after treatment

Hi , not a stupid question at all! Strangely enough I've just got back from my follow up oncology appointment. Like you I had lumpectomy (and sentinel node biopsy, in Oct 18), and finished rads in January. The oncologist agreed that my breast is still swollen but said that's not that unusual at this stage post rads, apparently radiotherapy can cause swelling. But she also found my boob was warmer and redder than the other so has given me a course of antibiotics in case there's an underlying infection. I am still sleeping on my back, having always been a side sleeper, because it's still uncomfortable lying on either side. Bad boob feels like it's 'dangling' if I sleep on the other side. Also, if I get up in the night (didn't used to but drink a lot more now I'm on Anastrozole) I feel like I want to clutch bad boob, 'almost bruised' is a good description of the feeling. I am also still wearing a soft cotton post surgery bra because my old ones and any new ones with seams leave indents on my breast! 

So, my suggestion would be to get back in contact with the BC nurses, so that someone has a look at it. Probably just post rads swelling but worth getting it checked out. The nurse at the clinic today also advised gentle massage of the breast to help ease the swelling. 

Am sure others will pop in to share their experiences, meanwhile welcome if this is your first post in this group! Gentle hugs, HFxx

HI

As suggested it's worth asking if you have any concerns at all.  

I was very surprised how long it took for swelling and pain to go.  I finished my rads October 2017 following 80mm lumpectomy and sentinel node removal in June 2017.  In October 2018, I realised for the first time that I'd lifted a bag of heavy shopping and not suffered the effects of it feeling painful overnight.  A whole year - I was stunned how long it took.

Even now, I very occasionally find that if I'm lying on that side at night it hurts a little and I have to roll over and sleep on the other side for a while.  I guess our breasts are very sensitive and they did get a battering with the lumpectomy/rads didn't they?

I still wear full support post surgery bras during the day, but stopped wearing them overnight as soon as I felt I could without being in a great deal of pain.

Best wishes,

I was reading a book on the treadmill at the gym this evening that touched on the subject of post-radiotherapy soreness. Apparently the muscle above and behind the breast (pectoralis major) can become very sore as a direct result of inflammation caused by the radiotherapy. This can be anything from 3 to 6 months after treatment. Irrespective, the best thing to do if you have any concerns is to make an appointment first thing.

Disclaimer: I'm not medically trained, though I've read a ridiculous number of books on the subject of breast (and other) cancer. My wife has just 'finished' treatment - neoadjuvant chemotherapy (EC/PTD), targeted treatment, forced menopause, bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, followed by radiotherapy...plus 5 years of Zoladex and 10 years of Tamoxafen to go. So I'm *reasonably* well initiated.

Anyway, I hope the first bit above is of some use to you - if not as reassurance then perhaps as a point of research. Either way, try not to worry about it; if this journey has taught my wife and I one thing, it's that worrying without facts doesn't help.

Hi again KpFrog40,

If you get in contact with your breast care nurse or make an appointment, I'd be very interested to know the outcome. Partly for selfish reasons (my wife recently finished radiotherapy) but also because I hope it's 'just' normal muscle pain. Something that can be controlled with pain relief, or treated via, say, myofascial release, until it calms down.

Hi, after talking to the BC nurses they advised me to see the GP first to rule out infection. I'm now on a course of antibiotics and if it continues they are going to call me back into clinic. Why it's happened now when my treatment finished in January I don't know! 

Hi, thanks for the advice, I spoke to my BC nurse this morning who advised a GP visit first to rule out infection. I'm now on a course of antibiotics which I hope will help. You are right though worrying doesn't help but it's so hard to stop your mind from going into overdrive! I hope your wife stays well.

Thank you- totally put my mind at ease, I'm now on a course of antibiotics and let's hope that sorts it out!