Hello kaspar1,
Thank you for posting.
After surgery for breast cancer and in the years that follow, it’s common to feel some pains and discomfort. You may experience different sensations such as a shooting pain. Having pain may make it more difficult to maintain a good range of movement in your arm and shoulder.
For many people as healing takes place this settles within a few months. However, for some, the discomfort can persist, and we know this can affect quality of life.
Ongoing (chronic) or persistent pain may be caused by damage to the nerves, particularly those in the axilla (underarm). There are different ways of controlling this pain which are described in the link. Some people benefit from specialist advice so your doctor may refer you to an NHS pain clinic. And some hospitals run pain management programmes if they feel this is appropriate.
It’s good to hear your recent mammogram was ok. However, you mentioned you have pain in your right breast, and it feels harder. We would always recommend you discuss this with your treatment team or GP. They are best placed to assess these changes and offer you further advice regarding your pain.
Nearly everyone who has been treated for cancer worries about it coming back (recurrence) and you’re not alone in being anxious about this. The uncertainty and fear of breast cancer returning is very real. At first, every ache or pain may frighten you, but most people find the anxiety lessens as the time goes on.
Many people are surprised at how emotional they feel when their treatment finishes. Adapting to life after treatment can be difficult and often the need for information and support continues.
Some people may benefit from talking therapy, such as counselling, to explore ways of managing these worries and concerns. You can speak to your treatment team or GP about this. Some people find mindfulness can also be helpful.
Do talk to your breast care nurse, treatment team or GP about how you are feeling so they can support you.
You may be interested in our Speakers Live sessions on topics such as coping with uncertainty and anxiety after breast cancer. The events take place in real time over Zoom and are held by experts. You will need to register for these events.
It can sometimes help to share your experiences with others who may have been through something similar. You don’t always feel ‘back to normal’ when you finish hospital treatment for primary breast cancer. Coping with the shock of your diagnosis, treatment and side effects, as well as worries about your cancer coming back, can make it hard to readjust to everyday life. That’s why the Moving Forward courses are available for you.
Dr Peter Harvey a Consultant Clinical Psychologist wrote about how people can feel after treatment has finished. Although the article is many years old and not specific to breast cancer the emotional issues discussed remain relevant. You can read this through the following link
After the treatment has finished - Then what?
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.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Grete
Breast Care Nurse
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