I was diagnosed earlier this year and had a lump removed on 17th May. At the moment my arthritis is really painful and I get shooting pains where I had my Op and under my arm where the lymph nodes were removed. Is this a normal part of the healing?
I see that this is your first visit to the forum, so a very warm welcome to Cancer Chat.
I am sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Can I ask what follow up treatment you’ve had since your lumpectomy?
I was more uncomfortable after my lumpectomy than I was after my Mastectomies. I got pain in the same part of the breast, until I had my mastectomy. Under my arm is still sore at times, but I have just been checked out again and have been told that all is ok. I was told that I would feel the enlarged lymph nodes if they occurred. I know that this is always a concern – if you are worried, why not phone your specialist nurse and ask her if this is normal? If she is uncertain, she will bring you back for another examination. You should also be brought back to see your Consultant annually for a check-up, so if she thinks that all is alright, she may leave you until then.
I had a lumpectomy followed by Tamoxifen 7 years ago. Almost a year to the day later, I had a second bout in the same breast and had a double mastectomy, followed by Letrozole. I have had an awful lot of pain in all my joints since. My knees were so sore that I had to get both of them replaced. I finished taking Letrozole earlier this year, but am still having trouble with all my joints. I have attributed the pain to the Hormone treatment.
I hope that your breast and underarm soon feel better and that you continue to keep well.
Please keep in touch. We are always here for you, whenever you feel like talking.
Welcome Doro. Sorry to hear about your cancer. I've had lumpectomy and node removed with 6 weeks radiation. I have had constant pains and aches so am uncertain if it's the tamoxifen or radiation damage or healing of op and treatment. I think I've learned to just live with pain. The aches and joint pain I've heard is a side effect. I still suffer with a achingness and fatigue - I finished treatment 6 months ago.
I agree that you should get any concerns checked out straight away. I hope the aching improves. I had shooting pains and still get them and have been told its part of healing. It will get more bearable - just hang in there.
