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Ani's avatar
Ani
Member
12 years ago

Pain on the side of the breast

Hello ladies, 
I'm new to this site and this is my first post. I've read through a few of the posts on the online network and I've found it to be quite insightful. 

I was diagnosed with grade 2 ductal carcinoma in sita (DCSI) this year in May 2013. I've had a cancers removed and two central node, The one located on the armpit was clear, however the one on the chest was cancerous. 

I began my chemotheray on the 1st of July and finished on the 14th of October. I was scheduled to continue my treatment with radiotherapy on the 7th of November, however they found another tumour on the side of the breast. From there, they conducted another biopsy and found that it was a benign tumour (thankfully). 

However, since the biopsy, I've had complications with the side of the breast. There's fluid retention around that region, accompanied with pain... Whenever I lift my arm above my head, I also experience some tension as well. It appears that no one has experienced these symptoms before and I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice. I thought maybe perhaps they have experienced it and just haven't posted about it. 

Aside from the pain around that area, I've also got numb finger tips, swelling in the hands and feet as well. 

I've seen my regular GP about my symptoms and they have said it was fluid retention in the area. They have only suggested that I massage the area, to alleviate the pain and have not given me much more to follow on from that. 

Right now I'm fearful of the radiotherapy and the potential consequences which may follow. Should I follow through with the treatment plan? 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I would love to hear from you, and any similar experiences you may have lived through, please comment! 

Annie 

14 Replies

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  • Janey235's avatar
    Janey235
    Member
    12 years ago
    I remember after my lumpectomy I had quite a bit of pain under my armpit where the lymph nodes were taken, apparently it's seroma (flood retention). Since having my bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I can say that my breast and tummy area pain has settled down but my armpit is still sore. I am massaging the area twice a day and my surgeon says it will take a while for the seroma to completely dissipate. All I can do is be patient. But Deanne is right, see you breast surgeon again to get your pain checked out. They'll be able to get to the bottom of it. Welcome to this site Annie, not that any of us want to be here. I hope you find posting here as satisfying and reassuring as I have since starting back in. May. The wonderful love and understanding from our Pink Sisters is amazing, Good luck with your radiotherapy and I hope Deanne is right again and it will be a breeze for you. Love and hugs Janey xxx
  • VivW's avatar
    VivW
    Member
    12 years ago

    My experience is the same as yours, you need to see a Lymphoedema Therapist (physio), your Oncologist or GP will refer you. They will teach you to massage in the correct direction ie: you need to re direct the fluid to working lymphatic system.   I have truncle lymphoedema which needs massage twice a day to keep it at bay, not sure how long this will last or if I am stuck with it.  I have had lumpectomy followed by 6 weeks radiation. 

    Take care

     Viv

  • VivW's avatar
    VivW
    Member
    12 years ago

    My experience is the same as yours, you need to see a Lymphoedema Therapist (physio), your Oncologist or GP will refer you. They will teach you to massage in the correct direction ie: you need to re direct the fluid to working lymphatic system.   I have truncle lymphoedema which needs massage twice a day to keep it at bay, not sure how long this will last or if I am stuck with it.  I have had lumpectomy followed by 6 weeks radiation. 

    Take care

     Viv