Hi everyone
I have recently finished my radiotherapy after a lumpectomy (10 days ago), and since then I have started getting dreadful shooting pains in my breast and nipple, so much so it stops me sleeping at night, or wakes me up if it starts during the night.
I got on the current fast forward trial, so had 3 times the radiotherapy in one week rather than three, and then a week booster course due to my age.
I’ve read that it might be due to nerve damage, is this likely, and what are th chances of being prescribed pregabalin in this country? (I’ve seen that it’s prescribed quite widely in the US).
Hi Vejovis
Whilst you wait for the other users to reply with their support and experiences do give the helpline a call and talk things through with a member of staff. Here you can share your concerns with someone who will offer you a listening ear as well as emotional support and practical information. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and the linesa are open Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm and Saturday 10 to 2pm.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi Vejovis
I had three weeks of rads at the usual level, and I got shooting pains in the breast for a while afterwards. It gradually got better over time. I imagine that the pains would be worse for you, given the intensive treatment. I think the pains should get better in time, but meanwhile I would recommend to ask to be referred to a pain clinic, where they can prescribed pregablin or whateever else they think will help. I have been on ketamine for nerve pain elsewhere in the body and it has worked a treat. It’s not licensed in the UK except for diabetic nerve pain but hospital pain clinics do prescribe it when they think it will be useful.
Hope your treatment has been sucessful and that you get some help with the pains.
Love Thorn
I had same type of pain after Bilateral MX with Tissue expanders - 1 year ago this week… I had a wee bit of a fight but I got GP to give me Gabapentin which is very similar to Pregabalin but is slow release & a bit stronger. It was only thing that worked for me. Tramadol, & CoCodamol 30/500 didn’t touch it. I no longer take them - stopped about 4 months ago. Still get the odd stabbing pains, but they don’t last.
Hello
I finished the intense fast track radiotherapy in December. Initially the stabbing pains were overwhelming but gradually they have become less regular. I spoke to the consultant about it and she said this is normal and will decrease. It has got less frequent but still wakes me up at least once a night. Hence my response to you at 3 in the morning. Hope it gets easier for you, regards Anna
Hi Vejovis,
If you had any nerve damage from the surgery it will have been aggravated by the radiotherapy. After my mastectomy and lymph node clearance I was left with severe nerve damage and wasn’t warned about the possibility of the pain being increased by the radiotherapy. One doctor described as being “the icing on the pain cake”. During my radiotherapy I ended up in hospital overnight due to a minor heart problem but because of the amount of pain I was in they kept me in for a few more days to sort it out. The Chronic Pain Team certainly did that with a combination of gabapentin, zomorph, a thoracic epidural and oramorph for breakthrough pain. 18 months later I’m still having to have this treatment because of the amount of nerve damage caused by what I can only describe as butchery.
Pregabalin is prescribed in this country for neuropathic pain as I was prescribed it for a damaged sciatic nerve 4 years ago.
I think your best bet is to get your surgeon or oncologist or breast care nurse to refer you to the Chronic Pain Unit. If the one at your hospital is as good as the one I go to then you couldn’t be in better hands. When it comes to pain control they are really ace.
I hope this has helped you.
Lots of best wishes, Helen x