I had 2 lumpectomies and 2 sentinel mode biopsies on my bi-lateral breast cancer 18 months ago (Oct 23) and have been doing well. However, the last two days I have been experiencing quite a considerable pain under my arm pit, not on my scar but nearby and it’s starting to worry me. I have just been on a canal boat for a week so I have been doing lock gates and opening paddles etc so I’m wondering if it could be muscular, but if I’m honest, it doesn’t feel like I’ve strained something. It’s hurting when I’m still and not moving around as well as when I move. Any ideas on what it could be or any similiar experiences or advice would be gratefully received. Thanks x
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Hi there. Sorry to hear you have been suffering with pain. Just wondering if you had to have radiotherapy? I had a lumpectomy and 4 nodes removed, followed by radiotherapy and have continued to have sensitivity in my treatment area which can ebb and flow. The breast care team have often blamed radiotherapy but they have also said scar tissue can cause issues, especially if you have been stretching and straining it a little. I myself have had more pronounced pain in last few weeks and one of my lymph nodes has flared - it is soft and movable so not panicking but have got myself booked in for an ultrasound. If you are worried it might be worth being seen by your breast team to see if they want to check it out. It does sound likely that it is linked to your exercise but I totally get the little voice in your head! X
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Hi @plum41, I’m 4 months post lumpectomy and SLNB and am still experiencing pain and lumpy tissue in the lumpectomy area and sensitivity along my underarm from the SLNB. These do tend to get worse with physical activity or if I’ve had a restless night so it could be that your scar tissue has been tested if you’ve been doing something a bit more strenuous than usual.
However, as @blue80 mentioned, I too understand that little voice and a top tip I received was to for anything new that doesn’t obviously require immediate attention just park it for a period of time and revisit it at a later date. For example, pop a reminder in your phone for a week or two weeks to check on that thing again and if it’s the same or worse, get it looked at. I’ve found this helpful, especially as I’m a bit of a prodder and can make things worse by conducting my own investigations!
I hope this improves for you and good luck, @blue80, for your ultrasound. x
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Hiya. The canal trip has most likely caused this, perhaps there was cording and you’ve pulled it a bit? However, never leave anything to chance. You’re still under the care of the breast team, so cut out the GP and go directly to them. I had a lumpectomy in 2023 and had a concern last year about a change in the breast. I phoned my breast nurse and they got me straight in. Let them rule out the worst case scenario for you. They would rather you see them sooner rather than later, and if you have done a bit of damage from the canal holiday, they can give you the best advice to rectify it. x
I had bilateral lumpectomy with chemo Herceptin and radiotherapy. I have suffered with cording and chest wall tightness up into the armpit.
I saw a physio but she had no experience of cancer treatment and then saw a cancer physio who recommended lots of stretching and massaging the scars. Radiotherapy can cause long term damage. But it could be overuse of muscles you haven’t used for a long time with your canal boat holiday. Speak to your breast nurse or GP to see if you can be referred to get some help, some areas also have a late effects team.
I found Jen McKenzie breast cancer physio very helpful on YouTube she is based in Australia.
Hi plum41,
Thanks for posting. It’s understandable to wonder what may have caused the pain under your arm.
As @mssteel and @Jaygo say physical activity and your canal trip may have caused this pain under your arm. Repetitive movement that you had on your holiday can aggravate the operated area even if it doesn’t feel like you strained it at the time and musculoskeletal pain can also be felt when still.
As @blue80, @Jaygo and @naughty_boob suggest do contact your breast care nurse or treatment team just to be sure. They can assess you and help determine the cause. Some pain relief while you wait may help and @naughty_boob also suggests the physio Jen McKenzie who is a good resource.
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