breast pain after radiation

[kath100]

I experience a LOT of very uncomfortable sensations during and after radiation (electrical shocks, stabbing pains, painful "waves").  After 4 years, these pains have passed.  However, I am still extremely sore and still get pains in my breast.  My MD's say that I probably have chest wall inflammation.  I've used anti-inflammatory drugs with no relief.
Doesn't inflammation eventually go away?  My MD's don't seem to think it will pass and are a bit puzzled as to the intensity of the problem.  Any ideas for a remedy?

[SueYoung55]

Hi Kath,

I had a few issues after radiation though I no longer had a breast. No matter what I said to my Doctors they all swore it was scar tissue causing the pain. When I went for my reconstruction and mastectomy of remaining breast the surgeon was kind enough to do a very thorough ultra sound and she found a pocket of fluid which was removed during my reconstruction. Pain all gone.

I hope you get some relief soon. Best wishes.

[katarina777]

PS: I meant before that something may be pressing on a nerve and from there it goes on and on to next and other nerves. Yes, I would try PT, but someone really experienced in this stuff. kat

[katarina777]

It does sound nerve related as japdip suggests, and of course inflammation on top of that can make it worse.

I am so sorry you have had to deal with this for all these years. I had these symptoms for a while after surgery but only briefly.

Did you have a lumpectomy?

I am also wondering if a good PT would be helpful. I myself was so impressed at how much help I got from PT.

Anyway, just my two cents. I hope you find some help.

Best, Katrin

[japdip]

One additional thought after re-reading your post; this sounds a bit like nerve damage from your description of the symptoms. For that I still stand by the Pain Clinic recommendation.

[japdip]

I don't see how an inflammation would go away unless it were treated. If your Oncologist and other Dr.s don't see any resolution to the problem you might consider a consultation at a Pain Clinic. The Specialists there may have some ideas of what to do to lessen the discomfort you are experiencing.   Regards....