Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Charliep5, yes it is rare. Like you, I've found very little information on it and my breast nurse had never seen it (but had heard of it). I was referred to the lymphoedema clinic to see a physiotherapist, who told me she'd never seen cording in the torso but asked all of her colleagues and only one of them had seen a case about 10 years ago!  I was also told it can occur months after surgery. The physiotherapist encouraged me to try to 'snap' the cords but I didn't find that helped. In the end I was lucky enough to find a local charity who provide healing therapies for people affected by cancer and the massage therapist I saw knew about it and helped.  Like you, I could see the cord and it was unbelievably painful. Mine kept me awake at night too. Plus I found it hard to wear a bra because any pressure on it was agony. It ached pretty much all the time and was very painful to touch. Sometimes it caused a strong burning sensation all the way down my torso. I'm glad your consultant is sending you for further scans though. Best to rule out more serious things to put your mind at rest. Good luck xx   ... View more

Hi, I had this after surgery in March 2019. It lasted for months and still occasionally flares up and it was agony. Mine was checked out and was cording - it ran from inside my breast all the way down, over my rib cage and into my abdomen. You need to gently but firmly massage the area in large circular motions. You can also hold down one part of the cord with a finger and then gently massage small areas of the cord (rubbing away from the finger - I hope this makes sense)  I also found gentle stretching exercises helpful and for the pain, I found a hot water bottle useful. Mine wasn't a quick fix but it did gradually get easier. Like I said, it does flare up occasionally but it's never as painful as the first few months I had it.  I definitely advise contacting your breast care nurse and explaining the situation. Mine referred me to a physiotherapist who showed me the massage techniques xx ... View more

Hi Becs, I had a major duct excision along with a lumpectomy last year. Like you I had a lot of non malignant issues with my breast but unfortunately, I also had a malignancy, hence the lumpectomy. I can't tell you exactly what the duct excision would be like without the lumpectomy but I'll do my best. An incision was made about 3/4 of the way around the base of my nipple which was then lifted to access the ducts that are directly behind. The nipple was extremely sore for a few weeks but gradually improved. For a while, it wouldn't go erect but that eventually sorted itself. Also, I have lost some of the sensation in the nipple as a result of the surgery - I'd estimate about 30% loss but it depends on the day. Some days, I can hardly feel anything, some days it's closer to the pre-surgery norm.    In terms of recovery, the sore nipple was problematic for a while (it was hard to wear a bra or have anything touching it - clothing, hugs, bedclothes etc) but, like I said, I had a pretty extensive lumpectomy at the same time, so your recovery might well be quicker   Good luck with the surgery and let me know if you have any questions x ... View more

Hi Simi7   I had surgery for DCIS in March last year. I developed a lump close to my scar but not attached to it. It was checked out a few weeks ago and I was told it's a combination of surgical clip, scar tissue and changes to the tiny amount of breast tissue I have left in that area.    Good luck on Monday xx ... View more

Hi, I was told my biopsy results would take two weeks, but they phoned after 5 days and told me they were available, so, yes, it is possible to get them in 5 days on the NHS x ... View more

Hi, I had a lumpectomy back in March. I was diagnosed with DCIS and had a very large lump in a very small breast. There was some discussion about mastectomy because of the size of the tumor and because I needed a major duct excision as well. In the end I had the lumpectomy. My lump was just to the side of my nipple on the outer half of my breast. In the end, they removed all of the breast tissue to the left of my nipple, plus some from behind my nipple and a pizza slice of skin that was over the lump. I'm now coming up on 9 months post surgery and my breast doesn't look too bad at all. It is noticeably smaller (and higher) than the other breast but it is still breast shaped and I haven't lost much sensation. (Bear in mind though: I didn't have radiotherapy and that can change/shrink the breast too)   I decided not to have reconstruction because I really couldn't face more surgery and I didn't want to risk losing any more sensation in the breast and/or nipple, plus, I didn't want to deal with more scars. Instead I opted for a partial breast prosthesis which I was fitted for today.   Overall, it's been tough emotionally but I think in the long run I'll adjust.    I'm not familiar with LIPAC reconstruction, is it similar to Diep? I definitely think it's worth having a long chat with your team about what they think your breast will look like with and without reconstruction. And also, what you can expect in the way of sensation loss and any other risks.   I'm so sorry you find yourself in this position. It's hellish isn't it. The diagnosis is a shock and then you're on this crazy rollercoaster where you're having to make impossible decisions about things you can barely get your head around, and all of it at a break neck speed. I really do wish you well. If I can help at all, you're welcome to PM me and I can try to answer any questions based on my own experience.   Naid xx     ... View more

Hi Lucy51,   I've read your posts with interest. I am 8 months on from surgery and like you, I am struggling more now than at any point on this journey. Plus, I also didn't need chemo or radiotherapy.    Any cancer diagnosis is horrific and anxiety and depression are understandable outcomes of going through something so horrendous (mind you, knowing this, hasn't made my depression or anxiety disappear!) 6 months is a very short amount of time to recover from the trauma of diagnosis and the trauma of surgery. Plus you have other surgeries in your past and multiple stresses like these can become cumulative (we cope well at first but eventually become overwhelmed because there's only so much our brains can cope with)    It might be worth talking to your GP - they should be able to refer you for outpatient mental health support. (This can involve more targeted therapies designed specifically to help with trauma, depression, anxiety etc and shouldn't have a time limit)   Also, feel free to pm me if you want to message with someone in a similar situation to you xx ... View more

Thanks Anniej,   My Mondor's starts under my breast and runs right the way down my body into my abdomen. Like you said, it's very painful (I'm also fond of blasting it with hot water in the shower!)   I started a Moving Forwards course today and fortunately there was a BCN who knew a bit about Mondor's, she was able to reassure me regarding the home massage I'm doing.   I'm definitely going to chase up my appointment with the physio dept.    Thanks so much for your reply - while I'm sorry you went through this, it's nice to know I'm not alone xx ... View more

Hi, I also had a huge lump in my breast for many years. The breast tissue around it felt weird, it was permanently sore and it was visible because it pressed against the skin. It was also completely benign. It was eventually taken out in March this year (after 17 years) because I developed DCIS in the tissue. As Jan said, most lumps and breast changes are benign, if it does turn out to be more it is far better to find out now and have it dealt with. Yes, it's tough being diagnosed and treated but cancer treatments really are excellent and the long term prognosis is amazing. My cancer was caught early and I've pretty much managed to work right the way through. I had time off for surgery and recovery and a few wobbly days here and there but I'm doing good.   Hope your gp appointment went well   big hugs, Naid xx ... View more

Hi, you're right, it is a confusing diagnosis but it doesn't need to be. I think sometimes people suggest DCIS is not cancer because they think it's helpful, but personally it left me feeling confused and invalidated.  DCIS is definitely cancer, but it's cancer that has yet to become invasive. There's a website I really like by a Dr Halls who is a radiologist in Canada, he's written some very informative posts about DCIS. You can find his site here:  breast-cancer.ca   Hope your appointment goes well x ... View more

Hi, I only found out I had clips inserted because I requested my health records and found the details in my surgery notes. No one on my breast care team mentioned they were going to put them in.   Naid x ... View more

Hi Hayley, about 17 years ago (when I was in my early 30s) a large lump grew in my breast. By the time I saw my gp it was approx 4 cms, it was very sore and it was possible to see it (for me, it was visible because I have small breasts and it was just beneath the skin) I was referred to the breast clinic on an urgent referral and it turned out to be completely benign, caused by fibrocystic changes to my breast tissue.    Obviously, I can't promise you your lump is nothing to worry about, it definitely needs to be checked out, but it is possible to have a large, palpable, sore, visible lump in your breast and for it to be benign.   Sending hugs, Naid xx   ... View more

Hi Astra, yes, I bought a microfibre towel. It was from the amazon basics range - they are listed as cleaning cloths. The Castile soap is very gentle, I dilute it with water before use (I've also found it's brilliant for my sons eczema).    Sleeping was quite a challenge post surgery. Mine was on my left breast and I got really fed up sleeping on my right side, but it eased up eventually. xx     ... View more

Hi Astra,   I can't help with lymph removal advice but I had a lumpectomy back in March (I had approx. half of my breast removed, plus a major duct excision)   After the surgery, I found I recovered from the anaesthetic quite quickly and was able to return home the same day. I found I was able to do basic tasks, easy cooking, showering, dressing etc the next day, but I got tired very quickly (this happened for 2-3 weeks or so) Because you live alone, I think preparing/buying meals before hand is a really great idea. I'd also get plenty of juice and fruit (nice healthy snacks that promote healing)   I bought a really soft bra with no cup seams that helped support my surgery breast. I also found I preferred loose fitting clothes because I couldn't tolerate anything compressing my breast. I sleep on my side and found tucking a soft teddy bear between my boobs helped support my sore breast!   I think my best investment was a high absorbency towel (doesn't need to be huge or fancy - mine was about half the size of a tea towel!) I found it was perfect for drying my scar, nipple and sore breast after showering (I could just place it gently over the scar and it instantly absorbed all the water without the need for rubbing or patting)   Regarding healing creams - I was advised not to use any creams on my scar for at least 6 weeks. For showering I bought  liquid Castile soap which is super gentle and 100% natural.    I also tried to get my laundry out of the way before the surgery, so I wouldn't run out of anything I needed for a couple of weeks (and I changed my bedding the night before in case I wasn't up to it for a while!)   In hindsight, I think the most important thing is to really look after yourself (not just physically, but emotionally) Stock up on the things that comfort you the most (favourite treats, films, books etc etc) Anything that makes you feel good. Breast surgery is tough so you need to balance with lots of things that bring you comfort and pleasure.   Big hugs, Naid xx         ... View more

Hi Cheekychops, I just wanted to add a little extra to the advice you've already been given. It is possible to change your breast care nurse. Like you, I found mine was a bit stern and off-hand with me. I imagine that approach suits some people, but I'm a person who needs to be treated with compassion and empathy first and foremost. I phoned my breast clinic and explained this to them and they changed my breast care nurse to someone who is much better suited to my needs.    Big hugs xx ... View more

Hi Tristana I had a lumpectomy (but no blue dye) back in March. I was unbelievably nervous in the run up to the surgery but I found once I arrived at the hospital I felt better. Every member of staff I encountered: from the surgeon to the cleaner was warm, friendly and compassionate. I realised they were all professional and knew what they were doing and their calmness and efficiency was very reassuring.    As soon as I walked onto the ward, I was well taken care of and there were so many things to do: fitting for those DVT sock things, forms to fill out, blood pressure checks, identity bracelets, deciding on an evening meal, meeting the anaesthetist, an ultra-sound with the surgeon etc etc. This all helped to pass the time and again, their calmness and compassion made me feel a lot calmer.   I was still a little nervous but no longer terrified. That said, when the porter arrived with the trolley to wheel me to surgery my anxiety peaked. As I entered the anaesthesia room I started to panic but again the staff in there were amazing, they took the time to reassure me and treated me with great care and dignity.   Obviously, I can't take away your worries (being nervous of surgery is perfectly normal) but what I can say is, the staff at the hospital know what they're doing, they're used to dealing with people feeling anxious, they are familiar with all of the procedures and they know exactly what to do every step of the way.   This is a huge step for you and I know it's hard, very very hard but tomorrow will come and it will go and then you can move forwards.   Take good care of yourself and remember to take some nice deep breaths, sending love and hugs xxx ... View more

Hi Clarabelle, so sorry you find yourself in this situation. There is nothing that can prepare us for the impact of a cancer diagnosis. I was diagnosed back in February and I walked around in shock for a few days, feeling disconnected from the world. I also found telling my children (14 & 20 years) tough, but I tried to focus on the fact that the cancer had been detected, so now it could be treated and not left to get worse and I told them how great breast cancer treatments and outcomes are these days.    I think you're doing the right thing by reaching out to people. Since my diagnosis I've communicated with a lot of women online and in person (through a monthly breast cancer support group) and it's helped me a lot. I also recommend phoning the Breast Cancer Care helpline or the Macmillan helpline if you need more support (both services are amazing!) It's also worth checking if there are any support groups in your area.    What I've found the most reassuring is how many women I've met who have come through this. When we are first diagnosed, it's easy for our brains to jump to worst case scenarios but breast cancer treatments are highly effective. Like I said, I was diagnosed in February and right now 4 months on I am cancer free and healing nicely (both emotionally and physically)    While I waited for results (which is hellish!) I focused on looking after myself: trying to relax (although I found this one nigh on impossible!), eating good food, plenty of water, walking in the local park etc. Things to help prepare my body for the surgery and recovery   Big hugs, Naid xx       ... View more

Well done for pushing for a second opinion, whatever the outcome you'll be able to make a more informed decision and if it does confirm the original diagnosis you'll feel more confident in the cancer team involved.    I'm glad you're feeling calmer. A cancer diagnosis is very hard to process and adjust to and being right at the beginning of the journey is especially tough.    I'd love to hear how you get on (as long as you feel comfortable)   Naid x ... View more

Hi, firstly, so sorry to hear your news. There's nothing that can prepare us for the shock of a cancer diagnosis. It seems to come out of nowhere and then everything happens so fast it's hard to think straight.    Have you asked your doctor why they have chosen mastectomy over lumpectomy? At my local hospital these decisions are made by MDT (multi-disciplinary team), basically this means all of the breast cancer oncologists, surgeons and radiologists meet to discuss your results and decide treatment options. It might be worth contacting your breast care nurse to find out why they elected for a mastectomy. It could be due to the location of the cancer in your breast, size of the lump etc.    Also, don't be afraid to tell her how you're feeling. Yes, it is positive that it's been caught early, but being diagnosed with cancer is an awful experience. I have yet to meet a woman who wasn't shell-shocked and devastated by the news (especially in the early weeks). Your breast care nurse might be able to put you in touch with a specialist psychologist or counsellor who could help you. If not I found the Breast Cancer Care and Macmillan helpline's really supportive. Breast Cancer Care also have a service called 'Someone Like Me', if you contact them, they can match you up with someone who has been through a similar experience and you can talk to them on the telephone (I found this useful in the run up to my surgery)   I'm sorry I can't help regarding reconstruction but hopefully other women will see your post and respond soon. If not, it might be worth posting in the 'diagnosed with breast cancer' section, it seems to get more traffic xx ... View more