Phantom Breast pain

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1

I had a mastectomy last friday (3rd October). Pain is manageable with regular analgesia but I’m getting a lot of weird stabbing pain in the breast that isn’t there especially in what would have been the nipple area which is disconcerting to say the least.

Is there anything I can do or take for this? Heat helps but I’m worried I’m going to burn my skin with the hot water bottle as it has to be really hot to help get rid of the sensation. I can’t access the skin as dressing still in situ so topical creams etc not an option.

Any suggestions gratefully received as it just brings home what I have anymore.

2

I had a lot of phantom breast pain and sensations like intense itching after my mastectomy, but it did go overtime- gradually maybe over one or two years.
Early days for you so do take care.
All the best

3

Hi viola23,

Thanks for posting.

Experiencing pain in a breast that has been removed is very disconcerting and as you say it just brings home what you no longer have.

Phantom breast and nipple pain is caused by nerve damage and feels as if it’s coming from the breast and nipple that have been removed. It can feel like pressure, itching, throbbing or pins and needles.

Phantom pain can happen straight after surgery or sometimes a year or more later. Different types of medication might be needed to help manage this pain.

As you had your surgery very recently the best person to talk to about this would be your breast care nurse. They can assess your symptoms fully and advise on medication and anything else that might help. You can also talk to them about how the pain is making you feel as they can offer ongoing help and support. In the meantime, it’s not advisable to put heat on the area as the wound will still be healing and skin could burn as you say.

We offer a range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen to how you are feeling.

You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.

You are also welcome to 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

Val

Breast Care Nurse

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