Shooting pains?

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I was dagnosed with Stage 3 bc in August 2006, had neo adj chemo, double mast, exanders, and 35 rads (just finished yesterday-yeah!!!) And lately I've been having shooting pains right in the same area as the tumor was! I'm so scared. Is this normal pain? Possibly caused by radiation? I feel like I just finished the 10 month battle and I should be relieved and happy. But all I can do is worry, like the cancer is still in there because I feel it? Is there any way they can tell if there's still cancer in there?

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  • Bren-2007
    Bren-2007 Member Posts: 6,241
    edited June 2007
    I haven't had chemo, but I just finished 25 rounds of radiation and have 9 boosts to go. I have experienced those shooting pains. My radiation onco doc explained it as the nerve endings being agitated by the radiation. It does get better over time. It was really painful in the beginning of the treatments. If it got too bad I took some Advil or a vicodin left over from my lumpectomy surgery. Remember, you've had a lot of surgery and tissue removed in that area. It's bound to be quite painful and the nerves are sore and irritated. Healing takes a long time, especially with chemo and radiation. Give yourself pletny of time to feel better. I'm sure your doctor would be happy to answer all your questions.

    You've been through a lot and it's a tough road we're on. Hang in there as best you can. I'll say a prayer for you.
    Brenda
  • fd411
    fd411 Member Posts: 398
    edited June 2007
    I got the shooting pains during chemo. I was told it was the cancer cells responding to the chemo. When I first got those pains during chemo, I was worried that the tumors were growing. They were actually shrinking.

    I got the shooting pains after surgery (lumpectomy)and was told it was the nerves regenerating.

    I got the shooting pains during and after radiation and was told it was the radiation causing irritation to the area. I also get pains in the axilla where they removed the nodes.

    As far as I know (and they did MRI and mammos with clear results in the bc breast in April), the breast is clear of cancer, and I still get the shooting pains.

    It's hard not to worry.

    Ferne
  • sidsmom
    sidsmom Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2007

    Thanks, that puts my mind at ease for now. At least iknow it's a common thing!

  • wildabouthorses
    wildabouthorses Member Posts: 605
    edited June 2007

    I had two lumpectomies and didn't have the sharp stabbing pains until after my rads treatment. My doc gave me pain pills for it, said it was the nerves regenerating where the tumors had been.

  • alex1
    alex1 Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2007

    My first time in the chat room. I too had a lumpectomy and have just started radiation. I have 31 more to go. Had some sharp pain in the breast area yesterday. Sounds like its normal, i hope. what were the stats on your path report that only required radiation and not chemo too.

  • Dkissel
    Dkissel Member Posts: 23
    edited June 2007
    I just discussed this with my Rad Onc yesterday and she suggested massaging the breast. It helps breakdown scar tissue that is (or could be)developing --so I am starting to do that and see if it helps.
    I am 11 into my 33 rads...so far so good, only a little pain!
  • Maria258
    Maria258 Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2011

    I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in May 2010. I've had three surgeries related to the disease, went through radiation and I am now going through chemotherapy.  I'm also experiencing pain in my right breast.  There's a build up of scar tissue, which must be removed after I heal from chemo.  According to my doctor, the scar tissue needs to be removed for two reasons: 1) to eliminate any false mammograms and 2) to reshape the nipple area.  My oncologist states that if she suspected another tumor, she would order testing right away.  She didn't so I've been scheduled for a mammogram in May 2011, a year from my original diagnosis.  Massage the area and take Tylenol.  If the pain becomes worrisome, talk to your doctor who may want to exam you further.  Good luck.

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