Pain after breast cancer

Public Archive
#1

Hi all, I had breast cancer in 2010 and had a lumpectomy and RT. The cancer was under the breast just above the rib and since surgery I have had a lot of pain in and around the scar. It hurts to wear a bra, it hurts when I don’t wear one. My oncologist said this usually went after 2 years but it hasn’t lessened at all. Has anyone else experienced this and can you advise? Many thanks, Mary

#2

Hi Mary

I’m sorry you haven’t had any replies to your question yet and hope someone comes along soon to help. In the meantime have you thought about giving the helpline here a ring, they may be able to help. Calls are free 0808 800 6000 lines open Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 10-2.

Take care,

Jo, Facilitator

#3

Hi Mary,
just to put your mind at rest, I’m 6 years on from diagnosis and I still get pain to my armpit scar and discomfort in my breast scar; sometimes it can be a feeling of heaviness. I also still get nervy pain in my arm and in my bottom rib from time to time. On the bra front I find it helps to wear t-shirt type bras with moulded shape cups as there are no seams to chafe or irritate. Matalan also do this type of bra without underwiring in packs of 2, one white and one black.

#4

Cherub that is reassuring to know especially about the nerve pain. I had a lumpectomy, chemo and RT in 2010 and I still feel twinges and shooting pains in the breast, aches in my ribs as well as a heavy upper arm at times. I am also experiencing back pain at the moment - your mind can’t help but wander but am trying to be sensible about it.

#5

Cherub that is reassuring to know especially about the nerve pain. I had a lumpectomy, chemo and RT in 2010 and I still feel twinges and shooting pains in the breast, aches in my ribs as well as a heavy upper arm at times. I am also experiencing back pain at the moment - your mind can’t help but wander but am trying to be sensible about it.

#6

Hi there
I can back Cherub up - I had a lumpectomy and TNC 2007 and still have problems - my left breast can reach page 3 proportions somedays, I also get a lot of nerve pain in the arm and shoulder but 10mg of amitriptilyine (Spelling?!) does help a lot. See you GP if it is getting you down.
Hi Cherub - I remember you from the past - hope all is going well.
Jacquix