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Pulsing/Vibrating sensation in lumpectomy breast

ceanna
ceanna Member Posts: 3,120

Just wondering if anyone has experienced a pulsing type vibrating sensation in their breast following surgery and radiation and what they did about it?  I am 4 months post-lumpectomy and 2 months post-radiation and for the last 4 days I have had a strange, constant, high speed vibrating sensation in the lumpectomy area.  Is this just healing or something I should be concerned with?

Comments

  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 527
    edited April 2015

    I did have that but it was in the weeks following surgery. (I had lump/ bi lat reduction.)

    It was like I was a musical instrument. Almost like two groups using drums to communicate.

    like the breasts were drum talking-- are you still here? I'm still here.

    It wasn't painful, but it was strange and I have not really ever heard anyone else mention it before now.

  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 3,120
    edited April 2015

    Thanks cookiegal.  How long did that sensation last for you?  It doesn't seem swollen and is not painful--just strange!!!

  • Manu14
    Manu14 Member Posts: 36
    edited April 2015

    I had feelings of fluttering, like a small bird flapping its wings, going through my breast for a few weeks after radiation. My MO said it was entirely normal and nothing to be concerned about. Since then I still get occasional achiness and weird zinging sensations. The MO said that's due to all the tissue resettling and nerves regenerating and sometimes from overuse of muscles in the chest from carrying things, gardening, etc. At this point. I pretty much ignore it all, but it did concern me at first.

  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 527
    edited April 2015

    I think it was acute for a few weeks, but I would get the occasional zing for a few months. I also had an unusual amount of pain and had to see the pain specialist, who really didn't do any good. It was such a weird sensation, like they had their own agenda and wanted to talk in morse code or something.

  • jules67
    jules67 Member Posts: 3
    edited June 2017

    YES! I can't believe I found this post! I am 4 days post lumpectomy/bilateral reduction. The lumpectomy breast is vibrating where the cancer was. Not painful just weird. All I can think of is that it must be nerves waking up or something!

  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 3,120
    edited June 2017

    jules, sorry you're experiencing the vibration. I can't really remember when the sensation finally stopped but it did go away after a few months--with just the rarest of brief moments when it returns--even to this day, about 2 1/2 years after surgery. I think it was nerve endings and once they figured out that this was their new environment, they settled down!!! Best wishes for speedy resolution to the vibrations!! Yes, it is a weird sensation!!

  • EpicSquirrel
    EpicSquirrel Member Posts: 12
    edited June 2017

    I have this in my lumpectomy area! I used the word "fluttering" as that's how it feels to me more than a vibration, but from your description I think we are talking about the same thing. (Also there is sometimes a sharp pain but that feels separate/different). I mentioned it to my (excellent) breast surgeon last week at thepost op appt and she said it's a normal part of the healing process, nerves and tissues healing and setting. She said for me it should "settle down" within a couple of months.

  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 3,120
    edited June 2017

    Epic, hope it settles down for you soon. I see in your diagnosis section that you are debating radiation. I qualified for SAVI brachytherapy and 2 1/2 years later still happy with the results. Check with your breast center and see if they offer this short 5 day option and search this site for more info.



  • Painter137
    Painter137 Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2020

    So happy I found this thread! I am 19 months post lumpectomy and I am getting this strange vibrating sensation too! Had some zinging pains prior to the buzzing feeling! I had no radiation! I thought I was wheezing! So weird!

  • Painter137
    Painter137 Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2020

    So happy I found this thread! I am 19 months post lumpectomy and I am getting this strange vibrating sensation too! Had some zinging pains prior to the buzzing feeling! I had no radiation! I thought I was wheezing! So weird!

  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 3,120
    edited March 2020

    Painter, glad you found this thread helpful. Seems those nerve endings are having a party! They'll get tired at some point and I hope the sensation stops for you soon. If it keeps up, ask your doctor. All the best. Ceanna

  • Painter137
    Painter137 Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2020

    Thank you Ceanna! I was thinking that is what it was and it comes and goes which is a good thing! I will definitely consult with my doctors!❤

  • GillianH
    GillianH Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2020

    Oh, I'm so glad to have found this! I had my op (lumpectomy and lymph node removal) in December and this week have experienced these flutterings - yes, like morse code or two drums talking to each other. Sort of running along in the upper breast (op was lower down). SUCH a relief to see all your comments!

    Seems so odd to have begun 6 months AFTER the op!

    Bless you all.

  • ceanna
    ceanna Member Posts: 3,120
    edited July 2020

    Gillian, yes, those little nerve endings have their own rhythm!! Hope it all settles down for you quickly, or ask the doctor!

  • peppermntpatti
    peppermntpatti Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2022

    What a relief to see these posts, thanks for sharing. I had lumpectomy and am two weeks post radiation treatment. This vibration started yesterday and is freaking me out. It’s exactly as others have described. I will tell my oncologist but I’ll stop panicking

  • clars
    clars Member Posts: 40

    This exact thing is happening to me in my left breast and it has coincided with a new dent (I am only a month out of finishing radiotherapy, I had lumpectomies in both breasts). Feels like a fluttering. No pain or anything. Calling nurse tomorrow.

  • tj1009
    tj1009 Member Posts: 1

    Hi so happy to see this, I had a wide local excision on Tuesday and woke up to this fluttering sensation today, just happy that it is normal to have this

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 7,816

    Welcome to the community, @tj1009! We're glad you found us, and we hope the fluttering sensation eases soon and that you're on your way to a swift and full recovery. Please know that we're here for you, offering support, encouragement, and understanding at every step.

    Looking forward to hearing more from you,

    The Mods