Hello, I finished radiotherapy June 2020 I had the shorter version (10 days total). Prior to that I had 8 rounds of chemo and a lumpectomy with therapeutic mammoplasty. My breast and the area around it ( chest, collar bone underarm) has been tender ever since rads. Recently it’s been getting worse, it all feels tight and sore. I thought it might be lymphodema but speaking to my breast care nurse over the phone she said is not because I don’t have any swelling. She didn’t seem that concerned about it. Anyway I’ve been doing a bit of research and I’m pretty sure it’s radiotherapy induced fibrosis (tightness and thickening of the tissue/muscle)Anyone got any experience with this and what can be done? Anybody know where I can buy some mobiderm foam pads? as I’ve heard it can help break up and soften the damaged tissue. Can’t seem to find it anywhere.
xxx
Hi Blackcat, I can relate to your description of the tenderness and firmness in breast tissue. My treatment ended a few months ahead of you. I carried on accepting that the feeling was totally “normal” “to be expected, post treatment” discomfort. May be it was, but around October 20 I felt strange tingly almost electric shock feeling too …sometimes round my trunk/ribs. Still Breast Nurse reassured normal. Finally in Jan this year I started realising I had slight “ripples” on skin under breast and a funny “pouch” round at my back (one side that disappeared by morning to reappear at night ) no obvious arm swelling…again sought advice …to be told it was nothing significant wasn’t “pitting” so not lymphoedema…and I’d possibly put a little weight on. I finally saw oncologist who agreed for me to go ahead and attend an appointment with a lymphoedema nurse specialist. (Privately as no offer of NHS referral was offered). Upshot, I did have early lymphoedema and a few sessions with her really helped with that breast discomfort ! She gave me a couple of compression bras which I lived in for weeks. I’ve tried quite a few elastain vests things and some longer line sports bras have been good. The best yet for me has been the sweaty Betty stamina longline sports bra. ( Wait for their sale ) …re the mobiderm pads (if they are what I think) …some folk make themselves …use foam from an old cushion cut up into small chips and fill a soft piece of material and situate in bra to use over the more troublesome spots. I do self lymph drainage daily now ( she taught me right routine for my issues). Therapist also used an oscillation therapy machine that really loosened that tight tissue around wound site etc. I hope you get relief …but I agree please push to see lymphoedema specialist. Good luck.
Hi Caralan_1,
Hoping you’re still online as this is an old post.
I have also had discomfort around my implant & SNB scar since surgery a year ago and have always been told that it’s early days and will take a while to settle. It’s recently been confirmed that I have radiation fibrosis in skin, through breast, armpit and lung, which has caused pain and stiffness.
I’ve now noticed a band of thicker skin from the bottom corner of my breast which extends horizontally across the base of my armpit around to my back. It’s more noticeable at night and better in the morning, so your description of a funny pouch rings a cord with me. It follows the line of my bra, so I’m not sure if the bra makes it worse, so may try your bra suggestions, thanks. Did your lymphoedema nurse confirm if it was fibrosis?
I’m seeing an NHS lymphoedema nurse in a couple of weeks so will definitely raise this. I’ve also seen an MLD therapist privately and had some oscillation treatment. My skin felt more pliable immediately, so am very positive it will help in the long run. Thanks 
Hi Carolan_1
Thanks for the advice and glad you’re on top of it. My lymphoedema nurse confirmed a mild breast & truncal lymphoedema, and I’ve been prescribed the less-than-fetching Haddenham Comfiwave breast band, which I collect next week.
Lots more to think about, but I think the MLD and deep oscillation therapy will also help. Fingers crossed!
All the best
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) I do still get a back ache on and off ( feels like someone’s thumped/winded me)
) Occasionally I can wear a more normal bra but mainly stick to longline sports bras. This is challenging as getting right compression etc is hit or miss. Sweaty Betty stopped doing the stamina longline but ( after trying several types ) Ive recently found Marks and Spencer do a few that seem to be working for me. (Ava medium support non wired sports bra). Sorry for long post …I’m sure you will manage this well with lymphoedema therapist support… the aches will lessen with time too. Good luck !!!