Lobular Breast Cancer

Really sorry to hear your story so far, it is rubbish. I have invasive ductal but had a mastectomy with diep and axillary sweep 3 weeks ago and my worst pain is also there and my rib cage/back near to the drain site. There is fluid there I can feel and I agree with you it’s very sore, especially at night, I’m two weeks behind you so I can’t tell you how long it’s going to last but wanted to empathise, I intend to contact the plastics team again tomorrow and ask about it, hope we have a better night tonight x

I am so sorry to hear of your problems too but so glad you replied to me.  In case it helps I am taking Naproxin and paracetomol which helps I cant take any codein based pain killer..I also rub in voltorol gel for muscle pain which helps. ribs and under arm and back I had 200ml drained after drain had been taken out. Didnt feel the needle at all and such a relief when that was done.about 3 weeks after op.  I use aloe vera from holland & barret for the scar which has healed very well.   I actually fell into a deep sleep at 4.am last night and my dog woke me up at 6.30 for a cuddle.  Have you had reconstruction if you are seeing plastic team.  I am 75 and decided to do nothing

Thanks for those tips, I’m on codeine and paracetamol, I haven’t had it drained but I’m going to call them today. Yes I had a diep reconstruction, I’m 50 and fairly recently divorced, I felt I wanted a reconstruction, I can totally understand why people opt not to have one though, these decisions are incredibly personal. I do hope we both get some relief soon x

Thank you and hope you get help today.

just wondering how you are doing now time has gone by since last chat

I’m a lot better thanks, how’re you? I still have like a bruised feeling around my ribs and it’s a bit soft to touch, obviously still recovering from the surgery but it seems to be going quite smoothly. I’ve realised that some of my issues are my rheumatoid arthritis playing up too, but at the moment my pain is greatly reduced. Hope things have improved for you? X

Glad to hear you are a lot better.  The rheumatoid must be painful my husband has that but does have some good days.  I am pretty much out of pain under arm but would call it discomfort from rib cage and tissue damage running above scar. still using voltarol for muscle pain and works a treat.  9 weeks since op and exercising arms etc has been well worth the effort, can put arm straight up and move different angles no problem.  Has your reconstruction gone well.   I couldnt take codeine so decided no pain killers and doing ok.  Keep improving 

Sounds like you’re doing well, good to hear. Yes by and large I’m pleased, I still have pain on my ribs, there’s some hardness in the breast tissue but the general shape is pretty good. Of course no nipple. But yes I think he’s done a good job. I’m not hugely pleased with the ends of the stomach wound, which still looks like a magic act gone wrong  But all things considered…. Are you pleased with yours? X

Yes the surgeon good at what he's done scar very neat. Just underarm scar taking a bit longer.  Getting there.