Nipple on affected breast paler than the other

Hello,  I just had my 1 year check up since I was diagnosed too and all clear too.  So happy.  I had lumpectomy on both breasts and then radiation.  On the right breast my nipple is a little paler but I am not worried as I am sure it is normal. Surgeon did an incision part way  around the nipple and then had radiation which can also lessen the blood supply.  I know that some of the changes can make you worried but I feel you can be confident that all is well.  Just think we are on the other side of breast cancer now.  I still do my daily breast  massage too as radiation oncologist told me to do for 6 months.  Giving my breasts some TLC.  
Take care and so glad you had great news.  I am on anastrazole for 5 years now that is going ok.  A few minor side effects but hopefully don’t get worse.

Barbara

Hi Ponymad29, yes like you my treated side nipple is paler than the other side. It really didn’t like the radiotherapy I think - it was painful after the op, I think from the blue dye injection, then seemed to turn black at the end after rads. But weeks later while still moisturising the end fell off and I realised it had been a huge scab! (Sorry if tmi, was pretty grim I have to say!). It gradually started to feel less tight and painful but remains inverted. I pre empt comments when I’m examined as some doctors are worried about the inversion. I simply say that this is now that side’s ‘normal’. Once the black bit/ scab fell off I noticed that my nipple was almost colourless - it was like it had lost all its pigmentation. It’s a little pinker now, nearly 4 years on from the initial operation, but still paler than the other one. I can only assume it’s the longer term effects of the radiotherapy. All very strange! 
Hope that’s reassuring but of course always ask and question anything that you’re concerned about. Love and hugs, HFxx 

Thank you Barbara, it seems like it's probably radiotherapy that has caused this to happen. I am on Letrozole for 5 years and all going well. 

Good to hear that you had the all clear too.

Best wishes x

Hi HappyFeet,1, I think it must be a side effect of all the treatments our breasts have been through.

It must have been a shock when you thought your nipple had fallen off! 

Glad you're doing well 4 years on.

Best wishes x