Severe Breast Pain Several Months After Surgery

Nebraska85

I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Stage 3 breast cancer in my left breast which also spread to two of my lymph nodes. I completed chemotherapy and had surgery. My surgery was about 9 months ago and included a lumpectomy in my left breast, a bilateral reduction, and removal of 4 lymph nodes under my left arm. I rested and healed through my surgery without any infections or complications. Fast forward to 5-6 months later, I started to feel internal hard tissue forming in my lower left breast which became painful and uncomfortable. I met with my surgeon who advised this was normal and had me complete a few scans and test that came back normal. I continued to do my research and learned different massaging techniques and started back with light exercising to see if this would help with the discomfort and sleepless nights, it didn't, actually made it worse. The large hard lump, which was originally located under the breast then begin to shift upward, changing the shape of my breast and nipple. My breast now look different, my nipple area is hard and sometimes forms scabs, and is now inward. I am to the point where I feel sharp shooting pain, constant pressure, and I have not been able to sleep for weeks. I am meeting with my surgeon to discuss further options so I am not asking what should I do but wanted to know if anyone else has had this experience this far out after surgery. If so, what steps or options did you go with or were you given. You can talk to doctors until your blue in the face but they still have not been in your shoes, all they can do is try to fix it.Going through this crazy emotional and draining process tends to take a toll, so its nice to hear feedback from people who know what your going through. When it seems you concord one obstacle, another seems to arise. I would of never thought this would be this draining and emotionally and mentally damaging.

MinusTwo

You had lymph nodes removed. You can get lymphadema at any time the rest of your life. Most docs don't know much about it. I have breast & truncal LE - and that means they know even less. You can always insist on a reverence to a trained/certified LEPT. Below is a link that might be helpful

https://www.stepup-speakout.org/

Moderators

Hi Nebraska85,

We absolutely understand how you feel, and you've come to the right place for support. It is a very difficult process, one that doesn't end when your surgery or treatment is over. We second MinusTwo's suggestion of seeking the expertise of a certified LEPT - they can be very helpful!

The Mods

smackan

I have the same issue. I was told it is fat necrosis and my hard spots are large. I was offered a liposuction type surgery but they will only do it on the non-radiated side. The radiated side is the one that has the more painful fat necrosis sites. My smallest spot is 6 cm and my largest is the size of a small banana. They said to just keep massaging them. Sorry you are going through this, I know how uncomfortable it is