Burning sensation year after last radiation therapy session

Hi Adriana, 

how did your follow up appointment go? 

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 had left mastectomy, 6 mths chemo 

And 6wks of radiother

apy, full axcillery clearance left arm but ( removal of all nodes) 

I developed pain later on around the scar area and left side. In fact I think I put up with the pain and after a while thought, this can't be right. 

I saw a pain specialist and recommend you may want to  consider the same. The doctor there diagnosed nerve pain as a result of chemo and radiotherapy. 

Taxol in the chemo drug  can damage  the nerves and radiotherapy. There are things available to help and they do say to get on top of it early. 

There are pain groups available that are private and bulk billing ones. 

I wish I had known earlier about the pain I've got now at the start. Now the surgeons look at lyrica ( GP / surgeon may  prescribe based on your situation which has proven to nip things like this early following surgery and treatment. Everyone is different so speak with your GP ( which you are doing!) 

im now in a pain clinic getting treatment for nerve pain. I'm in the right place trying different types of things in a triage environment. It's bul

ked billed too which helps enormously! GP referral is needed 

Good luck I hope all goes well 

Thank you. Yes I made an appt with GP today. I spoke to the Radiation nurse and she advised to do a mammogram and US just to be sure.

Fingers crossed it's nothing.

Hi Adriana 

I had radiation 11 years ago and still get pain/burning and its itchy - the first time I had breast cancer. I had it again in 2013 and had a biopsy last  October and it was fine. My arm never went back to its original size due to lymthodema and my rib cage is bigger that side as well. Lots of odd stuff happens and the Dr said its all ok. Get it checked out if your worried. Hope all turns out good for you. xx

Hi Adriana, sorry to hear your worries. I haven't had radiation but wanted to just say that some weird stuff can happen years after the treatments and surgeries we undertake. If it is something that worries you its probably a good idea to chat to your GP or radiation oncologist. I am sure some other ladies will pop in to give you some advice from experience.

hang in there, Louie XXX

Can't really help you on this one, just passed the halfway mark of radiotherapy. Sounds like a good idea to ring someone at rt and ask the question. 

Take care, Lyn