Is "aching" in the breast something to be concerned about ?

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jdjr
jdjr Member Posts: 19
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Greetings BC sisters,

Wishing you all a very blessed holiday season !  I have been procrastinating on asking this question (and calling my doctor), but I feel like my instincts are screaming me to do so.

 I had double  mastectomy in July after a May diagnosis (and failed June lumpectomy) of Stage 1, IDC.  I am 3 weeks post "exchange" surgery with silicone implants.  What is bothering me is the nagging, continuous "ache" in my left breast -- which feels like the pain I had after my original biopsy back in May.  I don't feel anything when I touch it (other than the implant), but it really "aches" inside -- deep in my breast  near the chest wall.. (where the original tumor was)  To the point where I actually took Advil to relieve the distracting discomfort.

 My concern is that there could be something there -- ie. a tumor ?  My oncotype was low (12), so the doctors (I got three opinions) did not want me to do chemo, or radiation.  I am on Tamoxifen, Zolodex and will start Zometa shortly.  

 I'm starting to freak out a bit.  If I had a local recurrance, would I actually "feel" discomfort from it ?

 Thanks for any input..

Best,

JD 

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Comments

  • chainsawz
    chainsawz Member Posts: 3,473
    edited December 2009

    I kept hearing breast cancer doesn't hurt - mine did but it sounds very different from what you are describing.  Mine would hurt after someone hugged me or I got bumped....not all the time.  It might be something related to your implant and the healing?  For you own peace of mind, you should ask for an MRI or mammo just so you can breathe easy.  I didn't have reconstruction after my bil mastectomy so I'm not sure what type of scans are used for follow up?  Best to you!!  lisa

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  • TriciaK
    TriciaK Member Posts: 362
    edited December 2009

    Hi,

    I did'nt have a mast or recon, but do know with any of these procedures some nerve endings are cut or damaged which can lead to pain for a long time.

    However, it would'nt hurt to have it checked and wil put your mind at ease too, I really believe we are are own best advocates when it comes to hunches on pain.

    Good luck!

    Tricia x

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited December 2009

    Hi, JD,

    I'm so sorry for this crummy new worry, and I hope you soon get answers that will set your mind at ease as well as relieve the discomfort. I had an aching in my chest following mastectomy (no recon) that turned out to be lymphedema (when it's there instead of in your arm, it's called "truncal lymphedema"). Your doctor will want to rule out other possible causes but may not think about lymphedema, so keep it in mind if he doesn't find another way to give you some relief. Truncal lymphedema is treatable by well-trained lymphedma therapists, and therapy actually relieves the pain.Smile

    Here's an information page about it:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htm

    Do let us know what you discover.

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • jdjr
    jdjr Member Posts: 19
    edited January 2010

    Ladies, THANK YOU so much for replying and offering your insights.. I was away over the holiday, and have been "off" the web for 2 weeks... I had an MRI on Thursday, though, which showed that nothing was wrong, thankfully.. Like everyone, there is always that "what if" in the back of our minds.. how blessed we are to have this forum to reach out to for support.

    THANK YOU for your input, and a blessed New Year to you all ! 

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  • chainsawz
    chainsawz Member Posts: 3,473
    edited January 2010

    I am so glad to hear it was nothing! 

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited January 2010

    Great news!

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