Nerve Pain Management

I am so sorry this is happening to you motton​  .... have you been assigned a Breast Care Nurse yet?  If 'yes' ... I'd give them a bell.   My nipple was totally removed, the tumours (ILC) were removed from underneath & then the nipple was sewn back on again .... but it was quite a 'high' dressing/surgical dressing that was put over the nipple, to protect it from rubbing/annoying.  It DOES take months for the nerves to settle down & reduce the associated pain from the surgery.   Don't give up!!

Much as 'bunion' bandaids can relieve the pressure on bunions ... the same SHOULD happen to your nipple surgery, if the dressing has been applied correctly xx

You've found the right spot here tho, for support & info from those who've 'been there, done that'! So hopefully we'll be able to smooth the way for your own story.  Whack up ANY question - remember there are NO dumb questions!!!  Make sure you take a trusted friend or family member with you to your appointments, as a 'backup set of ears', as it is difficult remembering everything that is said.  Also, consider recording your sessions on your phone, so you can go over it again later, for the same reason. 😉

Mine was ILC (Invasive Lobular Cancer) - I was lucky to only have the one lumpectomy, rads & tablets .... and have recently finished with the tabs now, 7 years later!

As you progress thru your appointments/surgeries ... let us know how you are going, by continuing to reply to this post ... it is a good way of 'keeping a diary' of everything you're going thru, in the one spot!!  I look back on my original post too (up til I started the hormone suppression) and am amazed at the wonderful support afforded to me, too xx

This diagnosis can really muck with your brain too - so if you feel sad, angry, distressed - that is absolutely 100% NORMAL!  But you don't have to 'do it' on your own!  .... ask your GP (or your treating team) for a referral to see a counsellor .... or listen to Charlotte Tottman's podcast (link below).  You can also ring our Helpline on 1800 500 258 for a confidential one-on-one chat xx    Try not to get ‘ahead of yourself’ with the ‘what ifs’ ….. as they may never happen - and going down that rabbit hole (specially if using Dr Google) will REALLY muck with your brain  :(  A lot of info on Google doesn’t relate to your diagnosis or is out of date - so put any questions you have, to your medical team (or here!) xx   Take it one day at a time, one hour, if needed ..... but keep trying to do 'stuff you love' too .... so you have good 'down time' as well!  I treated myself to a holiday on Norfolk Island after all my active treatment ..... as a 'Well Done YOU' for going thru all that stuff - as a reward!!!

Charlotte Tottman  is a BC specialist counsellor who was diagnosed herself, also had a double mastectomy, so knows EXACTLY what we've all been thru, both emotionally and physically!  Her reaction to her own diagnosis was also quite different to what she 'thought' it might be, given that she'd been counseling women's reactions for some years before, so thought she 'new' what to expect!  She is VERY easy to listen to, too xx
http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html. 

Raelene Boyle's video is also well worth watching! 
https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/podcasts/upfront-about-breast-cancer/upfront-about-breast-cancer/episode-21-raelene-boyle-on-pulling-herself-out-of-the-darkness/

There is HEAPS of info in the link below to help you navigate the blog and also some tools to evaluate your own physical and mental recovery thru your ongoing treatment! xx.

https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussions/general-discussion/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members-/222737

Take care & all the best for your ongoing treatment xx

Thank you motton​  for sharing what you’re going through - it sounds very challenging, both physically and emotionally. It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed when dealing with discomfort day after day, especially after surgery and while preparing for another. Nerve regeneration can be a slow and frustrating process, and the sensations you’re describing are something many people find challenging.

While we can’t offer medical advice, some people find gentle, natural approaches like cool compresses, loose cotton clothing, or soothing topical oils (approved by their care team) helpful for reducing overstimulation. It might also help to check with your surgeon or a breast care nurse about safe options - they often have great suggestions for non-pharmaceutical relief.
Please know you’re not alone in this, many in the community have walked this path and can share what worked for them. Sending you strength and comfort as you navigate this ❤️

Hi motton​ 

So sorry to hear of your discomfort, it must be very challenging to get comfortable. Great support and suggestions so far for you😊

In the meantime we can help you with the bra side of things to maybe lessen the discomfort somewhat. Sending you a private message.

motton​  Arpie has covered just about everything. I had ductal left side. Though its been 8 years since surgery. And yes the nerve ending didn't like being interfered with. It does take time to resolve. I don’t have the nerve twangs and scream anymore. And yes I found any garment movement over the L breast set it off. I wore a cotton T shirt under my well fitting Bra The post surgery one I was given in hospital is  fantastic  and i picked up a 2nd one. The t shirt (inside out) under my bra also help with my Radiation. I had quiet intense dose for 5 weeks the T shirt helped with the amount of cream I applied over the weeks of radiation. 
A said any concerns get onto your breast care nurse, I she’s any good she’ll usually have a solution or 2. If not she’ll find out. 
mine has always been a text message away. 
Healing thoughts for you  
Lyn

motton​ I got my TShirts from kmart and cotton on.   
because of the swelling and scar from lymph gland surgery was sensitive along with the breast conserving surgery. I opted mostly for T shirts. 
I found the radiation sessions easy and over quickly compared the rest. And yes you do get tired but not straight away. I could have worked my employer and other staff members wanted me to get better without the added stress of work. With the radiation the effects don’t stop when the radiation finishes it actually keeps doing its thing, mine lasted about 2weeks after. Like chemo etc we all react on different levels. And We get our own specialised plan for where and what is targeted. All the way through this BC roller coaster I’ve managed to do the unexpected.
I Never let the medical team get too comfortable and like to throw  little curve balls but they have so far found things to do to keep me here. 
Not everything that is wrong with me is caused by the cancer, just makes treatment of each issue more complicated. I have 6 different doctors most of the time they talk to each other when they need to. The important thing is I inform my oncology team which Dr or Specialist I am seeing when and whats happening. 
Always keep your main contact on the treatment team updated with anything that comes up of any concern it might seem trivial but things add up to give a broader picture. 
I day at a time some are great some not so.
Tomorrow is another day yesterday is done.