Breast and nipple after radiotherapy

I think you answered your own question.  Shooting pains are the nerves repairing although it is a very slow process.

Hi worried2016

I think we are at a similar stage. I finished 20 rads on Friday and for the final few days had a blistered nipple which is so sore.  My skin is also breaking down under my breast and I've even had to abandon my secret support vests as the elastic catches the sore spot.  I have Polymem dressings supplied by the radiotherapy  team abd they advised me not to moisturise the broken areas.  I was told the shooting pains are where the nerves, which have been healing since surgery, have been damaged and are regenerating again.  My breast is swollen, hard and sore at the moment - and the cording over my ribs is back with a vengeance.  At least we know we're not alone!!

Jane

Cor, that does sound sore, just woke for a hot flush and one of my many wees lol and it feels a little better so must have rubbed, the bra can stay off then.

I try to air mine as much as possible, my skin is pretty good but boob does feel odd.

Hope yours eases soon.

EJM60 said:

Hi worried2016

I think we are at a similar stage. I finished 20 rads on Friday and for the final few days had a blistered nipple which is so sore.  My skin is also breaking down under my breast and I've even had to abandon my secret support vests as the elastic catches the sore spot.  I have Polymem dressings supplied by the radiotherapy  team abd they advised me not to moisturise the broken areas.  I was told the shooting pains are where the nerves, which have been healing since surgery, have been damaged and are regenerating again.  My breast is swollen, hard and sore at the moment - and the cording over my ribs is back with a vengeance.  At least we know we're not alone!!

Jane

Did you have 15 rads? My breast scar is fine it's top by cleavage but node scar is sat very deep I guess due to infection and bursting x

I had 20 rads, 15 regular and 5 boosts to the tumour bed.  I only have 1 scar along the top outer edge of my breast, extending to my arm pit.  Both the tumour and sentinel lymph node were removed from the same wound.  Scar is very hard and lumpy, and nipple is still bright blue from the dye - must admit I thought it would be fading by now!

Hi. I had a mastectomy so a sore nipple is one problem I didn't have. Someone a couple of months back suggested covering your breast with an old, soft hanky before putting on a bra. It might help!

Best

Yes I wished I had done that it would have helped

Hi all sounds normal, I had 15 + 8 boosts and had a very crispy, nipple (nice!) and found the polymer dressings made it more comfortable.  4 months on the breast still feels firmer and swells with odd pains but 1st mammogram was fine  xxx

That's good news helsbels

Thanks for replying