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JAK_GR8's avatar
JAK_GR8
Member
20 days ago

Recovery lumpectomy

Hi Lovely People

At the end of November I had a lumpectomy for 5 invasive carcinomas and or as I refer to them, the bloody mongrels. It was not the NST kind and they were ER++ PR++ HER2--.

The combined tumours were approximately 196g so I have a long and deep scar from nipple to my underarm and I completed radiation a couple of weeks to go. 

So far my recovery has been “as advertised” and I still moisturising, massaging and exercising. I also got migraines due to the change in weight.

This week or so though, I have experienced significant increase in pain. I’m assuming it’s the dreaded nerve pain I’ve heard about and my lymph nodes were tricky to remove. It’s just seems that the pain is everywhere in the breast not just the surgery site and arm. I’ve returned to regular paracetamol and ibuprofen routine but can’t stand the thought of a cool compress. Are there any things other people have tried for nerve pain?

I would love to start hormone therapy with better health so I can monitor its side effects.

Thanks for your help.

pain

4 Replies

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    19 days ago

    Hi JAK_GR8​ .. so sorry to see you joining our select little group .... and that you are experiencing a significant increase in pain just now.   

    The Nerve endings pain is usually more short & sharp ... so if the pain is over the whole breast area, I really think you should get that looked into, asap. 

    You must be due to see your surgeon again some time soon?

    Maybe you could bring that appointment 'earlier' to get checked out now?

    OR - do you have a Breast Care Nurse that you can chat to for suggestions?   It could be a Seroma (liquid build up) that may need to be drained ... Is there any  swelling or redness associated with the painful areas?  If yes, all the more reason to get checked out asap xx

    I hope you get some relief soon xx. Take care

    • JAK_GR8's avatar
      JAK_GR8
      Member
      18 days ago

      Thanks arpie​ 

      I did manage to see the GP and we think I just need to return to a stricter pain relief routine like when I first had surgery, which seems to be helping some for now. 
      We did try to get a precautionary ultrasound but couldn’t get an appointment until mid April… So for now I will check in with my breast care team on Monday. I also bought some mobiderm as recommended by Physio so can’t wait to try that. 
      Thanks again

      • arpie's avatar
        arpie
        Member
        18 days ago

        JAK_GR8​   You could probably even message your BC Nurse tomorrow & give her the 'heads up' .... as some DO respond over weekends!   

        Maybe even take a pic of the boob NOW - so that if anything changes, they (and you) can SEE it!    

        And don't 'overdo' the exercises just now either .... gentle movements only - the bigger stuff can wait until your pain level drops back to 'normal' xx

        Just make sure you take food with your pain meds, specially if including an anti-inflammatory with it (which often makes it work better) ......
        I know some ibuprofen packets say you don't need to eat food with it - but it is safer to do it, than not.

        I hope you get the pain under control over the weekend