I had wle and 4 lymph nodes removed on 9th April and finished rads on 10th April (stage 1 hormone driven). In the last couple of days my underarm scar has become tight and my breast is really hurting not just on the wle scar but the whole breast & nipple. Even my side, back and shoulder hurt. Painkillers haven’t helped and ive felt incredibly tired.
Was wondering if others have experienced this further down the line?! :)x
Hi PinkAnemone
I’m sorry you haven’t receieved a response yet. If you’ve still got questions you’d like to discuss I recommend contacting our helpline. Details can be found here:
They will be able to talk you through any questions you might have.
Tim BCC
Hi
I am three months down the line following radiotherapy , i have pain in my ribs , tenderness and a very red and swollen breast
saw oncologist last week, he said all side effects of radiotherapy,may take three months for things to settle
hope this helps , I still get very tired .
kathy
Hi PinkAnemone,
Radiotherapy does alter the tissue. I find I stiffen up a little (in the breast and underarm) if I don’t stretch my arm up. It’s much less than in the first few months after radio. I think it’s quite common for the tiredness to last quite a while too. You could ask your GP to check if you have aneamia too which can make you tired.
Seabreeze X
Hi
I am still having pain,swelling and burning nearly six months on after rads finished the end of March, having had ER cancer in both breasts at the same time. I keep being told it will settle down but its been going on for so long now. My scar also burns on the one side also my arm aches.
I have been advised to massage my breasts three times a day to relieve the swelling which ive been doing and seems to be helping that side of it but no one can explain why they still feel like they are burning and radiating heat. Try some gentle massage.
Off to see oncology sometime soon to sort out meds as i have been unable to tolerate Tamoxifen and Letrozole…im back at work full time working in a school.Its hard going but great to be back in the real world again.
Im sure we will get there…stay positive,im trying to. 
Side effects from radiotherapy can last for many months even upto a year after treatment. I have found that my chest loosens then tightens and I have to keep revisiting my physio exercises and stretches.
I was also feeling very fatigued so went to the dr and requested a blood test which included ferritin levels.
Results were that my iron stores were low and im mildly neutropenic so im now on iron tablets for 3 months which may help xx