breast after radiation

[booklady]

In Sep 2002 I had a lumpectomy and reexcision in Oct. My tumor was 1.1 cen and grade 3 - no lymph node involvemet. I finished chemotherapy in Jan 2003 (4 rounds of AC) and finished radiation in March 2003 (37 treatments). My breast is red and swollen and the areola and nipple become rigid at various times throughout the day.  The feeling is like the letdown feeling I had when I was nursing - many years ago ( I am 58 years old).  A few times there has been a slight crustiness to my nipple like fluid was expressed.  The breast also has dimpling like orange skin.  I know that some of the symptoms are indicative of inflammatory breast cancer.  I don't want to be "hyper" about this - but I am worried.  After all my treatment for invasive carcinoma could I have inflammatory breast cancer so soon or could this be my breast's reaction to radiation therapy?  I had a mammogram 6 weeks ago and all was clear. Thank you for your help.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear booklady:  It could well be a reaction to the radiation therapy.  However, you should have your doctor check it out.  It is always better to make sure all is okay.  That way you won't need to worry unnecessarily

[surgeon]

the changes you describe can occur from and linger long after radiation, especially in a large breast. Not being able to see or examine, there's no way for anyone online to be sure. But most likely it's radiation change. Any woman who's been through cancer treatment needs close and careful followup.