Hi Bettyjane,

I had same as you and completed radiotherapy in December 2021. My breast still hasn't settled completely, it's often slightly swollen and tender but my recent mammogram was clear. I have read that radiotherapy can have side effects for a long time after, that and the node removal can affect the lymphatic system of your breast. Mine is better if I do the exercises and massage my boob with body lotion.

Hope that helps 

Jane x

Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate it.

I genuinely thought it would have all settled by now. I was told that things would take a while to settle but thought by now 7 months later that things would be 'back to normal' . I do regular exercises but struggle (still) to touch my breast. Think I need to try massaging though.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond xx

Hi Bettyjane 

I have also had changes similar to you,  in the affected breast.  I had a bilateral breast reduction in January 2022 with sentinel node removal, followed by radiotherapy to the right breast in April.

I now have lumpy areas around the scar tissue in both breasts but the right one also feels numb, hard in places  and I get shooting pains which I believe as you mentioned are nerve related.

I can comfortably sleep on my left side but not on my right. I feel hardness and pain on the outside of the right breast.  I've spoken with the breast care nurse who said this was common and should soften over time. She also said that it can take up to a couple of years to feel better.

I also spoke with a doctor in work who mentioned possible tethering ( related to scar tissue and the healing process).

I've had my first mammogram since completion of treatment and it was clear.  It's difficult not to worry but I think what you are experiencing is quite common.  The breast care team are there for you if you need reassurance.  The nurse said to me to be aware of how my breasts now feel, as this is the new normal and to seek advice if I notice any changes.  I wish you well on your continuing recovery.

X

Thank you so much for your reply.

Your experience sounds very much like mine. I really naively thought that once I was treated I would be ok. This is taking its toll on me now but your response makes me feel better. 
I am due back to the breast clinic in February so I'm hoping everything will have settled by then.

The worry is never ending but thank you for explaining things to me xx

Hi Bettyjane

No problem, our experiences are definitely similar.  I still can't believe that 5 sessions of radiotherapy could make that much difference to the breast tissue.  As JaneRu said moisturising and doing the exercises can help. 

I'm seeing the surgeon again in January and will get her to check too ( even after a clear mammogram) you still worry a bit.  You're not alone in that respect.

Take care.x 

Good luck with seeing your consultant, hope everything continues to be positive for you. I'm sure it will be ️ xx

Hi Bettyjane,

I had a lumpectomy 13 years ago and a double mastectomy 12 years ago. I can confirm that even after a lumpectomy, the breasts never feel the same. There is likely to be nerve damage and also some scarring, which is likely to be the ridge that you are aware of. I eventually had manual lymphatic drainage and myofascial tissue release - the latter has eased the tightness in the scarring, but I am still aware of changes. This is the 'new me' and these are my battle scars, but I feel fortunate to still be here 13 years on. There is always the fear of recurrence for anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis, but this is something that we have just got to learn to live with.

Please mention these changes to your breast care nurse and see if she can offer you any advice, but it is still early days.

I hope that you feel more comfortable soon.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi JaneRu,

I am sorry to hear that you are still having bother with your breast too. I didn't have radiotherapy or chemo, but I did have 6 lymph nodes removed on one side. Fortunately, all were clear, but I still ended up with bilateral lymphoedema and still suffer with this 13 years after surgery. 

Doing the exercises after surgery is essential to restore movement, so keep on with these and the body lotion.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi JYM669,

I don't know whether or not you have been told about myofascial release for the 'tethering feeling' that you are experiencing. I had a few sessions of this a few years after my last surgery and it has loosened everything off, as well as making the scar tissue look less puckered.

I had mine at The Haven, but your breast care nurse should be able to point you towards a reliable practitioner.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine

Thank you for replying with this information re myofascial release.  I haven't heard of it but I will certainly look into it.  Anything that might help with the after effects is worth trying. 
it's been a lot to go through but I still feel thankful that it was caught early & hope for a promising future.  Knowing people like yourself are still going strong years later definitely helps. 
 

Take care.x