The Case of the Burning Boob

ChaosRains

my left breast (the one diagnosed with IDC) keeps getting extremely warm to the touch, radiates heat, and feels feverish... my right breast is normal...  has anyone else had this happen before?

I finally see onc tomorrow so have a list of questions etc for him but it's driving me crazy it just feels so strange... and of course in the back of my mind im thinking the cancer is spreading... the cancer is spreading... 

Sunshineinky

Hi Chaos have you had surgery yet? My boob feels weird most of the time after my lumpectomy.  It's actually feeling swollen today.  Some days it burns especially by the nipple.  My surgeon and med onc both say it's nerves healing.  I have noticed heat lately but I'm attributing that to my radiation treatments! 

I'm sure others will be along to weigh in as well!

ChaosRains

No, no surgery yet... Docs are saying that I will have to do chemo and radiation before they would even attempt surgery... so basically just diagnosed waiting for dr appt to formulate a treatment plan with a burning boob

Islandmama2

Did you have a core bx?

I did and they found a large hematoma in there at the time of my lumpectomy.

I too had burning and stinging 

babyduck

Chaos...I am having chemo before surgery. My breast is huge, red, swollen....MO says it's a reaction to the core biopsy and probably chemo reaction too... However it is worrisome. I've had 12 Taxol treatments. Start AC tomorrow. Hoping that will make a difference. I did have an US and it showed the tumor decreasing. The breast however has stayed the same.

ChaosRains

I had a us guided biopsy not sure if it was core or not?? 

The burning lasted for about 4 days then just poof disappeared... still not sure what that was but glad its gone!

Babyduck its awesome that the tumor is decreasing hope your side effects get better soon!

When i had the appointment with the oncologist last week the size of the tumor-cancer growth whatever you call it- kind of blew my mind because ive seen people posting ___mm growth etc... apparently mine is just over 5cm!

yoga_girl

10 months post surgery; 5 months post radiation. my recovery plan. . .

Breast tumor base area: I still have burning, hot, cold, stinging, swelling, hard and sore areas, and pain tunneling in the center of my breast area from the rib cage to nipple.  Radiation breast is still larger than my non cancer breast.  Also have fluid retention causing swelling.  Interesting visit with my Rad Onc Team for this follow-up; prone procedure was used as the tumor was one inch from my heart.  Many times the hot areas feel like you can fry an egg on it, but it eventually passes.  Hang on for the ride, as these come out of the blue with no warning, some days you have nothing, other days it may happen many times.

Node removal area:  the pain and types of pain are most severe.

Although pain meds are available, I find small ice packs put in a small white 100% cotton ankle sock and placed in your bra or support garment is best and very soothing.  Ensure the frozen surface does not directly contact skin area.  Circular disks (for freezing) are available from any Dermatologist that offers facial enhancements via injections or laser.  These are thicker and last longer than the ones they issue in Rad Onc with adhesive on the back (if you have sensitive skin, when you pull these off it's like pulling off a well stuck bandage).

Find a good massage therapist who knows deep tissue and lymph drainage techniques for breast areas.  Instruction sheets are available from your Med Onc Rehab facility on the proper way to self massage.  Classes are also available for all cancer patients and caregivers free of charge provided by the medical facility who is coordinating team care between all specialists.  The AMC grant funds are funding these projects for all cancer patients (larger cities).  Check your before, during and after care patient education programs.

All the best in your journey.

We are all here for each other. . .