Post radiotherapy new pain and swelling

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Hi,

I completed adjuvant radiotherapy for high grade DCIS 4 months ago. At the time I had 5 sessions, I experienced some skin issues and pain at the lumpectomy scar and these went away after 6 weeks.

After another 6 after that, I started with new pain and my breast has swollen slightly and gone up a cup size or two. Then 2 weeks ago and new pain near my scar is getting worse, waking me up and more noticeable, is this just late radiotherapy effects and to be expected? Or should I be mentioning it?

I had to go back end of April as I had a new large cyst, needed to be checked and aspirated but don’t want to call again, like an over worrier, happy to ride it out but thought I’d see what might be advised.

Thank you.

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2

Hello leae,

Thanks for your post. It’s understandable that you’re concerned about the pain and swelling to your breast, following your radiotherapy treatment for high grade DCIS.

Some people can experience ongoing pain, skin changes and swelling for a while after having radiotherapy. For most people pain tends to settle within a few months but for some it can carry on. We would always recommend you go back to your treatment team so that they can assess you, particularly as these are new symptoms and the pain is keeping you awake. They will not think you are an over worrier and would want to know about any symptoms that are worsening.

In the meantime, taking some regular pain relief may be helpful

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 help answer your questions, offer support and 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.

Adapting to life after treatment can be difficult and often the need for information and support continues. Coping with the shock of a diagnosis, treatment and side effects, and worries about the future can make it difficult to adjust to everyday life again.

You may be interested in our Moving Forward resources that are for people who have had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer and have come to the end of their main hospital treatment within the last 2 years. They include our Moving Forward booklet and Moving Forward courses.

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

You’re 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.

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Best wishes,

Addie

Breast Care Nurse

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