Swollen Breast and new nerve pain?

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Anniedreat
Anniedreat Member Posts: 22
edited December 2020 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Hi,

I am currently doing the thing where I freak out, you know that thing we all do anytime something new happens to our body. I’m sure it’s just my head but always feel better if someone else can relate or has had a similar experience.

A little over a week ago I notice my left breast (BC side) was swollen (bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction in 2013). No lumps or skin changes or pain, just swollen. I waited a day or two and called onc. Had a breast MRI, showed no implant rupture or suspicious areas. He sent me to breast surgeon to have a look, she checked MRI and did an exam, says she’s not sure what it could be from but doesn’t think recurrence. Which is great news, although I would love an answer as to why...

Now the past couple days I have been having some sharp pains on the underside of that same breast. I’m pretty sure it’s nerve pain or “zingers” although it’s been a long time since I’ve had those. I am 7 years out from bilateral MX and haven’t had any nerve pain for a few years now. Breast is still swollen. So the new pain and still swollen unexplained breast has me re-freaking out.

Anyone? New nerve pain/swollen breast 7 years later?

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Comments

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2020

    Annie - lymphadema can come along any time down the road. Even 25 years. I have breast & truncal LE. Take a look at this great site and see if anything resonates.

    https://www.stepup-speakout.org/

    Also if you had radiation and haven't been stretching EVERY DAY, the muscles may have "pulled back". Good that you've had the MRI and two docs have given good reports.

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  • Anniedreat
    Anniedreat Member Posts: 22
    edited December 2020

    Hi MinusTwo,

    Thank you for your reply and site suggestion. I will check that out now.

    No radiation, although I do try to stretch daily... not much of an exerciser but a good stretch is always needed. 🙂

    You are right about both docs giving the okay. I just can’t help but continuing to worry.

    Thanks again for the suggestion, I am going to browse now.

    Have a nice day and holidays

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  • LivinLife
    LivinLife Member Posts: 1,332
    edited December 2020

    Hopefully the info on the site MinusTwo recommended fits your experience. If it does then it would seem seeking treatment for lymphedema would be helpful and important. If it does not it is still important one of your docs does something else to evaluate this. Just not believing it is a recurrence and sending you on your way does not seem appropriate, esp. when they can see there is an issue and you are uncomfortable. Not sure what the answer is there just encouraging you to be persistent in following up with someone....

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  • Anniedreat
    Anniedreat Member Posts: 22
    edited December 2020

    Hi LivinLife,

    Thank you for your reply! I agree, but that’s what I always think.... like how can you be sure? I will give it a bit and if the swelling persists the. I will follow back up with my docs. I hate the what if’s anxiety, like seriously it can go away anytime! 😔

    Have a wonderful holiday!!!!

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  • amanda6
    amanda6 Member Posts: 121
    edited December 2020

    i also would suspect possible breast lymphadema - I recently had arm lymphedema flare 10 years after treatment. It took me by surprise...the swelling caused nerve compression in my arm. Sadly, docs are often very ignorant of lymphadema, seeing a lymphadema therapist might be helpful, they are probably more skilled in recognising it. All good wishes to you :)

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