When does lumpectomy pain start to fade?

kec1972

Hi All, I am 2 weeks out from my lumpectomy. I feel like the site of the scar is still painful. It’s not red or hot or anything like that, and I feel fine otherwise. It also feels hard. Anyone with experience know how long this lasts? Thanks so much Karen

keepthefaith

kec, I don't think mine was painful for that long , but if I pressed on the site, it did hurt. It takes a while to heal. I wore a compression sports-type bra for a while and iced when needed, for the first several days. Maybe you should call your surgeon if you are concerned.

edwards750

Mine didn’t hurt that long either. It was tender of course for some time. I would ask my doctor too.

Diane

kec1972

Thanks ladies. Keepthefaith, I noticed that we have similar diagnoses...do you mind my asking why you had to have chemo? Did you have a high Oncotype score? No one said anything about my needing chemo. Sorry, I'm still all new to this!

keepthefaith

kec, I had a 21 onco-score. Considered intermediary at that time. Since The Tailorx results came out, I may not have been recommended chemo now, since I was over 50 yrs old. My Mo recommended, but didn't push it. She really left it up to me. She did offer the Mamma-print test, but I didn't want to wait for those results to come in. I actually had my port placed when I had the LX done....My tumor was close to my chest wall and my BX said Grade 3, my LX pathology Grade 2, so it was aggressive. It was a hard decision, but I was healthy at the time and felt if I had a recurrence, I knew that I had done what I could to prevent it, without having regrets. I know there are no guarantees either way. I guess I didn't want to take any chances. Some may see that 2-3% benefit as insignificant, but to me it was not. My Mom had BC at 60 yrs old and again at 83. She is celebrating her 85th bday next month! So family HX played a part in my decision also. Chemo wasn't exactly a walk in the park, but was not as bad as I thought it would be. I had very minor SE's. Best wishes. Feel free to PM anytime.

kec1972

Yes, it makes sense to do all you can to prevent a recurrence. I just saw my MO today for the first time, and although he feels I most likely will not be needing chemo, I asked him to run the Oncotype DX test anyway....I want the results so I can make an informed decision for myself. Congrats to your mom! What type of treatment did she have when she was 60 to prevent a recurrence for so long?

gb2115

My lumpectomy scar is tender if I press on it, and it's been over 2 years. I think I was still hurting 2 weeks out.

kec1972

Maybe "pain" was the wrong word. It's definitely tender, and I'm aware of it. Tissue around the scar itself is also hard; is that normal? Otherwise, it looks OK.

letsgogolf

My scars (tumor and nodes scar) are uncomfortable at times. Early in the morning when I first get up I notice it and also when I am outside and it is very cold. I am fairly small chested (B Cup) and they took a pretty large chunk out (7cm x 5cm) and then went back in and took another chunk due to one close margin. I can actually feel the hole area when lying down if I press down. It is kind of strange and at first I thought I could feel a large lump but it is a ridge from where them removed the tissue and it is hard, probably from the radiation. I never was able to feel my original tumor - it was found via mammogram and ultrasound. My surgeon said that patients don't usually feel them until they have grown to 1.5cm. or larger.

gb2115

Kec1972---it does sound normal! Glad it's not awful pain!

Stellawt57

Morning ladies, I'm 3 1/2 months post lumpectomy surgery and I still have comfort especially when I initially lay on my left side when I go to bed & get up in the morning. I now lay on my right side at bed time so I can get to sleep more easily. Right after surgery & for weeks I used cold packs a lot to ease the tenderness. I still use the packs for quick relief, not that the discomfort is all that bad. I'm also diabetic so my nerve endings are a little more sensitive. The point where I have a firmer hard feeling is the junction where the scar along the bra line & the scar from the areola meet. I had an anchor ⚓️ shaped incision due to the location of my tumor in the lower left quadrant of my left breast. My PS's CNP who I have seen post surgery said it's not unusual. I have also stated using silicon gel strips to help reduce the appearance of the scars & they have helped ease the tenderness. Started using them a month ago after CNP gave the ok 👌you might want to ask your PS or BS when you can use the gel strips. I'm thankful for the support we receive through all of the forums! TGIF

DX 8/14/2018, IDC left <1 cm, 1A, grade 3, lumpectomy surgery 10/3/201, 0/2 nodes, IORT, taking anastrozole

Ashlyn525

Did they say what caused the ridge? I also have one, which is causing anxiety. I had lumpectomy with clear margins, reduction then 6 weeks of radiation.

I am going for mammogram Friday.