Breast cancer - achy joints and painful surgery sites

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hello everyone Slight smile 

I was diagnosed July 2019 with primary breast cancer after my 1st Mammogram and have had 6 cycles of Chemotherapy followed by surgery then radio. It is now 8 months since my very successful lumpectomy and sentinel node removal and 5 months since the end of my radiotherapy and I have been experiencing continued discomfort with the effected breast and pain under my arm where the nodes were removed. I can only describe the feeling like being bruised and almost like a friction burning sensation.  I even find wearing my bra irritates the areas especially under the arm.  

I am still getting Herceptin injections 3 weekly, bone strengthening 6 monthly and Letrazole for 10 years and I am now experiencing painful joints, flushes(which are easing) and stiffness in my hands especially when I first get up or have been idle for any length of time.  I was always pretty active and I am only 53 and find this hard but once up and moving it does get better. Any advise would be very welcome, I know I am one of the lucky ones and don't like to complain.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hello , welcome to the online community although I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the problems your currently experiencing. I can see that you have joined the breast group, I’m not sure if you’ve posted in that group to get an response from others with the type of cancer who may well have also experienced the same problems. The group is very supportive and very busy with chatter so I’m sure there will be a few people there who can help. 

    I have a different type of cancer affecting a different set of lymph nodes so my own experience isn’t helping here except for knowing my way around the site ! There is also the Ask a Nurse where you could put a question to a nurse to get back to you. 

    Take care.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Thanks  KTatHome for this. I was hoping others who have been through this would give me some advise. I hope all is well with you and good to know about the nurse. I am still working my way around the Blushsite. BlushBlush