Why is my breast getting hard and swollen?

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CarolynVM
CarolynVM Member Posts: 137
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I finished tx 14/33 today.  This week my breast starting feeling swollen and every day it feels harder to the touch.  The site of my lumpectomy is looking more and more depressed into the tissue which I think means the tissue is swelling.  My skin is okay.  It feels hot and is a little red but the swelling and hardness bother me far more than my skin.  What is happening to the tissue?

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited February 2013

    Carolyn, I don't know the answer to your question, but I thought I'd at least stop and bump your thread for you.  There was another post recently about something called radiation fibrosis, but I have no idea if what you are describing could be something like that, as I'd never heard of it prior to that other post, so I'm sure it's not very common.  And in the case of the other BCO poster, it was something that started many months after her RT.  But I'd certainly ask to see your rad onc ASAP, in case it's something that needs his/her attention, and even perhaps a tweek in your protocol.    Deanna

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  • CarolynVM
    CarolynVM Member Posts: 137
    edited February 2013

    I will talk to my RO Monday.  In the meantime I looked up radiation fibrosis.  It's scar tissue formed from the damage incurred during radiation.  I think it must be too soon but it does sound to me like  better make a point of binging this up.  Thank you.

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  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited February 2013

    I am swollen too. I have tissue expanders and it feels like its pinching and painful. Just wanted you to know that you arent alone. I think its just normal tissue reaction to the radiation. hugs

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  • CarolynVM
    CarolynVM Member Posts: 137
    edited February 2013

    I don't have tissue expanders but "pinching and painful" is a good description.  I only wear my bra when I leave the house.  I have four very generous bras and they feel SO tight that I am tempted to take them off in the car on the way home from treatment.  (Come to think of it, why bother putting them back on if they hurt that much?)  They're basically sloppy big and don't leave marks on the skin.  The pressure has got to be coming from inside the breast.

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  • Lily55
    Lily55 Member Posts: 3,534
    edited February 2013

    I could not wear a bra during radiation treatment as it was too uncomfortable and I finished 5 months ago and am still getting new pains and discomfort.....radiation stops new cells from growing so scar tissue just builds up fast and can take a year or two to resolve....

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  • Nancy44
    Nancy44 Member Posts: 43
    edited February 2013

    Hi Carolyn; I'm 17/33 and mine feels similar to what you're describing.  I did mention it to my RO last week and he said it was normal.  I wish I could remember exactly what he said and why it's getting like that but once I heard "normal" I guess I didn't pay as close attention, sorry.

    While I would still definitely bring it up during your next treatment, as maybe there is somehting that needs to be looked at closer, I wanted to let you know you weren't alone.

    Be well.

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  • CarolynVM
    CarolynVM Member Posts: 137
    edited February 2013

    I feel so much better when I understand what's happening!  The breast tissue is swelling from radiation damage and the swelling is pinching lymph ducts.  The lymph fluid then accumulates in the breast causing it to become hard and painful.  Over the weekend when I missed treatments the swelling went down, the fluid drained through the lymphatic system and my breast feels soft and better again.

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  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited February 2013

    Thats great Carolyn, glad you are feeling better.  Hugs

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