~~Pain in Chest~~

1CandleBurningBright
1CandleBurningBright Member Posts: 12
edited June 2014 in Pain

Good Evening Ladies,

I was wondering if anyone has ever experienced Chest pain (it's in the area where my first Modified Radical Mastectomy was performed in June 2008).

I've had the pain for the past several days which on occasion radiates up to my neck, down my right arm and into my back.  I've had some minimal pain on the left side where I had a Sentinel Node Mastectomy in January 2011.  But for the most part, it's on the right side.

My most recent PetScan was in February 2012 and came back clean.  Just wondering if anyone else has ever experienced this and how they handled it.  I didn't finish my Chemo in 2008 (had two rounds of A/C then stopped....was supposed to have four rounds of A/C then 12 rounds of Taxol).  I did go on to finish my 33 rounds of Radiation treatment.

Two of the 32 lymph nodes removed in June 2008 were cancerous.  Luckily, only four lymph nodes were removed for the Sentinel Node Mastectomy in January 2011 and no further treatment was required.

Any thoughts or ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanking you in advance.  Cool 

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Comments

  • carcharm
    carcharm Member Posts: 486
    edited May 2012

    I have pain just above my mastectomy site. It is a burning pain and hurts to the touch. It radiaes into neck & jaw. I wonder if it is fluid shifting. I am trying manual lymph massage. I am also goint to ask the sugeon to scan my chest wall to see if she's anything suspicious.

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  • bluepearl
    bluepearl Member Posts: 961
    edited May 2012

    MAybe you have formed an adhesion/neuroma? There are nerves (and a major nerve) that often get hurt and they can form "bundles" which I think are called neuromas....and they are painful...and because nerves are connected, you can get referred pain....pain that you feel one place when the nerve is actually in another place and/or it radiates. I still feel a tingling in my armpit when I scratch my head or put on an earring. Adhesions are scar tissue that forms over time and causes pain, especially when you stretch/move. One can also get lymphodema in the chest wall....just press the skin and see if the dent stays.

    Glad to hear your scan was clear..YEAH! Hope all is ok with you too carcharm! I have that same burning pain but I have always had it...always best to check something new. 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited May 2012

    Bright, it does sound like it could be chest lymphedema (which is also called truncal lymphedema). The pain from that can move around and be hard to pinpoint, and pain meds have little effect on it. It can be sharp or achy. There may or may not be visible swelling. Do check in with your doctor, and if s/he doesn't mention truncal lymphedema be sure to ask about it, as for many doctors it's just not on the radar.

    Truncal lymphedema is treated by a specially trained therapist who uses very gentle lymph massage to move lymph fluid out of the area, and gentle compression (shaper, sports bra or special compression bra) to keep it out. Here's information about it:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htm

    Hoping you have good answers and real relief soon!
    Binney

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  • 1CandleBurningBright
    1CandleBurningBright Member Posts: 12
    edited May 2012

    Carcharm:  I do agree that it could very well be fluid shifting itself around.

    Bluepearl:   Thank you for the "well wishes" regarding my most recent PetScan.  I do experience some of the same symptoms that you speak about regarding pain, tingling and numbness.  Lymphedema has decided on it's own that it wants to be my new "Best Friend" ever since my first surgery in June 2008.  As the Surgeon took 32 lymph nodes on my right side, it's become quite challenging to control to say the least.  I did attempt to press the skin on my Chest wall...however, nothing really happened.  

    Binney4:   I also do get both the sharp pain and/or achey feelings pretty much on a daily basis.  I've never heard of the Truncal Lymphedema until you mentioned it to me.  I did go on the site you provided to read up and become better informed about it.  I've moved to a different State and my current coverage charges $40.00 per visit towards Physical Therapy which I can't afford.  Luckily, I do have the pump (machine) for my arm to use at home but it doesn't really treat the whole problem.

    Thanking all of you lovely Ladies for taking the time to respond to my post.  Wishing all Women a very "Happy Mother's Day" with many more to come!  Stay Healthy!  Cool  

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  • lisaelder1972
    lisaelder1972 Member Posts: 171
    edited May 2012
    The pain in my chest is pretty much constant since my bilateral in June 2006.I do have truncal lymphedema as well but my pain Dr says it's chest wall pain.
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  • barbiecorn
    barbiecorn Member Posts: 437
    edited May 2012

    Wow after reading all these posts, I guess I am in for pain for a long time.  I am four months out of BMX and my chest area, under my arms, hurt and burn and sometimes sharp pains too....I really hope this eases up a bit at some point, but again after reading these postings, I am not sure...ugg!!!

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  • greenacres
    greenacres Member Posts: 144
    edited May 2012

    I am out 2.5 years from partial mastectomy and I still have pain in that area.  From what I Understand, this can take years to go away. 

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