Breast pain 13 months after 2 lumpectomies

Options
pat1154
pat1154 Member Posts: 22
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Hi everyone!

I hope i'm posting on the correct forum. In June 2010 after being DX with DCIS I had a lumpectomy (no nodes)to R breast followed by a second one in July to obtain clear margins had 7 weeks of radiations.

Considering the alternative all went really well,no issue at all, but about four to 5 weeks ago I went to bed and as I lay down I felt a pain (like a strong pull) in R breast, I attributed to some yard work earlier in the day, maybe a pulled muscle....I still have pain , through out the breast,pulling, constant dull ache,alleviated only if I'm completely still.Bending, reaching above my head or moving around while sleeping causes pain.had Xray, which were negative,physical therapy (heat and massage) aspirin, Tylenol I'm not not any better.My surgeon referred me to my pcp,he says to be patient.....I can't deal with this any more,  it hurts to take deep breath, bending forward, coughing etc.As any one experienced similar symptoms? I don't know what else to do. Thank you for listening.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited September 2011

    Are you wearing a bra with enough support? You could need a new/different style bra. Or it could be the nerves growing back, that takes a long time.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited September 2011

    Hi Part,

    I suspect you pulled your lower pectoral muscle.  I did the same thing when x-country skiing through heavy snow for 10 miles last March.  I knew what was up, because I pulled it on both sides.  The side with the radiation hurt a lot more.  It took about three months for things to quiet down, and the symptoms were as you describe them.

    I am expecting it to hurt tomorrow as cycled into a strong headwind this afternoon, and this sort of exercise seems to stir things up.  My own take is that your muscles are weaker after radiation, if they were in the field.  I have no idea how long it takes everything to return to normal that way.

    My glutes are hurting big time too after today's ride, but I don't have that excuse in that area Innocent

    As for the sore lower pec.  I toughed it out.  Not nearly as bad as my shoulders which I also pulled skiing a few years ago or my ankle I trashed cycling earlier this summer.  You might try some Aspercreme on it though.  That usually quiets things down.  Feel better. - Claire

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pat1154
    pat1154 Member Posts: 22
    edited September 2011

    Hello Claire, I just returned from visit to oncology,there are couple of thing she suspects: 1 costochondritis,than again the pain seems to be concentrated in and around the breast...2 lymphedema,due to swelling of the breast which get worse as the day goes on. My issue with the last  Dx is that I didn't have lymph nodes dissection so mmmmm not sure if she look at my chart but, I'm not a dr so maybe this condition can occur even without the procedure. She prescribed steroids meds. Aleeve and also scheduled me at the local lymphedema clinic so we'll see...this sure seems to be a long journey!

    all the best to you and thank you for the reply.

    Patricia

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited October 2011

    Pat, I have lymphedema in my chest after a prophylactic mastectomy, and there are several women here with the same diagnosis with just a sentinel node biopsy. Entirely possible after any breast surgery, even without cancer. Also, radiation increases the lymphedema risk. Here's information about breast/chest lymphedema (it's called "truncal lymphedema):

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htm

    You could also be dealing with Mondor's Syndrome or cording, which can run from your breast down to your waist and make it painful to stretch upward. Either way, a well-trained lymphedema therapist can address that as well and help ease the pain. Just make sure the therapist you see if fully trained in treating lymphedema. Here's how to find out about that:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    Hoping you soon have real answers and relief! Gentle hugs,
    Binney

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories