Lumps after Radiation??

talbrig13

I finished radiation about 10 days ago.  I examined my breasts and my radiated breast feels "lumpier" than the other.  Is this from swelling from the radiation?  Or something more ominous?

Anyone else notice this?

Thanks

Anonymous

talbrig13....This sems to be very common following rads. I recall having the same experience and, in a panic, called my onc and went in for an exam. I even insisted on a mammogram even though they don't typically do them for several months in order to give the tissue time to recover a bit and 'settle down.' Anyway, after all of that, it was concluded that the lumps were merely scar tissue. It's now 21 months later and my breast is hard and lumpy along the incision line. It's become the new normal for me. I'd say that you should have it checked out if its really worrying you. It's best to put your mind at ease. One word of 'warning'....don't let others, including the medical professionals, make you feel foolish or hypochondriacal for worrying. Fears and anxiety are completely normal following treatment....for many of us, these worries continue for quite awhile....THEY ARE NORMAL!

~Marin

Calico

I am glad you say that Marin,

I have just been examined by my breast surgeon and my PS and he actually did make me feel foolish about it.

I finished my rads last year in March.

On the other hand, when do you know something is wrong?

I have a hard nodule under my scar cut out on Friday, hopefully it is only a suture granuloma.

God Bless

danahollis

Never feel foolish about being proactive with your health. If you are uncomfortable with the way your breast feels, then don't rest until you get an answer that you feel adequately addresses your concerns.

Doctors don't know everything. You are your best advocate. Never forget that and don't downplay your concerns. Your life is worth it.

 Hugs,

Dana 

Fireweed

I would see the radation oncologist about it - and he or she will prbably tell you the lumpiness is scarring or swelling from the radiation itself.

cnewberry55

It has been 7 months since I finished radiation.  My breast is still extremely tender, like before a menstral period, and has a very sore hard lump.  Around the incision, it seems hard around most of my breast!  No one told me it would look and feel like this!

desdemona222b

My radiated breast is still lumpy and tender after 7 years.  It was like a sack of pebbles for the first couple of years after I finished.  You have to do the self-exam often and sorta memorize the new landscape of your breast so you'll notice if anything is growing.  So far I am checking out disease free - I ceased worrying about the lumps a long time ago - I'm just vigilant about self-exams.

07508125

Did you take the tamoxifen?