Pain in lumpectomy site years later

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  • purplecat
    purplecat Member Posts: 227
    edited February 4

    Glad to find this thread. I reached the 5 year anniversary of finishing radiation and almost immediately started having scar pain and some of the same sensations in my arm that I remember from the lumpectomy. Fortunately, my mammogram was scheduled shortly afterwards, so I decided to hold off on calling the doctor until those results came back. I’m now 2 weeks past the “no mammographic sign of malignancy,” so that’s a relief. As always, it’s so reassuring to find I’m not alone in my experiences.

    Returning to lymphatic massage has helped somewhat. I’ve also returned to the snug sports-type bras I wore during radiation. Kind of a bummer, as I’d recently overcome my superstition and purchased the first normal/pretty bras I’d bought since before diagnosis, but I’ve realized they don’t provide much support. Oh well.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/en/profile/bpmcfm , I don’t have great insight on how to manage the constant anxiety about recurrence. Therapy has been helpful, but my therapist also pointed out that it’s pretty normal to feel anxiety while waiting for test results, and I think some anxiety about fear of recurrence probably also normal. I’m trying to say “Yes, I had cancer, and yes, it may come back, but RIGHT NOW I am doing just fine, so what would I like to do with my day today?”

  • kalston57
    kalston57 Member Posts: 1

    I too am glad I came across this site & the posts. I went through chemo & radiation for Triple Negative Breast Cancer in 2020. My doctor noticed a dimpling area where the lumpectomy scar was along with a small hard bump. Not painful. Had a biopsy to be sure the cancer hadn’t returned- thank God no. As the months passed and now today June 2024, pain is as some have described. Sharpe, stabbing burning and very painful to the touch. I’ve been told surgery may or may not help but I’m praying that I may give it a try. With God by my side I’m doing very well but I will be seeking a second opinion to see if surgery is an option. Prayers to everyone!!

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 8,739

    @kalston57 - Welcome to our community! We're glad you found us and shared your story here with us. We're sorry to hear you're in pain, but it's reassuring that your biopsy came back clear.

    Let us know what you learn on your next appointment. Seeking a second opinion is a wise decision, especially when considering surgery. You can read more about it in the article Asking for a Second Opinion, from our main site. We hope this helps!

    We're looking forward to hearing more from you.

    Sincerely,

    The Mods