13 months after radiotherapy

I'm 13 months down the line after DCIS & radiotherapy. Got the past 2 weeks my breast has gotten more painful. It's a new pain if that makes sense. There's a throbbing sharp sorta pain going on at the nipple, radiating up to the top of the breast & then the usual constant dull throb at the side / underarm of breast. Anyone else experiencing something similar? Don't want to call bcn as they've made me feel kinda like a hypochondriac in the past. Please help!

  • Hi there ...

    Don't worry what you think they think ... after cancer treatment we all get a little over cautious of pain and niggles ... we get that so if there's anything going on, we catch it early ... trust me, I don't know anyone who doesn't feel like that ...

    It's far better getting seen and sorted ... yea touch wood all's fine ... but what people don't know is post treatments it feels like cancer just sits on our shoulder ... never quite letting us go ... so you look after you .. it's your health ... good luck ... be gently firm ... Chrissie x

  • Hi Michelle, I am exactly the same. I am nearly 2 years after finishing radiotherapy and was really worried but just had my 2nd mammogram and all clear. I spoke to my nurse who basically said it may be like that forever. Might be worth speaking to your team to put your mind at rest , nicky xx

  • Thank you I think people tend to not realise that after effects of bc! As I said 13 months on & my boob is as sore as ever.

  • Feel as though I don't want to waste their time! They must have loads more folks to deal with rather than someone like me who's already had her treatment & had the all clear. This might sound bad but I'm glad I now know I'm not alone in being in pain with the boob. Sorry that does sound bad how do you deal with the pains? If you don't mind me asking ?

  • Hi this may sound bizarre but I continue to use bio oil gel and I don't know if it's in my mind but it does ease a little. My pain is underarm and also the nipple (to much info sorry) which feels what I can only describe as like it's raw skin . The breast is constantly tender . It's crazy as you think once your done with active treatment you should be all good. If you are concerned I would speak to your team , they may check it over for you xxx

  • Thank you. Hey I don't think anything is to much info when it comes to surviving & adapting bc. This new pain at my nipple feels as though there's a ball behind the nipple . Iv tried to check but to be honest with you Iv got more lumps, bumps, dimples than ever before. The radiotherapy really affected the boob. Thanks again 

  • Hello Michelle 

    I completed 15 sessions of radiotherapy in February 2020 having had breast conserving op for a stage 2 lobular breast cancer. 
     

    Completely  'get' you re. the cancer never quite leaving you...  it does stay with you despite life going on. 
    My treated breast remains quite stiff and always feels heavy. I do get quite a few twitchy pains in it too. Some times they are quite acute but mostly it's just twitches.  I have had one mammogram and all was clear. That helped me to live with these pains for a while but I did go to a clinic to get a nurse to check me over some weeks back. She said all was ok and the affects of radiotherapy can last for years. Radiotherapy is quite a robust treatment that has a big impact on our bodies. Don't under estimate that. Our bodies have been attacked!!!!

     

    Also like other women on here I advise you to get checked when your worries are affecting the quality of your life. Cancer is a big diagnosis. You are entitled to good care and attention. You aren't 'making a fuss'. We all need to be reassured at times. 
     

    Look after you!! 
    All the best. 
    Kebb. 

  • Thanks for your reassuring words. There's always that fear in the back of your mind that C will come back. I never knew I had cancer in the first place as I went to breast clinic with 2 small lumps on the other boob which turned out to be fine only to be told I had DCIS. When I was operated on they found another small cancer which required second op & lymph node removal. Keep well