I underwent treatment for a lump found in my left breast back in 2005. I had an ultrasound core biopsy. The nodule was benign and yielded a cyst wall (start of a cyst- I believe) This couldn’t be determined by ultrasound, only after the biopsies were done.
2 1/2 years later I am still suffering with pain in the precise area treated. It’s pretty constant, sometimes a dull ache, other times like a pinching, electrical zinging pain, and other times twinges and heaviness. I believe I wasn’t given the best treatment available - but that really is another story!
However, I’ve been back to the clinic on many occasions, and haven’t had any real answers to the ongoing pain. Because they cannot detect/see anything on the ultrasound they believe nothing is wrong !!!
Has anyone else experienced pain for this length of time after having this treatment?
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I get stabbing pains in my breast where lump was and, a year on, I can still see where they did the core biopsy. What about trying Evening Primrose Oil although I suspect you will already have done so. My lump was on the left too and the left hand side of my body never feels “right”. All health problems I have are on that side even down to jaw pain and earache. Sorry I can’t be of more help.
Thanks Thrifty…every comment is of some help, believe me.
I certainly empathise with you on the pain and hope yours doesn’t last as long as mine has. I was advised to take 6000mg of Evening Primrose -I normally take it periodically to relieve pms but can’t take it everyday. Was also advised to take painkillers, which really isn’t ideal and certainly doesn’t explain or cure the pain.
Biggest worry is, pain will never go away and I fear permanent damage, implications for the future are very worrying and the treated area has obviously not healed.
I was very active before the treament and now my fitness is not what it was. Sleeping on the left side causes more pain the next day. I have to be careful using my left arm and If I get ill (like flu for e.g.) I suffer more intense pain in the breast.
I remember when I had the lump/before the biopsy (3 months waiting for treatment) there was no pain at all ! I’m left wondering if the procedure of a core biopsy can damage the breast?
I’m determined to find out why the area treated is still paining after all this time - especially as I’m constantly told by the hospital’s Breast Unit that there’s no way a biospy causes pain for this length of time !!!
Again, thank you for your comments it’s interesting to hear real facts/stories rather than Consultants opinions/beliefs !!! However, there are of course some great doctors/consultants out there treating - unfortunately, they didn’t work at the clinic I attended.
You’re more than welcome Venus. Just wish I could help more. I have a lot of pain in my lower arm and shoulder which is referred pain from wear and tear in discs in neck. I was referred for phsyio by my doctor for this. You could be getting referred pain too. I can actually still see where they did the core biopsy and this is Sept 2006. I also found that my arm and shoulder started to seize up one day recently and, even doing the excercises they give you, made no difference. The best one for me is one I made up. I lie on my back in bed, raise my left arm over my head try to walk my hand along the headboard. This can really hurt until it stretches out but I can do the “walking the wall” excercise no problem and it is only when I do a movement which is not in my normal arm reach range that I realise that I am still having problems.
Anyway, hope you and yours have a lovely Xmas and hope you get some relief from the pain you are having.