Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Surgery site still painful - is this normal?

Northernpink198a90
  • 2 replies
  • 43 subscribers
  • 111 views

Hi, 

I had a lumpectomy 6 weeks ago; the tumour was close to my nipple, I had to lose the nipple and a decent amount of tissue across the middle of my breast. The wound is healing, although there is still scab in places. My boobs are quite heavy and dense, I am wearing a sports bra for support and a soft post surgery bra at nights.

I have a fair amount of pain both skin and 'deep' inside, is this normal for just 6 weeks post surgery - its sometimes like a shooting or pulling pain. Friends keep saying there shouldn't be any residual pain now and I should get it checked out, but they have no experience to go on, I think they are just wishing me 'healed'. To be honest it's making me worry if they're right.

Should I try to see my consultant or breast care nurse?

Thank you

  • Dear Nothernpink198a90

    Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to the online community, I hope you find it a helpful and supportive way to communicate with others.  My name is Isobel one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist, on the Macmillan Support Line.

    It would be expected to have some pain after surgery like this, however everyone’s experience of this can be different

    We would always recommend getting anything that you are concerned about checked, and calling your breast care nurse today would be advisable. She will be able to talk to you and assess your pain in more detail.

    This could be part of the healing process. It can take some time, even months for the area to settle down, and for you to adjust to what is normal for you.

    During your recovery do not hesitate to ask for help and support.

    Please know that you can contact our helpline and speak to one of our cancer information nurses if you need to discuss this in more detail. Sometimes a 2-way conversation can be very beneficial.

    Best wishes,

    Isobel Y, 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/ IY/JF

  • in reply to Isobel Y - Macmillan

    Thank you for your reply and your advice, Isobel, I will try to call the breast care team at the hospital. 

    It's difficult to know what is worth bothering them about as they are so busy, I don't want to be taking up valuable time.

    Rachel 

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007