Breast suddenly swollen

hope2learn

I ended my radiation beginning of January 2012.

The breast that had the radiation was still big and swollen.  After a while however both breast were the same size, all was fine ( the breast were I had lumpectomy was bigger to begin with). The  affected breast was just a little warm..

I have had only one lymph node removed and no lymphedema.

Suddenly the breast  which had the radiation has become big and swollen and very warm, but it is not red. I do not know what this could be or who to turn to? The medical oncologist, the surgeon, the radiologist who would I turn to?

I had started on Tamoxifen, but I doubt this would cause this.

Anyone an idea?

dropjohn

call your doctor immediately. Do NOT mess around with this. 

Your oncologist's office should have someone available on call at all times. Do it.

NOW. 

LittleMelons

I would start by calling the Radiation Oncologist's office and let them know your symptoms.  If you don't get a response there, I would call the Medical Oncologist.

Good luck in getting this resolved!  Please keep us posted on how you are doing. 

hope2learn

Thanks for the advice.

I saw the nurse at the medical oncologists office today. She said, I have an infection in the breast and  there is also some fluid built up in the breast. Hope she is correct and the antibiotic works. ( I did have also nipple discharge on that breast. I guess one can get this from infection)

dropjohn

thanks for letting us know and good job.

may it clear quickly.

ruffy

I just went through the same thing but my infection came about 3 months post radiation. It was scary for sure, I was so relieved to find out it was an infection. I'm still on antibiotics but it's almost back to normal. Phew! Hope you get some relief soon

hope2learn

update:

I have been on an antibiotic for 22 days . The swelling of my breast and the pain have only gotten somewhat better.I still have chills.  What I learned from the surgeon was that sometimes it may take 30 days to cure an infection in the milk ducts of the braest.

bookgirl

Yes! It can take a long time to kick the infection and several rounds of antibiotics. For me it did eventually clear up and I have not had a problem for about 2 years. (knock on wood)  You were smart to get right in to the doctor. I was told that tissue damage from surgery and radiation make some of us more pron to infections but my BS said it was quite common, that made me feel better....hope you do too. Take care!

Racy

I have had the same problem twice and fortunately it cleared within a few days of starting antibiotics.



kira posted a great article about this condition on a thread that she started. You can search for the thread under kira's name.



You may want to see a lymphedema therapist to learn massage techniques to move the fluid.



It seems doctors do not know a lot about this complaint.