Sorry to hear you have been and are suffering so much, it realy is not fun at all, is it.

I suppose the only bit of good news is that you are seeing someone on Monday so you can hopefully find a solution then. In the meantime, all I can suggest is trying to distract yourself with family and friends plus hopefully receiving great advice from the wonderful poeple you will find here. 

I'm sorry to say that I do not any answers for you but can only recount my own experience, which at least shows that it cannot be all that unusual. Not very comforting I realise but at least I can confirm that you are not on your own in this..

I recently had bilateral WLE and SNB and found that all the way through the initial tests and procedures and now during the post op recovery that my left side has been far more troublesome than the right, even though it contained the lower grade cancer of the two.

I am currently 4 weeks post op and while my right side is doing well, I have so far had a large seroma in my left armpit, which thankfully is now subsiding,but just in time for what I suspect is cording beginning to develop in the same place. Also the scar on my left breast is taking longer to heal than the right side did.

I too would be interested to know if there is a straight forward reason why there is such a difference in reaction between the two sides but I suspect it may just be down to "luck of the draw".

Take care and lots of luck with the doctor on Monday. I hope they provide some bloody good pain relief for you. xx

Thanks for taking the time to reply, much appreciated.  I am trying to distract myself, as you suggest, and it really is the only solution at present.  That really is very good advice for anyone struggling with pain.  It is helpful to know that having such different reactions is not unusual.  Thank you.

Hello again

I saw my surgeon yesterday and he had no answers about the pain but the registrar who came to the consultation suggested a cream based on chilli pepper that I might rub on and the sensation of heat might disrupt the sensation of pain. Apparently, it can take a couple of weeks to be fully effective.  I started it immediately.  The surgeon also apologized that the surgery is not as neat as it could be because it has left me with a dog ear lump of flesh and fat in my armpit that chafes and rubs with or without clothing.  He said he would see me in 6 months' time when chemo is finished to discuss a further procedure to correct the problem.  Now I await the arrangements for chemo that must be started as soon as the wound heals.  I'm not sure how I will cope with chemo if this pain persists.  I have MS so I feel I'm already struggling.  Thanks for the response.  It all helps.  Vivien

Hi Vivien,

Chilli pepper? That sounds really bizarre but I really do hope it helps you with the pain... I suppose it is the same theory as using a hot (or cold) compress and will presumably calm the nerve endings?

I am sorry that the surgery has left you with the chaffing in your armpit, that's not fun at all. I know from just having the seroma under there how irratating any protruberances can be so you have my sympathy on that one for sure. Good to hear that it can be sorted out later for you though.

Unfortunately, I cannot advise you on the chemo as I am only due radiotherapy but, with the "added extra" of the MS to deal with as well, you are really going through it aren't you.

I am sure the chemo bods will help in anyway they can and perhaps the MS nurses can also offer you some advice?

I am here anytime you need to rant and I hope the chilli peppers kick in asap for you.

Take care and do let me know how you get on.

xx

, 

Hi Susu

You are right about the workings of the cream.  It is called Capsaicin which is the active ingredient in chilli peppers.  Here's some more info about it that others might find helpful....

A study by researchers with the Geisinger Clinical Oncology Program found that cancer patients with post-surgical nerve pain had substantially more pain relief after using capsaicin cream, with an average pain reduction of 53% versus 17% for the placebo.

Hopefully, it will work for me.  I'll let you know.  Thanks again for your support.  It helps.

Vivien

Hi Vivien,
Thank so much for sharing this info.  Look forward to your updates as to how you find it.
Best wishes
Kathy x 
 

Hi Kathy

I'll certainly post anything that I find helpful.  We need all the help we can get!

Best wishes

Vivien

Hi Vivien,

How is the chilli pepper cream going, is it helping yet? x

Hi Susu

The cream certainly has created a feeling of warmth which is not uncomfortable or unpleasant but the pain has not gone away. It feels as though it is a pain in the middle of the warmth.  My GP had a helpful suggestion to put a Lidocaine patch over the painful area and apply the cream all around the patch.  Then, because the patch must be 12 hours on and 12 hours off, the cream could be applied all over the whole area for the 12 hours that the patch is off.  This, added to all the other painkillers (Paracetomol, Ibuprofen, Gabapentin and Amitriptyline) is making things a bit more bearable.  However, due to the continuing pain and the extensive bruising, now 4 weeks since the mastectomy, I shall phone the breast care nurse today and try to get an appointment to get her opinion on my progress or lack of it.

Thanks very much for your care x