Yesterday I started getting a new pain in the side of my left breast. It feels almost the same as the pain I had before the surgery. I can’t feel anything there but it’s not really anywhere near where the surgery was. Do I need to get it checked or just keep an eye on it.
Hi Lainia,
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. My name is Rachel and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan support line.
I’m sorry to see that you’ve started to experience a new pain in your left breast 5 weeks after your lumpectomy and it’s understandable that you’d like to know whether to keep an eye on it or get it checked out.
There can be several causes of breast pain after surgery. Some amount of discomfort after breast surgery can be a normal part of the healing process and usually settles within around six to eight weeks after your operation. This can often be managed by painkillers which can be prescribed by your doctor. Other causes of pain that may occur weeks or even months after surgery can include infection, a build- up of fluid in the breast, the formation of scar tissue and nerve damage. Pain caused by nerve damage during surgery can occur anywhere in the chest area, armpit, shoulder and arm on the surgical side.
On the support line we don’t have access to medical records and can’t say what is causing your pain specifically.
We would always recommend that you seek a review for any new or worsening pain or other symptoms. We’d suggest you contact your GP or Hospital team for a review. They will be able to assess you and diagnose the cause of your pain so they can help you to manage it. In the meantime, if you develop a temperature or feel feverish or unwell or your breast looks red, swollen or is hot to touch, you should call NHS 111immediately for urgent medical advice as this may be a sign of infection that may need to be treated with antibiotics.
I notice that you describe your pain as being almost the same as the pain you had before your operation and imagine that this may be worrying you. Although this is very unlikely to be a sign of your cancer returning, do mention this with your team, they will be happy to discuss this with you.
Recovering from cancer treatment can be a difficult time and you might experience all kinds of emotions. I’m glad you’ve joined our online community as it can be an excellent support. You might also like to give us a call, sometimes it can help to talk things through and find out about all the ways we can help.
I hope this information has been helpful.
Take care.
Rachel
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. Ref:RC/LE
