Neuropathic pain after mastectomy

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SPECTER55
SPECTER55 Member Posts: 77
edited July 2016 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I had a mastectomy 6/17 for a large diffuse Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia. I chose to have a bilateral for the purpose of reconstruction. I tried to prepare and arm myself with as much information for what to expect. I expected my breasts to be completely numb after the surgery. Instead I am somewhere in between. I am definitely not numb, but the sensation is not normal either. Even the lightest touch feels like pins and needles. It's very unpleasant. My surgeon determined that I have a neuropathy. It hurts to dry off after I shower! I was started on Gabapentin (Neurontin). I haven't noticed a change yet. I'm hoping it will kick in after a week. Anyone else dealing with Neuropathy? Did it resolve or is it permanent?

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  • Beatlebear
    Beatlebear Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2016

    I also have had pain on the effected side ( L). This is under my arm pit (above the metectomy scar), the pain is very sharp, and there are two small nodules. Medical onc says they are pretty sure it is scar tissue. I had a CT done. Turned out to be negative, but was right back up on the roller coaster. I too have been started on gabapentin. Not sure if I like that idea, but seems to be working.

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  • SPECTER55
    SPECTER55 Member Posts: 77
    edited July 2016

    mine is above the scar as well. Unfortunately it is right over the TE port. When the nurse prepped the area with betadine for my first fill, I cringed. I am so sensitive to touch in that area I can't stand it. It literally makes my skin crawl. After the needle goes in, the filling isn't bad. The Dr. Said that sometimes that sensation goes away as the skin stretches and the raw nerve edges are pulled apart from each othe. I'm hoping this will be true for me. I'll see if the Neurontin is helpful when I go next week for my next fill.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited July 2016

    Specter - You night try this PMPS thread. Lots of good info.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/136/topic...


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  • SPECTER55
    SPECTER55 Member Posts: 77
    edited July 2016

    Thank you. I will check it out.

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