Swelling and pain under breast

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bluewillowskys
bluewillowskys Member Posts: 365
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

I sometimes have had pain under the breast i had the lumpectomy done on. This week the area right under where and underwire would go all the way across and up the right side of my chest is swollen and painful. All through last night i felt a raised "line" also going up the middle of the breast about 1/2 the diameter of a pencil...that has slowly went away today but the other swelling and pain is still there.... Could this be lymphadema? its been almost 15 months since my surgery and 113 months since my radiation. I am on Tamoxifen. Should I go see my doctor?? 

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

    Hi, Bluewillowskys,

    What you're describing could be lymphedema. When it affects the trunk, rather than the arm, it's called truncal lymphedema. There's information about it here:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htm

    The raised "line" could be a condition called Mondor's that is fairly common after breast cancer treatment. You can google it for more information. Seems like a long time since your treatment for that to develop for the first time, though.

    On the other hand, any new swelling needs to be checked out promptly by your doctor to rule out other causes, so I'd say, yes, do see him/her as soon as possible. If they rule out other causes of swelling, insist on a referral to a well-trained lymphedema therapist. Here's how to find one near you:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    If you're actually wearing an underwire bra, that can cut off lymph flow and trigger truncal lymphedema, so until you get some solid answers you'd be better off with something less restrictive. Please stay in touch and let us know how we can help.

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited August 2012

    Absolutely, ask your doctor.  Certainly better to be safe than sorry.  I had lumps while still going through rads.  I was terrified to ask doctor, but it was scar tissue.  Please ask!

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  • bluewillowskys
    bluewillowskys Member Posts: 365
    edited August 2012

    Thanks for the info and concern...i was supposed to see the dr today but all the pain/swelling went away as of last night...if it happens again before my next scheduled check up i will go in right away. I went bra-less for the week and will from now on when at home....that seemes to have helped a lot.

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  • piano604
    piano604 Member Posts: 6
    edited September 2012

    I have found that bras do hurt where that swelling is.  I have gone to wearing a compression camisole  (like spanxs only a cheaper brand)  I couldn't stand the bra under my breast.  It did help and the compression is good.

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  • angelbaby1
    angelbaby1 Member Posts: 46
    edited September 2012

    Bluewillowskys, did u find out what caused the swelling? I also have got some swelling near my reconstructed breast and am really scared to ask my doctor about it in case its LE. I wear bras with no wire which are well fitted and comfy. Its been more than 3 months since my mastectomy and 9 months since lumpectomy and SND so im wondering if there is any other explanation?

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  • angelbaby1
    angelbaby1 Member Posts: 46
    edited September 2012

    Bluewillowskys, did u find out what caused the swelling? I also have got some swelling near my reconstructed breast and am really scared to ask my doctor about it in case its LE. I wear bras with no wire which are well fitted and comfy. Its been more than 3 months since my mastectomy and 9 months since lumpectomy and SND so im wondering if there is any other explanation?

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