Lumpectomy site advice needed

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Hi all
I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in December. I had a lumpectomy on 24th January 2023.
I am HER2 positive. I’m triple positive. The cancer had spread to my lymph nodes and I also had full clearance of the lymph nodes My medical history puts me as a very high risk for chemo due to having a heart attack a couple of years ago. The oncologist however has weighed everything up and is willing to give me chemo but a weaker version to begin with and if I tolerate it she can slowly increase the dose..
My chemo starts on Monday, Easter bank holiday Monday. I am also having a picc line put in on Monday .
My question is to anyone who has had a lumpectomy. My breast has become rock hard where the tumour was. It feels like a rock hard lump similar to when I first found the lump but much harder. Iv been having shooting pains through my breast this week as well and the scar and the area where the indentation is , so where the lump was has become darker in colour.
is this normal has anyone else experienced this. I’m really worried as my hospital is around an hours journey from where I live and there are no breast care nurses to ask at the chemo unit as I asked on Thursday when I went for ny chemo assessment. But now it’s Easter and there’s nobody at the breast care unit to ask. I am so scared of having chemo but I know that’s just my anxiety. I would be so grateful for any advice. Xx

ROWLIEGIRL over 2 years ago

Hi there, my Lumpectomy site was also rock hard and still is. I also have the shooting stabbing pains that actually take my breath away. My cancer nurse and consultant both told me it was normal and the shooting pains are the nerves healing. I know it is scary, but I have found so much advise and support on this forum. I wish you all the best for your treatment. I am still waiting to see if I need chemo or radiotherapy? Good luck and big hugs xxx

Irishgirl16 over 2 years ago

Hi Purple Moon, I often find that things that I want to ask happen at a weekend when there is no one around, it's great that we have this group full of lots of people with lots of experience. Firstly I’d share that my lumpectomy scar area was rock hard for a while and I also got shorting pains and tingling sensations for many mo this after surgery as was reassured, as RowlieGirl says, this is about nerves that are healing.

On the chemo, I can understand that is worrying for you. After mine I did write this blog post about things I wish I’d know before chemo started, maybe you find it helpful, best wishes and good luck for chemo tomorrow. Chemo blog link

cuffcake2000 over 2 years ago

Hi Purple Moon, I too had a lumpectomy and it went rock hard. It has now become a lot softer. My last op was Nov. I get the odd twinge now and again from where nerves are healing. It’s still numb in areas but am hoping this will change eventually. I too am triple positive. If you click on my name you can read my journey so far. I’m on full dosage but your plan other than that is possibly similar.

Wishing you the best on your journey.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

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Lumpectomy site advice needed