Seven weeks post-mastectomy and lump & rash in other breast!

Hi all, advice please!!

I had a left mastectomy seven weeks ago after four tumours were discovered. They were apparently low grade (all grade 1), though the consultant didn’t mention the staging. When I saw my GP recently, in conversation he said “…well, you had four fast-growing tumours…” But I didn’t pursue it. I am due to begin Tamoxifen soon, but I was on HRT after a hysterectomy with both ovaries removed 14 months prior to the breast cancer, so I have weaned myself off HRT, in preparation to begin the Tamoxifen.

I can now feel a very small pea-sized lump in my right breast!! I am convinced it can’t be anything, as I had a breast MRI in October… But am I fooling myself? The lump is higher up than the others were; about 3 inches above my nipple. It’s a very small lump in a very large breast, so could just be my ‘lumpy’ tissue.

Also, this afternoon, I have developed a red rash in the same area. I only felt the lump in the early hours of this morning!! The rash is in a small, confined area, about an inch in diameter. It does not fade when I stretch the skin out with my fingers. Please note, the rash is NOT around the nipple; it’s in the same region as the lump.

Of course I will definitely get it checked out. By coincidence, I’m seeing my GP tomorrow to get the Tamoxifen underway. So, the purpose of this post is not to ask what I should do, but really to ask, has anyone else had a similar experience?

When I had the mastectomy, there were no skin changes in that breast.

Thanks, Mel.

Hi Mel,

Sorry to see you haven’t had any replies as yet, but hopefully someone will now see your post.  In the meantime please do give our helpline a call and have a chat with one of the nurses there, 0808 800 6000 lines open weekdays 9-5and Sat 10-2

Take care,

Jo, Moderator