New bruising 6 weeks after lumpectomy

Hi, over the last week I have noticed purplish bruising under the breast which was operated on. There is now bruising under my arm too. I’ve been doing the rehab exercises focused on improving shoulder mobility and yesterday i had a CT scan in preparation for radiotherapy. I’m also massaging the scar. There is not pain or heat from the bruises. Can anyone put my mind at rest because it’s the long Easter weekend and I can’t contact the breast cancer clinic until Tuesday? Thanks x 

  • I should have mentioned, surgery was 6 weeks ago and otherwise recovery has been uneventful!

  • Welcome to the Cancer Chat forum Nwalk003 although I'm sorry for the worry this purplish bruising is causing.

    As mentioned on the Breast Cancer Now website, bruising is quite common after surgery but should disappear in time. You can also find out about other possible problems after breast cancer surgery on our website.

    Hopefully some of our members who have contended with similar bruising will offer their reassurance and advice to you soon but if you'd like to speak to one of our cancer nurses about this when they're back after the bank holiday weekend, you can give them a call on 0808 800 4040 between 9a.m - 5p.m from Tuesday onwards. They will do all they can to answer your questions and put your mind at ease about this and anything else you're concerned about in relation to your recovery or upcoming radiotherapy.

    I hope this helps Nwalk003 and that your recovery and treatment continue to go well.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator