Breast pain 6 months after radiotherapy

Im 7 years down the line and I still get niggling pains occasionally.  Found out 6 years after surgery they had put a dozen or so marker clips in for future reference.  I'm sure these are cause.  I do remember at my first annual check up doctor told me on going pain is caused by nerves being cut during surgery and is normal and should improve.  He says any severe pain or very troublesome to speak to BCN who will decide if it's a no pain.  I was lucky my BCN fantastic and I trusted her but pain never really bothered me .  

Hi kimost, 

I'm going through something similar,  I am 7months post surgery and 5months posy radiotherapy,  for the past 2 weeks I have been getting pain in my left breast that has been getting more intense, even to the point of being unable to hold a cup in that hand.  I contacted my BCN and went in to see my surgeon today, he wasn't concerned but sent me for an ultra sound to be sure, everything was clear, he advised that the pain is ongoing from radiotherapy and can continue for some time, he did suggest using ibuprofen cream to help with the pain, which I am yet to try.  I feel like I'm being paranoid half the time but my BCN said it is usual to feel like this, especially as its still so early.  

Hope your pain eases soon xx 

Thank you Sazzy.

I'm finding it a daily reminder of the decision I made to have the radiotherapy.  Mine was a small area of dcis which was surgically removed. I really really didn't want to have further treatment and many specialists would have agreed with this. In Scotland its only offered to those with high grade dcis which I didn't have! My oncologist said I was "borderline "and got frustrated with me and all my questions.  I went privately for a second opinion .In the end I submitted rather than embraced the dreaded radiation. I had about 20 mammograms during the marking and biopsying and instinctively didn't want to damage healthy tissue.... I was really fit slim and acive. A 6x a week runner/gym classses/ weights person!  These breast pains are limiting me but I try to get through wearing 2 sports bras to clamp it! I hate all the side effects of not being on hrt and am struggling with what this year has brought. I was on top of the world super healthy last year. Can't believe how low and old and damaged I feel now. 

Sorry. Didn't mean to end last post! I really hope you fare well and are coping with all that's happened. Take care and sending a (careful) hug! Xx

Hi Grogg. Thanks for replying. I know what I'm experiencing is totally normal after the dreaded radiation which is causing this. I'm struggling because I was so super fit and healthy and this pain is a daily reminder of what I've been through and limits my gym/running activities.  I have to wear 2 sports bras to clamp them. No big deal in itself but when I think of the crop tops and abs I had it saddens me. That probably sounds incredibly shallow but it's part of who I am and even my occupation to be super fit and toned abs all my life! I'm feeling old and damaged. I try so hard to get past this but the breast pain keeps reminding me! It's not the pain per se but the fact I had radiation I can't get out of my head. Not sure if anyone can understand this? 

Hi there! Ironically I have pain in the rib bones where the breast was removed. It’s not continual but I certainly am aware if I turn on that side in bed. I finished 15 RT 9th October this year. Am seeing oncologist fortunately on Wed so will ask him about mine and yours! I always make notes that I want to ask him..which he doesn’t always give me time to ask! BW x

Gosh! 20 Mammograms must have been hell but I don’t blame anyone for seeking 2 nd opinions. Being fit is definitely a bonus to good recovery after our invasive treatment and well done for persevering and not giving in! Bra wearing is difficult with pain, tenderness, etc but I guess we have to ‘work through it’. BW x

I had 15 sessions of radiotherapy in 2015.  My surgeon did tell me that many thought this over treatment for DCIS - I had 11mm of high but 7 years on the other tiny breast calcifications that have been present from day 1 are stable.  So while I understand dilemma of to have or not have RT I'm glad I did even though if 8 have recurrence I cannot have radiotherapy to this breast.  Re body image.  I think it's just what you focus on representing our old cancer free life.  It's like a bereavement of what we've lost which is really peace of mind about our health.  It's not helped my people telling you how well you look and think it's all over for you when inside your head your screaming that it's not all good xx