I am in quite a bit of pain from my surgery from the scars. I have messaged my breast care team and they have said this is normal however it is just too much for me. Im taking painkillers and massaging the last time the dr said they are hypertrophic. I need any advice please as I seem to be in pain constantly.
Dear @potterswheel, I am sorry to hear about all the discomfort you are going through with your surgery scar. It sounds very distressing.
There may be some other treatments that could be worth exploring. The Breast Cancer Now and Macmillan nurses on their respectives helplines are very knowledgeable about these matters and may have some further suggestions beyond painkillers.
Macmillan nurses are available right now on 0808 808 0000 until 8pm and the Breast Cancer Now helpline will be open again tomorrow.
Sending my best wishes and hope for relief very soon. Love Tulip x
Hi potterswheel,
Thanks for posting asking about the pain you are experiencing from your surgery scars.
As @Tulip29 suggests, sometimes it can be easier to discuss this on the phone, so do call our helpline if you wish.
You don’t say in your post what surgery you have had or how long ago your surgery was.
Immediately after surgery for breast cancer and in the weeks that follow, it’s common to feel some pain and discomfort. You can experience different sensations such as a burning feeling and numbness in the scar area and under the arm. Having pain may make it more difficult to do arm exercises and maintain a good range of movement.
As healing takes place, these effects usually subside. For most people this happens within a few months. However, for some, they can persist, and we know this can affect quality of life.
Ongoing (chronic) or persistent pain may be caused by damage to the nerves, particularly those in the axilla (underarm). You say that the doctor has said that your scar is hypertrophic. This can happen when the body produces too much collagen causing them to be raised, tender or painful.
Although you say you have spoken to your treatment team, it’s important to let them know you are in constant pain. Some people will also benefit from specialist advice so you could contact your team and ask about a referral to an NHS pain clinic. Some hospitals also run pain management programmes.
You may find this YouTube video on how to treat sensitive scar tissue after breast cancer helpful to watch.
The organisation Restore scar therapy offers free one off appointments throughout the UK for people that have had surgery for cancer.
As mentioned above you can 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.
Our number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties dial 18001 followed by our number 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,
Louise
Breast Care Nurse
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