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Timba's avatar
Timba
Member
5 years ago

Anyone experiencing Nerve Pain post surgery/radio

Hello everyone, 
First time poster. Diagnosed in Feb 20 early stage cancer. Feel so fortunate discovered early and good prognosis. Described as a ‘tiny’ cancer by breast surgeon (.5 mm, e+ p+ herc-) Just so relieved and grateful to be settling down after the rollercoaster that starts at diagnosis. But a hiccup has occurred post radio (no chemo). Now three weeks since finishing radio and 9 weeks since surgery. Skin recovery excellent. I am now experiencing what I can only describe as a stinging ache in breast especially around nipple. Sort of burning feeling but different from the radio burn feeling. Pin prick type pain, especially from nipple to underarm, but really whole breast aches and feels tight and ‘stingy’. No pain at night in fact lying flat at night no pain. Starts when I move around and by late avo intense. I did have a reduction both breasts at same time of lumpectomy as I am a small person with large breasts. Reconstruction was done at same time as well. Sentinel node work (all clear) also. So considerable surgery. Please tell me others have had this feeling post radio and it is not permanent nerve pain. Post surgery I did have severe nerve pain in both breasts but it settled before radio started. Is it still early days? Goodness could this be permanent? I have excellent arm movement. Reassurance or like experience greatly accepted. 
breast-pain
coping
Reconstruction
  • Timba's avatar
    Timba
    Member
    5 years ago
    Thanks for comment nefertari. Deep down I think I have to accept this could be nerve pain which also could be long term As I explained In my post I did have nerve pain in both breasts post surgery which was at an almost unbearable level. Good now I have a comparison with my left breast which is pain free. I am not worried it is something cancer related as figure I should be clear post surgery and radio atm. I suppose I am hoping it is still radio recovery or even nerves knitting together post surgery. I also want to understand if this is rare or common. My surgeon and oncologist seem to think the nerve pain I did have In both breasts was rare. The BC nurse said it is still early days. If I have to have this permanently I need to try and accept this and not allow it colour my life. I had nerve pain induced cluster headaches for 5 years so clearly I have a sensitive nerve system. Yes ‘shell shocked never underestimate the power of the brain. 
  • Shellshocked201's avatar
    Shellshocked201
    Member
    5 years ago
    Hi, this cancer diagnosis really messes with our heads. We feel every niggle throughout our bodies and our brains go into overdrive.
    I had a mammogram last December after treatment finished, had the all clear.
    Like Nefertari I recently went back to my BC surgeon as I was having pain under my armpit that had a full auxiliary clearance July last year. Had a CT scan, then an ultrasound, good news was it is just scar tissue and some Lymphatic swelling. 

    If unsure get it checked out, if nothing else it puts your mind at rest.
    Take Care, sending hugs x

  • Nefertari's avatar
    Nefertari
    Member
    5 years ago
    My cancer and treatment is different to yours but I have a burning pain in my nipple and under my arm, it appeared after surgery and can go from short intermittent bursts to an all day event.  It is almost 12 months since my surgery and ten months since I finished radiation.  I also had chemo and finished that last April.

    I have had every medico (2 oncologists, BC nurse, GP, breast surgeon) check my breast and they all said that pain is normal and they cannot feel anything abnormal in the nipple, except that it is hard from the radiation.  I just had a mammogram and ultrasound and have been given the all clear there too.

    I have a CT scan scheduled for Monday.  I insisted on it as it is niggling at me mentally and it is so random, it stops me in my tracks and so it is kind of hard to ignore.

    Like yours it is rarely a problem when I am in bed, it just appears as soon as I am up and doing things or even sitting quietly on the couch.  Someone suggested that it could be because I was not wearing my bra enough, swinging free at home in isolation lol.  So I did try wearing the bra all day for a couple of weeks but the pain persisted.

    It could totally be in my head but I just had to insist on the CT as it bothers me that much.  Probably because I did have the same burning pain before my BC diagnosis.  Tell everyone on your team, get everyone to check it.  Better safe than sorry, good luck I hope yours and mine is just that "in our head" xx
  • Beryl_C_'s avatar
    Beryl_C_
    Member
    5 years ago
    @Timba - suggest you contact a breast care nurse if that's possible. If you have problems with this suggest you contact BCNA.