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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Post Surgery/Radiation Pain
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Post Surgery/Radiation Pain
by Setm, Jun 10, 2003 12:00AM
I'm experiencing a cramping like pain intermittently in my breast where I had the lumpectomy/radiation (radiation completed 14 months ago). The pain doesn't occur in the other breast or anywhere else. It has occurred for the past six months, lasts less than 30 seconds and on a scale of 1-10 in pain level, it's a 7. It feels like a painful spasm and lasts only for seconds, but does repeat sometimes repeatedly. It’s not a constant pain and I cannot relate it to over exercising. Other clinical info...no chemo, on Tamoxifen and TCN (for acne) and no other meds. Is this normal sympton post surgery/radiation? I have discussed this with my physicians and I have follow-up every three months at this time. Thank you for your assistance.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Jun 10, 2003 12:00AM
Dear Setm, Post surgical or radiation therapy pain in the breast can occur. Not always is there an exact explanation for it, it can be the healing process or the changes from the surgery +/or radiation therapy. Assessment would be made to see if there is an identifiable cause such as scar tissue formation, infection, a lump at the surgical site causing pressure. This may diminish as more time goes by, and the further you are from the treatment. In the meantime you might try some simple comfort measures to see if it helps for instance, a bra that provides good support.
Member Comments (3)
by SnowWoman, Jun 10, 2003 12:00AM
To: Anyone
I've been having problems with some pain and discomfort post surgical biopsy (2 months). I've not worn a bra for the past 12 years. I bought a couple good ones to wear after surgery but after just 4 or 5 days, they were unbearable to wear -- I did tough it out for that first week post surgery. The problem is the pressure from the bra on my ribs and breast bone between my breasts. I know a bra would help with the breast pain I'm having but the other pain is much worse. When I had my previous surgeries, I used an ace bandage to wrap my breast but even that was painful this go round. In the week or so after surgery when I was around home, I rigged up a "sling" to go under the breast and over the opposite shoulder which worked to some extent but not something I'd want to wear in public. Does anyone have any suggestions of other possible options that might help?
by ritavv, Jun 10, 2003 12:00AM
I had breast pains in the year following my surgery and radiation (no chemo, taking Tamoxifen). It really scared me. Someone recommended that I massage my breast to help break down adhesions. It was uncomfortable at first... but it worked! I haven't had any problems since... I'm 2 yrs post radiation.
