Can you advise is it common for thick fibrotic rubbety tissue to appear. I had radiotherapy after a lumpectomy x 2 due to margins.
It first appeared as a long sausage like unser skin below my breast and has spread further left, it restricts my movements, i feel sometime as i stretch it locks tight.
Ive had it scanned, nothing sisister the consultant said its thickened rubbery tissue caused by radiotherapy.
They wont operate to remove it as it will just thicken again.
They suggested physio to get move movement from it, and massage for 20 mins twice a day with a plain cream. This is difficukt as ot goes below my armpit and onto my back now, across big muscles.
Im.on waiting list for physio.
Do you have any suggestions to help me please
Hi GranC
Sorry to hear you’ve got this to deal with. I’ve not heard of anything quite like you describe before. I had surgery in 2020 and still have ‘lumpy bits’ but nothing that restricts my movement. I was advised to massage and that did help in the early days. I hope physio will help. Let us know how you get on. 
Hi granC,
Thank you for posting.
Thickened or hardened tissue, as you describe, can happen as a late effect from radiotherapy. It’s good to hear that this has been checked by your treatment team and that they have confirmed this is fibrosis.
Many people find that massaging with cream, as you have been recommended, and as @Alwaysachoice_1 says, can help to soften the tissue and make it feel more comfortable. As you are finding this area difficult to reach, is there someone you could ask to help you apply the cream, if you feel comfortable to do so.
Physiotherapy can also be helpful to manage the tightness. Although you have been referred to a physiotherapist, you may find the videos from The Breast Physio helpful while you are waiting for an appointment. You may also find our FaceBook live session about radiotherapy has some useful information.
Do also make sure to let your breast care nurse or treatment team know if the restriction to your movement feels like it is getting worse while you are waiting to see the physiotherapist.
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. For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link.
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 more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Cassie
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