Mystifying the Doctors

csteinbrecher
csteinbrecher Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Good morning...

I was diagnosed last August with stage one breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy and finished chemotherapy on January 3, 2003. I finished radiation treatment on April 24, 2003 and am now on tamoxifen for the next five years. Here is my question..
Recently I went back (late june) for a mammogram which was clear. But shortly thereafter I developed a rash underneath my breast that was radiated. The rash has moved around my breast following the section of my breast that was radiated. It is quite itchy and my breast becomes hot and red (just in the area that was radiated). At first I thought it was from wearing a sports bra while riding my bike, only it is only affecting my one breast and I have no rash under the other breast. I had lymph glands removed when they did the lumpectomy and I have noticed that my arm is swelled and sore. My breast is swelled also.. I have been to my regular doctor who sent me to my radiologist..both of the doctors are perplexed.. They have put me on antibiotics for an infection. I am taking the antibiotics right now.

Have you heard of such a thing and would you have any resources I could go to so I could find out more about this. The rash is continuing to move..

Thank you so much

Carol Steinbrecher

Comments

  • chemoqueen1
    chemoqueen1 Member Posts: 50
    #2
    I'm not sure, but have you asked about lymphodema. How many nodes did they remove? Take a look at the following web site for more information:
    http://www.lymphnet.org/
  • ksfc
    ksfc Member Posts: 251
    #3
    The swelling of your arm sounds like lymphadema and you can also have edema in your breast. Get your doctor to refer you to a physical therapist that is knowledgable about lymphadema. A lot of doctors don't know enough about it. As far as the rash, redness, and heat. I'm almost 11 months from the end of radiation and my breast is still swollen, hot, and sore. I've had one bout of cellultis by the lymph node incision that was treated with antibiotics along with vasculits which was treated with steroids.
    It's just another complication of radiation and lymph node removal. My rad oncologist told me that it may improve or it may not - only time will tell. Hope you find some answers - Diane
  • bunnie
    bunnie Member Posts: 233
    #4
    Hi lymphodema was the first thing that poped into my head also after reading your posting.I have a small case of it going on i caught it in time though by going too a physical thearipist that specializes in lymphodema.and she treated me three times and then gave me some massage technics too use at home so i can keep it under control myself.I wish you the best of luck and hope it is something other than lymphodema.Amy

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