I was diagnosed nearly 4 years ago. I had lumpectomy, nodes, chemo and rads. My problem is that I have a lot of pain in the breast and through my shoulder and up my neck. I have always had some pain but it seems to be getting worse lately not better. It has got to the point where I am taking painkillers at night or it is difficult trying to sleep. I have been told in the past that pain is a side effect of surgery and rads and basically live with it. Has anyone else had this, any advice paracetomol and Ibuprofen anre not really very helpful.
If the pain has got worse 4 years after treatment, I’d be concerned and keep pressing for further investigation. I’m not medically trained though! It could be nerve damage from when you had your surgery but odd that it would have got worse now. At the very least, get your doctor to prescribe Diclofenac, which should provide more relief than paracetomol and ibuprofen.
Hi
No special knowledge here, but as well as the nerve pain thing, do you think it might be musculoskeletal and coming from the muscles around your chest, shoulder or neck?? Sort of everything getting a bit stiff and sore? Perhaps your GP could have a thorough look at the situation for you, and if nec refer you to the community or hospital physio team? Just a thought. I had a mastectomy and the rads made everything tighten up terribly, and I had to really ask for help from physio. She checked all my back and shoulder situation for joint pain as well as recommending exercises for stretching across my pecs. I found it quite helpful and gave me a bit more confidence to keep moving. Apologies if this is not relevant to your situation. K.
Thanks for your thoughts. I will get back to the Doc’s and atleast get some more effective pain control. My movement is not restricted in any way - it is just getting me down.