I had a lumpectomy and sentinel nodes removed at the beginning of July . I’ve also had 5 days of radiotherapy which finished on 4th October. A few weeks after the lumpectomy I started to get hardening at the top of the breast which is tender and a pink rash at the bottom. I have seen the breast surgeon and the nurses a few times as I’m concerned about it. I’ve been told three different reasons . Which isn’t putting my mind at rest.
Firstly I was told it was a seroma . Went back to be told it was cellulitis and told antibiotics would get rid of it . They didn’t . Went again to be told it’s post surgery inflammation. The area is bigger and more tender .
I have an appointment again on 20th December. I wonder what they’ll say this time !
Has anyone had similar?
Hi @bay2
Welcome to the forum, it’s such a friendly and supportive place.
I had a bilateral lumpectomy, chemo with Herceptin and radiotherapy. From my own surgery one boob has a hardening in the scar area the other has nothing. I was told it is fibrosis, hardening of the skin around the scar and to massage it. I was advised that radiotherapy can also cause hardening. I also had some post surgery inflammation and have a sore chest wall. I’m on pain relief, physio and gentle exercise.
As we are all different and react differently to treatment my hardening is possibly something totally different to yours. I get why you are frustrated that you have been given 3 different responses from your team.
Maybe call the BCN nurses to get their view on 0808 800 6000 M-F 9-4 Sat 9-1.
I hope you get a more definitive answer on the 20th December.
Thank you for your response. Hope you are doing well. I too had hardening at the surgery scar which has now gone. It’s so frustrating! I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about but would be good to have my mind put at rest x