excisional bx site

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Misty3
Misty3 Member Posts: 154
edited June 2014 in LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)

How long does it take for the soreness to go away?  I had my bx in May and although the area of soreness is decreasing, it's still sore ( no other symptoms such as redness, heat )  I dread having a mammogram next month if it is still sore.  Will they actually compress that breast if I still have post excisional discomfort? 

Thanks everyone and hope you had a great 4th of July!

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited July 2008

    Hi there Misty.  I know we are all different with regard to soreness, pain, healing, etc. I wore a jogbra 24/7 for about 3 weeks (except for showering.) After about 2-3 weeks, I started jogging again.

    I didn't have any mammos for 6 months postop. When I had a 'dimpling' they did an ultrasound at 3 months.  I think its controversial exactly when to do another mammo, I think because of healing.  I think it varies from facility to facility.

     If you are concerned, I would consider taking one of your pain meds from the excision before the mammo.  You may be able to slather your breast in a local anesthetic, like something they might use for teething, like benzocaine or something.  It may be messy, but you can wipe it off just before the exam.

    I had a lot of weird sensations for months after.  For me, tiny ice packs helped, more than the oral pain meds. 

    When I had my first post excision mammo, I had my favorite mammo tech, and she was VERY gentle.  I would have compressed things a lot more. 

    We're all different, so what happened to me may not happen for you.  This may give you a few options to consider, though. 

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  • Misty3
    Misty3 Member Posts: 154
    edited July 2008

    Thank You dear leaf,  The pain pill is a great idea.  I only used 1 pill post op so I have a bunch left.  It's not like I have pain--just soreness and a big lump at the bx site which the surgeon feels may be a seroma ( lucky me )  Its getting smaller but slowly.

    My 6 mo mammogram is really 6 months post original abnormal mammogram in March which lead me down the multiple biopsy road.  The radiologist wanted to make sure the calcifications in my left breast are stable ( bx on right ) I am actually anxious to get this mammo over with so I know if the left breast is OK.  Even though the MRI was normal, it does pick up calcifications and calcifications were my original problem. 

    Thanks again and hope you are having a nice, long weekend.

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  • Ked1019
    Ked1019 Member Posts: 122
    edited July 2008

    Misty, I had my excisional on 6/17 and thought i would be doing better by now. I am wearing my regular bras and my incision looks great. A little pink in one ara which kind of spider webs out from the incision. I have 3 distinct bumpy areas below the incision that hurt. I hope it begins to feel better sooner than later... for the both of us.

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  • mtbmom
    mtbmom Member Posts: 135
    edited July 2008

    Hey misty- I had my excisional in Feb.  I had one incision on the side, and one on the top.  The side one healed with no problem, but the top one still is sensitive, especially if I sweat or get in the pool.  I don't know if it's because that's where they took more tissue or if it's the location, but it's still darker than the other scar.  I also ran about 10days after surgery, but I do wear a tight sports bra, but I have considered that the movement when I run is keeping it from healing completely.  My dr. did a mammo 1month after surgery to be sure we got everything, and they were very gentle, so I had no problems with it.  So, good luck to you!

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  • moogie
    moogie Member Posts: 499
    edited July 2008

    I am with leaf: small ice packs offerred me more relief than pills. A lot of discomfort is simply from movement and gravity. I found tiny packs about the size of my palm and stuck them in my bra: noone would ever know!

    Moogie 

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  • Misty3
    Misty3 Member Posts: 154
    edited July 2008

    Thanks everyone.  I had my high risk appt at JHU today.  The NP said the excisional site can take up to a year to feel normal.  I also had the best breast exam I ever had--she was great and actually gave me some SBE tips to improve my technique.  She also suggested gentle massage to the area of soreness and moist heat.  Hope these tips can help some of you too.

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  • Lorax
    Lorax Member Posts: 19
    edited July 2008

    I still get sore at the site intermittently.  It just throbs at times.  I am thinking it is related to menstrual cycle, (though periods are not happening monthly any more, thank God).  Do others find they have intermittent pain?

    Laurie 

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited July 2008

    I had intemittent pain or 'zingy' sensations.  I have heard these are from small nerves that were cut. I don't think this is too unusual - Occasionally I get  severe itchy sensations at the site of a mole on my trunk that was removed 30 years ago.  It wasn't associated with my menstrual cycle.  For me,tiny  ice packs helped with these sensations more than pain meds.   

    Your mileage may vary. 

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