I'm sure it's nothing, but I need your opinion/advice......

rn4babies

I was dx'd with DCIS in the left breast in 2011, had lumpectomy and radiation, then again with IDC/DCIS in the right breast in 2012. had lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I've been pretty much pain free until the past several months. About 10 months ago the left breast has become extremely tender to the touch. I mentioned it to my BS who did a quick US in the office and said he didn't see anything. I had a mammogram after that and they did an US because they saw changes around the nipple but then determined it was from getting severely burned during radiation. It has gotten much worse since then. It almost feels as there are many cysts in it. They are extremely tender and feel like fire when they are touched. It also hurts without any contact. I can't stand a bra but have to wear one when not at home. It also hurts more when I raise my arm above my head. I don't sleep on that side and it certainly doesn't feel muscular. There are no visible breast changes whatsoever. I saw my GYN at the hospital where I work a few days ago and he said it might be from the radiation. He advised me to take Vitamin E and B6 for a few months. Is this unusual to start 2 years after radiation? I'm getting mammos yearly and not due until March again. Also, I took Tamoxifen for about 8 months then was switched to Arimidex 4 months ago. I know this is long but I wanted to make sure I had all the details in place.

ahdjdbcjdjdbkf

Wow. That is a lot to go through. I wish I had something helpful to say. I have one spot that is painful in my chest. I'm scheduled for ultrasound Monday.

edwards750

I had Rads too - 33 treatments to be exact. I didn't experience anything much beyond a bit burning but I was told sometimes the SEs from Rads can show up years later. Maybe that is the case for you. You have talked to several doctors about your concerns which would have been my first suggestion; what about your Oncologist? If I had concerns from treatments I would call my Oncologist not that the BS or your Ob-Gyn are not knowledgeable but your Oncologist is the expert for the treatment process. Don't let it go on too long. If your Oncologist concurs with the other doctors maybe it is just what they believe it to be. Then you would have covered all the bases. Diane

Racy

Hi, your symptoms could indeed indicate post radiation changes. I had rads in 2011 and have had tenderness on touching the area this year.

When do you see your surgeon again? You could also consult the radiologist.

It doesn't sound sinister but it is always good to get advice that is satisfying, for peace of mind. If it is getting worse since the BS last saw it, I would get another check with any of your cancer doctors, just to be sure.

ahdjdbcjdjdbkf

I'm going through a lot of pain in my right rib area right now a year after radiation. My docs are trying to get to the bottom of it. 

mom2Bnegativex3

I am sorry I don't have any insight but I hope for the best for you!

ruthbru

Talk to your radiologist. One thing my radiologist stressed to me was to see him first if I had any strange things going on with the breast, even if they occurred years later. Apparently many ladies do have problems & go through a lot of unnecessary testing and worry, when things could have been cleared up for them earlier if they would have come to him first.

coraleliz

I'm about 3yrs from original diagnosis & 2 1/2yrs out from RADs. My pain has improved. But the spider veins are appearing out of nowhere. I no longer see my RO. My BS confirmed that they are spider veins. The PA @ my MOs office asked me if the BS has "seen this". I'll take the spider veins over pain any day. The compression I do for my mold truncal edema helps minimize the appearance of my spider veins. Pretty sure there is a link between the pain I use to have, my mild edema & spider veins.