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Breast cancer stage 1

Susanne-H
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I was diagnosed with breast cancer stage 1 last March and had a lumpectomy and lymph node removed in May.  I am lucky that it was found at such an early stage.  

I have had a course of Radiotherapy in July which is what my question is about.  

I have had various levels of pain in the breast area every day since having the radiotherapy ranging from 1-2 to  7-8. out of 10.   I have been told by Oncology that this is very normal and it can continue for 6 months or more.  I accept this from the experts but after speaking to other women with the same diagnosis I appear to be the only one experiencing such pain.  The other ladies seem to have sailed through it.

Has anyone else found themselves in pain after radiotherapy?  

I am due to have my first mammogram since the operation in a few weeks and I am quite worried about having it.  The pain level today has been 3-4.  

Any thoughts would be very welcome.

Sue

Parents
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    Hi Sue,  sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  I had stage 3 cancer twelve years ago and had lumpectomy, chemo and then radiotherapy and off course the tamoxifen etc.  I still get occasional pain in the breast it does get less at times goes on.  I normally take ibuprofen or paracetamol about an hour before having a mammogram as it does help.  Wishing you well on your recovery.  Lee x 

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    Hi Sue,  sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  I had stage 3 cancer twelve years ago and had lumpectomy, chemo and then radiotherapy and off course the tamoxifen etc.  I still get occasional pain in the breast it does get less at times goes on.  I normally take ibuprofen or paracetamol about an hour before having a mammogram as it does help.  Wishing you well on your recovery.  Lee x 

Children
  • Offline in reply to leelaloo

    Thank you Lee for your response.  I am feeling so much better about my own pains and soreness.   I am not alone!

    I will definitely take paracetamol before my appointment - that's a great idea.  I am overthinking it all as I am not so worried about the mammogram pain as I am quiet large and the mammograms are usually very uncomfortable if only for seconds.  I was more worried about the mammogram doing damage to tissues that are still healing but ....  they obviously know what they are doing.

    I hope your good health continues - 12 years is certainly something to celebrate. 

    Sue

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