Strange feeling across scar...

mumofone

Hi, I had a left-sided mastectomy about 9 weeks ago and have healed steadily and am pleased (if that's the right word under the circumstances!) with my decision not to have reconstruction. The zingy type pains only happen now and again and are fading, but a new 'feeling' has crept in this past week or so.

i tend to sleep on my back and recently, when I wake and sit up each morning I have an intense, strange feeling across the length of my scar... I'm not sure how to describe it... not pain exactly, but definitely uncomfortable. It only lasts a few seconds but i hate it and wonder if anyone else has had the same experience? Will it go away?

I'm a small cup size and slim around my ribs. I wonder if it's to do with scar tightness and circulation to the area. I see my oncologist this week and will mention it, but thought I'd pose the question here too.

Also... does anyone have any discomfort in the remaining breast following mastectomy? I have some minor issues that again might be to do with tightness, since my scar extends across my breastbone and overlaps the edge of the other breast.

Thanks for reading!

curveball

@mumofone, I also have weird/unpleasant sensations where my breast used to be. I spoke with a plastic surgeon last week and he told me it was probably due to nerves that either healed funny or got totally severed by the surgery, that it was a frequent side effect of mastectomy and probably wouldn't change in the future. My surgery was a little over a year ago. Yours was much more recent so things may change for you as you continue to heal. I don't have any discomfort in my remaining breast, but my incision is completely on one side.

mumofone

curveball, thanks for your response. Maybe it is nerve damage... I have regained a bit more feeling recently so it occured to me it might just be that I'm starting to 'feel' more again.

I don't notice all this so much while I'm wearing my crop top + softie during the day (I don't have the proper prosthesis yet). It's just the really odd feeling i get each morning that is bothering me most at the moment. As you say, it'll no doubt keep changing.

crystalphm

It is probably nerve damage, and you can feel "odd sensations" for quite a long time. Even 3 years out, I still have odd sensations, tightness mostly, but also an acche or itch that can't be scratched.

Talk to your doctor to get that reassurance...

mumofone

Thanks crystalphm... the 'strange' feeling has been a little bit less strange this past few days. I mentioned it to my consultant, including the twinges near the remaining breast, and he feels it's all part of the healing process. So I'm sure you're right - nerve damage plus tightness etc. And I know exactly what you mean about the unscratchable itch!!! I get that under my arm and it's very frustrating!

bettysgirl

i think nerve pain is probably it as eveything still is trying to heal. As far as that itch you cannot scratch...well that one is annoying as all get out when it happens in public....LOL

mumofone

Thanks, bettysgirl... I'm amazed at the various stages of healing. I'd never had surgery until BC came along so had no experience of anything like this.

I'm getting to the point where I 'forget' about the surgery now, and then reach out for something slightly too high or stretch to the side and OUCH! It reminds me again!

I find myself in the habit of pulling my bra/crop top down on the mastectomy side and then remember I'm in public lol. What with that and the itches... 

coraleliz

mumofone-can you consult a Physical therapist familiar with BC? I had a BMX for bilateral BC 2 yrs ago. I still get occasional weird pains. The good thing is that these pains aren't limiting to me. I have found exercise helps a ton. Swimming is really good but I also lift weights, do pull-ups(controversial) & take pilates classes. I also run, bike, hike & anything else outdoors. Both my MO & BS tell me that their patients that swim seem to have the fewest problems(&do really well).

I did not consult a physical therapist but probably should have. 9 weeks is still early. Hoping things get better for you.

ndgirl

mumofone, I had my surgery April 16th so we are close in dates, I have some weird feelings too, maybe not exactly like yours but agree with others that say nerves are healing. I had alot of real tightness about week 3 and 4. I do my stretching excercies pretty faithfully and notice if i dont i even feel tightness going up my neck! now that is weird! Also like you i never had surgery before either, boy we went big time didnt we? hope you continue to improve.. I so hear you on pulling down your bra on the mast. side!! I am still having trouble getting the right fits for prothsesis, hope soon. Take care.

mumofone

Thanks for your responses - I read them when you posted and your reassurances helped a lot .

coraleliz, I'm in the UK and have not been offered physical therapy. My consultant checked my scar on my last visit and I mentioned the odd feelings/twinges I was getting and he also said he felt it was part of the healing process. Thankfully the tightness is MUCH better these days and my mobility extremely good. And the twinges much reduced.

ndgirl, how are you doing? Funny you should mention the neck tightness because I had that too and it caused me a lot of anxiety! But it has worn off now - I only feel it a little bit towards the end of the day if I've been particularly active. Yes, we both pulled the trump card for first time surgery! I'm still wearing my softee prothesis and a crop top bra --- I need to find time to get a proper mastectomy bra fitted so I can try out the proper prosthesis.

Can I ask, how does your scar feel when you run your fingers along it? Mine is puckered in places and it seems like there are vertical 'stitches' in a few places - one of these was the last to heal (scab took weeks to fall off). It also feels a little lumpy in these places, which I'll have my surgeon take a look at of course, but is this normal and will it smooth out or stay like this?