I finished my radiation treatment 6 months ago. I had WLE, no lymph node involvement or removal and no chemotherapy. I had my check up on July 30th and my mammograms were fine. I am having aches and painful twinges in the side of my breast. I cannot put it down to any different exercises or activities. Is this an after effect of radiation? Has anyone else experienced the same thing some months on?
Hi Carolina,
You sound very much like me. I had WLE in Jan 07 and a bit more taken away in Feb. No lymph node involvement (4 or 5 removed though due to sentinel node biopsy), no chemo but 5 weeks radio and 5 years tamoxifen. Radio finished in April and I had a very good physical check but no mammogram (won’t have this until Jan) on Aug 3rd. I too over the last few days have had aches and twinges and put it down to after effects. When I saw conultant in Aug I did mention I got these from time to time and he said it was normal and I wasn’t having them as bad as some women, he also expected it to be slightly swollen as well for a few years. He said it was to do with fluid draining away and it could take up to 5 years. By 5 years 80% would have drained away but it would not all totally go. He also said that it may hurt more as the day went on. I asked him about it as I was still finding it uncomfortable to wear underwired bras and when I do I pay for it later with aches and twinges! Again he said this was normal. I also think that radio must cause after effects for quite a while. I think we all feel nervy when we get aches and pains and wonder what it is! Hope this is some help to you.
Take care
Shorty2 xx
Hi Carolina
I finished radiotherapy nearly four months ago. Had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction (no implant) and chemotherapy. Still get occasional twinges as if I was still having treatment. I think it can take quite a while for all the effects of any treatment to completely leave your system.
Love and take care
Thistle