I've been give to do and it might be a consequence of that?

    I'm just about to head to the hospital to have another marker put in ready for surgery, I'm sure the pain will get worse after today. My boobs have had so many needles in them.

    Since my diagnosis to the time of my surgery is almost 3 weeks, so I feel your pain about waiting times. I thought with an aggressive cancer I would have been in sooner :(

    I really hope you get sorted very soon. Let me know how you get on

    Sharon x

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