8 weeks

Hi Hellesdon

i too suffered something like this and after seeing my BCN was reassured that it would go - and it has but I honestly can’t tell you when it went as I suddenly realised one day it was gone!! I had my surgery 10 June. Speak to your BCN for reassurance.

I am also about to start radiotherapy but after having 6 cycles of chemo . My lump was removed and I also had no spread to lymph nodes which, having read so many posts on this site, I wonder why I had to have chemotherapy???

Thank you. Will contact the breast care team on Monday. So glad it will disappear eventually as its really getting me down. 

Good luck with the rest of the journey, one thing I know I'll come through this stronger. 

Thank you. Keep yourself safe and remember your not alone. 

Good luck with your journey. 

Hi Hellesdon. Sorry to hear you are experiencing pain and discomfort but your post has made me feel better as I am am also 8 weeks post surgery for a mastectomy and two lymph nodes removed and still suffering from pain and or discomfort. I spoke to my BCN a couple of weeks ago who said keep an eye on it as everyone is different and recovery depends on the individual. I haven't yet had a day where I haven't winced with pain or felt uncomfortable. My scar itself has healed well but its the surrounding area is a combination of sore or numb and tight if stretched. Hope your nurse can reasure you when you speak to her, if you can let me know what she tells you that would be great.its good to hear how people are doing and advice they are given. Take care of yourself x

Thanks for that. Of course I will let you know as I'm sure we aren't the only ones and every one will be interested. 

Like you my scars have healed well but again can wince with pain.

My BCN, surgeon and oncologist all told me that breast tissue doesn't like to be disturbed, so pain and discomfort can last for months and months, though of course gradually getting better. Radiotherapy will change things again - you will need to heal from that. My breast went harder again with radiotherapy, discoloured (I guess if you were getting radiation from the sun, you'd call it a tan!) and my nipple is still not back to what it was. I finished rads in April.

I'm 9 months on from surgery and still sore if I sleep the wrong way. That initial settling down from swelling took about 6 months for me I think. 

It will gradually get better but always worth talking to your BCN for peace of mind.

Thanks. I will be contacting my breast care nurse on Tuesday as she does not work Monday. Yes I know the team can respond, but have really only met her so feel more comfortable talking to her. Will let you know the outcome. 

Hi Hellesdon,

I am 4 weeks post left mastectomy, my prior surgery was a lumpectomy which included lymph nodes being removed. I too still have random pains, sharp pains in my armpit, discomfort, some numbness, have fluid under my arm, tighness,  stiffness, sore at times.  I still use a comfy pillow under my arn when sleeping on my right side. This journey is hard going for all of us, but hopefully it will all improve over time. Keep strong xx 

Hi 4 ever me, I also appear to still have swelling under my arm pit and the lower part of my left breast. But no longer need the soft pillow or support for my bust at night.

Have tried using pillow and after surgery support bra but it does not appear to make any difference. 

I have attacked my friend with positivity which people have found strange, but as I say what's the use of crying it's not going to make it go away. So I'm still upwards and forwards in the next step along this journey I didn't ask for, as none of us did, but thought it might happen having lost 5 paternal family members to cancer, 3 breast. 

I still have a life to live and family to watch grow up so yes I have to stay strong and positive. Plus my family won't let me sorry for myself. Always finding ways r to make me smile. 

What type of cancer was it as different types get different treatment.