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Pain after lumpectomy on breast

Emma.l5
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Hi, I had lumpectomy and lymph node dissection 2 weeks ago. At first I had pain along my arm but now it has moved to my breast. It is swollen and is very painful especially at night and when I first get up. It is tender to touch and if I try to bend down or tip on my side I get a strong burning pressure and it is not getting any better. I have now noticed a part of the skin on my breast has a strange orange peel texture. Are these symptoms normal, has anyone else had any similar experiences or any advice please? I really thought I would be fine by now!

Emma

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    Hi Emma. Sorry to hear about your pain. I had a lumpectomy & lymphnode dissection back in feb. First couple of days i felt ok but then shortly after i had tingling, numbness & pain in my arm. Then the same in my breadt as you. Don't forget you have had surgery & nerves have been cut through so give it time. I made the mistake of not taking painkillers regularly but once i did it helped a bit. Also wearing a bra helps - as much as it hurts it supports the breast so when you move it helps. Take it easy & do your exercises. It will get better but this is a journey we're all on. Go with the flow & listen to your body. We're all here & can help to talk it out.
  • Offline in reply to Jbains
    Thanks for that. I thought it would be ok by now so it's reassuring to hear from someone who has had the same experience. I'll try to be patient and let it heal.
  • Offline in reply to Emma.l5

    Hi Emma, presumably you are due to see the surgeon shortly for your follow up appointment after the op? They will examine you and hopefully confirm that this is all part of the healing process after a lumpectomy and SNB.  

    Take care of yourself and do let us know how you get on.  Sue x

  • Offline in reply to susu

    Hi Sue, can't find your posts anywhere else so have jumped on here.  Hope you are okay, not heard from you lately on the usual threads.  We miss you!

    (Have sent a friend request so I know where to find you, hope you don't mind)

    Hazel xx

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    Hi Emma,

    I had a lumpectomy in 2010 with a sentinel node biopsy followed by a double mastectomy in 2011. I was in a lot of pain following my lumpectomy and considerably less following the double mastectomy. The pain in my breast seemed to last for several months and even when I thought that it was better, it still came back and hit me from time to time. There was no infection in my breast. This can be a complication post-surgery.

    I live in an area with speed humps and I had to travel by the least bumpy route, as going over the humps was agony. I still have pain in my arm, but have developed Lymphoedema and have Arthritis, so I'm not sure what is responsible for this.

    I understand that the orange peel appearance is one of the signs of breast cancer. I presume that you have a follow-up appointment at the hospital in a few weeks time? If you can wait until then do, but if the breast is getting sorer, phone either your consultant's secretary or your specialist cancer nurse, explain your symptoms and ask for an earlier appointment. If it is an infection it will gradually be getting worse and antibiotics might be the solution to your pain.

    I hope that all settles down soon for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

     

  • Offline in reply to Emma.l5

    Hi im to relieved to read this i think im expecting too much too soon  e1811

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