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Post lumpectomy - 5 weeks on and I've noticed a dimply texture on my breast. Does this mean it hasn't fully healed?

Litalou
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Hi.. my breast cancer was found at an early stage, during my first mammogram. Everything happened so quickly, my surgery was done within 6 weeks. However, it meant that I had little time to understand what was going to happen afterwards and how my breasts were going to feel or change. I didn't even think to ask these questions at the time.

It's now been just over 5 weeks since surgery and this morning I saw my breast had a dimply texture. About a week ago I felt a hard lump on the inside of my breast, which felt tender to touch. I still have the same tender lump under the incision. Is it usual to develop another lump on the other side?

I know it's early days, but the team at the hospital made it sound as though it would be so straight forward. Even saying I could return to work within a couple of weeks. I would have found that very difficult and painful.

I'm supposed to be starting radiotherapy soon, but I'm concerned that the dimply texture might mean my breast isn't fully healed? Any thoughts welcome

Parents

  • Hello Litalou and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear that you have recently had surgery for breast cancer.

    As we are not involved in your care and can't know what your breast feels like you may find it helpful to contact your breast cancer nurse. As it is still early days since you have had your surgery the area is still healing. You may find you have done more movement or exercise and the area has now become quite tender. It may feel quite lumpy after some of the tissue has been removed. Once a breast lump has been removed the pathologist looks at the tissue under a microscope to ensure that the surgeon has left a clear healthy margin around the area

    Before you have any radiotherapy you will be examined and the doctors will ensure that all is healed before they start planning your radiotherapy.

    Remember everyone's situation is very different and people heal at different rates.

    I hope you manage to speak to your breast care nurse and can be reassured. Often you need to leave a message as they may be out and about in clinic.

    You are also very welcome to ring the nurses on the helpline.

    The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine

Reply

  • Hello Litalou and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear that you have recently had surgery for breast cancer.

    As we are not involved in your care and can't know what your breast feels like you may find it helpful to contact your breast cancer nurse. As it is still early days since you have had your surgery the area is still healing. You may find you have done more movement or exercise and the area has now become quite tender. It may feel quite lumpy after some of the tissue has been removed. Once a breast lump has been removed the pathologist looks at the tissue under a microscope to ensure that the surgeon has left a clear healthy margin around the area

    Before you have any radiotherapy you will be examined and the doctors will ensure that all is healed before they start planning your radiotherapy.

    Remember everyone's situation is very different and people heal at different rates.

    I hope you manage to speak to your breast care nurse and can be reassured. Often you need to leave a message as they may be out and about in clinic.

    You are also very welcome to ring the nurses on the helpline.

    The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine

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