Hi
I had a lumpectomy from the top of my breast and node biopsy 3 weeks ago and I’ve developed a new discomfort in my breast, it feels like a mild cramp that goes away when I lift my breast or put a bra on. It looks like an indentation or shadow depending on the angle and it goes round the outside starting level with my lumpectomy scar (about 1.5inches from it) and running to below my nipple.
Grateful for any advice?
Hi, I have an indentation in my breast but I had a lumpectmy 15 years ago.
If you’re worried give your breast cancer nurse a call, you should have an open appointment.
Please let us know how you get on. x
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I had a lumpectomy and axillary clearance, in a similar place on the breast as you, 6 months ago. I have an indentation which has become less pronounced in recent weeks. I eventually worked out that wearing a bra all day, and a crop top at night, felt much more comfortable and I wore both for several months before i could comfortably go braless. 3 weeks post op is no time at all in the scheme of things, although it probably feels like forever, so my advice would be to support the breast well, and take painkillers if needed. If there is any redness, swelling, increasing discomfort or temperature then contact the breast care nurse. Im sure they would be happy to look at it for you if you’d prefer.
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Thank you - I will give them a call on Tuesday as I live in NI and it’s a bank holiday weekend. The fact you’ve had something that sounds similar is a bit of relief anyway.
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Thank you! That’s a good suggestion about crop top at night. I definitely need to find a routine. Things have gone relatively smoothly over the past 3 weeks - definitely not the pain I was expecting but I suppose I’ve been naively thinking after a few weeks I’d be done with it all 
I too have pain in my breast post lumpectomy and axiliary node surgery at the end of May which only has been apparent in the last week. I’m in for further surgery at the end of this month - hopefully third time lucky! But I’m concerned about the solid swelling on my breast which is sore to touch.
Hi chefswife,
Thank you for your post.
It can be difficult to know what to expect after breast surgery so it’s understandable that you ask about a new discomfort in your breast.
As @pat says, 3 weeks is early in your recovery, and it often takes many months for the affected breast to feel ‘normal’ again. It’s not uncommon to have a change in the shape of the breast and an area of indentation or shadowing as things continue to heal and settle down.
Many people experience different pains and discomfort in the breast, including cramp like pain, numbness and a burning sensation, as a result of temporary damage to the minor nerves under the arm and scar area. This usually settles down within a few months, but for some it can last longer.
You may find wearing a bra after surgery may help you feel more comfortable and provide support.
As @dottycat says, we would always suggest you contact your breast care nurse to let them know about any new symptoms you are experiencing.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
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Best wishes
Katie
Breast Care Nurse
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