Post op lumpectomy

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Hi last week (25th January) I had a lumpectomy and nipple removal after cancer diagnosis on my right breast. Everything has fine, no pain and movement all ok. The only thing that’s bothering me the last few days is a dull ache in my left shoulder blade, is this due to the operation or something else? I have to take ibuprofen to ease it 

Thanks Sue 

  • Hi Sue

    Thanks for getting in touch and a warm welcome to our online community. My name is Suzanne and I am one of the cancer information nurse specialists here at Macmillan.

    Hi Sue

    I can see you are a member of our Breast Cancer Forum and hope you are finding this supportive.

    It is good to hear that you are generally recovering well after your lumpectomy and nipple removal surgery.

    It may reassure you to know that it is not unusual to have some discomfort in your shoulder for some weeks after surgery. However, as a precaution we would always advise you to seek medical review of a new symptom, especially as it has lasted a few days and is bothering you enough to need pain relief.

    You should hopefully have been given a number for your Breast Care Nurse and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at some point. Please put in a call to them as soon as possible so that they can assess your pain and hopefully reassure you. If you are unable to get through, leave a message and they should come back to you quickly. Failing this you can also give your GP or 111 a call for assessment.  

    I do hope this information is helpful Sue. Being given a breast cancer diagnosis and having treatment can be challenging in lots of ways so please do reach out again as needed.

    You can also give us a call or chat to us on the support line . We are here every day from 8am-8pm and can often support you better over the phone.

     

    Best wishes and take care,

     

    Suzanne, 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/SF/GG