Sore breasts post treatments (lumpectomy)

I had a mastectomy so can’t comment on soreness in the breast itself but eight years later I can still get occasional stiffness/twinges across the scar tissue! I’m told it’s not unusual - like you, stretching does the trick! 

@2MC I had a lumpectomy Dec '2017 which also involved taking some tissue from below my breast to "fill in the gap"! I was sore & tender for many, many months & often used cold or heat pack to relieve the pain. I slept with my Zonta pillow for ages as it gave me great support. Even now, it hurts a little if I get knocked or bumped in the wrong place & i reckon it is probably compounded by all the other work my surgeon did in filling in the gap. Im not complaining as my breast looks like normal but I just learn to live with a slight discomfort if it gets knocked around! As you said, I think it is the "new normal"!
I also had rad treatment & because of this & my surgery, I stretch every day & I still do my Pilates DVD that was given to me in hospital. I exercise a lot but find these extra stretches, keeps my arm, side & chest area, more limber. You do notice things tighten up when you dont do it for a few days so try to fit it into your daily routine. I keep imagining what went on under my skin during rad treatment & i reckon the least I can do is keep up the stretching after all it has been through!!
Good luck xx

@Anne65
thank you so much for sharing 
that’s what I keep telling myself also
the poor thing has been through a lot 
and considering my very recent scans came back without cause for concern I should relax 
I’m assuming radiation causes many changes also as I’m not just tender at the scar sight 
I’ll try the hot and cold compresses
and start yoga again 
I did notice the more I move the less tender I am 
cheers

@2MC Yes, so much happens beneath the skins surface...probably a good thing we cant see it!! :)
So glad your recent scans have come back all clear...thats the main thing!
Yoga would be wonderful for your body, mind & soul. You will certainly see a benefit from that.
Keep positive. xx

Have you checked in with a physio ?
im only 3 months post lumpectomy, and 1 month post radiation. Physio gave me a few exercises to help reduce scar tissue  ( rolling a soft ball around over boob ) and a funny little “ dressing “ with lumpy foam bits to,wear inside bra ( it’s designed to assist manipulating scar tissue) . Boob only now has settled down enough to contemplate the exercise each day to be honest .
wonder whether that may help,you out ?

@noosa_blue150

Thank you for advice 
I tried organising a oncologist physiotherapist but as I’m not private it’s going to be to expensive (Not having worked for over a year)

Did you see just a general physiotherapist 
maybe I’ll just try a general one as my extras should cover this 

cheers x

Hi @2MC,

It seems to take forever.  I had lumpectomy, node clearance and the works burger of treatments.  Honestly, what it must look like under there!  4 1/2 years post op and the things still hard as a rock on one side. It twinges and aches every now and then and you definitely don't want to be knocked.  I am forever dodging my dogs. One of which is a great dane that likes to give bounding hugs lol.
Generally speaking it hasn't caused too many issues over the last couple of years and I am finally able to sleep on my stomach again.  My arm still needs stretching occasionally or it tightens up a bit.
It will get there and the more exercise you do in the beginning helps I believe.  I just did my own physio, read that as "my old farm is falling down and there was plenty of fencing and painting to do at the time" :)  
All the best lovely it will get better over time but it takes a while. xoxox

@kezmusc

thank you
I really needed to hear this
my head isn’t my friend 
but the lovely voices of support here on BCNA are 

I think you are right I need to get more physical and stop over  protecting myself 

oh and I hear you on the pooch that loves cuddles but I wouldn’t have them any other way.

thank you x

The first lady I saw was at a public hospital . I just double checked my medical stuff and realised she was actually a Lymphoedema occupational therapist ( I get them mixed up ! They both have given me exercises to do) .
do you still have any contact with a breast care nurse within public system who may be able to give you advice as to whom may be available within your local health service 

Over one year and still sore if pressed in upper chest area. Physio said to keep stretching and massaging the area as it's muscle and other tissue affected by the surgery and radiotherapy. I don't know if it will ever stop being sensitive.