Will my breast ever feel right again?

I had a lumpectomy to remove a small grade 1 tubular tumour in my right breast in December last year and the first lymph node was removed too, this was followed by 4 weeks of radiotherapy.   All went well. I am now taking Letrozole for 5 years. Every day I experience some kind of ache/pain/discomfort in that breast; it's not constant and it's not so bad it requires pain killers, it just seems there to remind me. Sometimes it's a throbbing pain in my whole breast, sometimes it's a pinching feeling under my arm and sometimes it's an ache. I have small breasts but the one that was operated on is still slightly larger than the other one, nearly 8 months after my operation.  Anyone else experience this?

  • Hello JCT,

    I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing pain in your right breast.

    Have you brought up this issue to your doctors' attention yet? If you haven't done that yet, it might be a good idea to do so on your next appointment.

    Hopefully, some of our members who have been in the same position will soon stop by to offer you advice and share their experiences with you.There is also a bit of information on our website about cancer and pain which might be worth reading if you find a minute.

    I hope you feel better soon!

    Best wishes,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi JCT Like you I had a lumpectomy 6 months ago all lymph nodes removed and 4 weeks of radiotherapy, I'm taking anastrzole for 5 years and ibandronic acid for 3. I get daily pains in my breast and under arm but I understand this is quite normal.I probably find it easier to cope with as it's better than the 6months of chemo I had last year for bowel cancer lol. I also find my breast hurts more if I spend too much time thinking about it, so I just concentrate on work and family I do hope you feel better soon in my experience your breast clinic will be happy to give you a reassuring phone call if you need it take care.