Anyone had this problem?

Sharon345

I had a lumpectomy 2 years and 3 months ago. The radiation caused swelling that the radiologist onc said might take 1 to 3 years to go away. I thought it went away completly a few months ago but the area under my scar is still shrinking. I have an indention that keeps going in. I used to feel alot of scar tissue around the area of the surgery site but now I only feel an area about an inch around on the bottom of my breast. I don't know if this is scar tissue or something that shouldn't be there. This is a little lower than where my cancer was. Just below this there is an area of my rib that hurts when I press on it. I have also had to quit wearing some of my bras because they cause it to hurt constanting. Ordinarily the rib only hurts occasionally without it being pressed on. I know bone mets come with different amounts of pain but do they come with only constant pain? I can't decide which doctor I should see first. My gyn, my radiation onc, my medical onc or my surgeon. I would have to get on an airplane to see my surgeon.
I was only Stage 1 and hormone postive, grade 2. I really wasn't expecting it to come back but has anyone else had or read about this experience?
Also, the last mammogram I had in Feb 2005 was clear except it did say that because of the scar tissue they couldn't get a clear picture.

Ellison

Hi Sharon,

I have not had the experience just as you are having but I would definitely call the onc. and have some test run. I do have bone mets. It started in the pelvis and now ribs. I am not trying to scare you. This probably is not mets. Do you think it wise to at least call one of the doctors so they can give you some direction. Otherwise you will drive yourself into a worried frenzie. At least that is what happens to me.

Let us know how you are doing.

ox
elli

auzigal

I have an indentation as well where the incision was. I also have a rib that hurts really bad if you touch it at all. the first thing they did was a one scan to make sure it wasnt bone mets. it wasnt, it was just something that was damaged in the surgeries, no fractuares or anything, but still hurts nearly four years out. i would see your onc as soon as possbile to rule out bone mets and take it from there. if nithing else it will give you peace of mind that it isnt bone mets and you can deal with whatever is causing it to hurt. Good luck!

Dani

Sharon345

Thank you for your responses. This must not be a common problem since only Dani has the same problem. I'll go see my medical onc this friday.
Dani, did your rib start hurting pretty soon after the surgery or did it not start until much later?

auzigal

Sharon345 said:

Thank you for your responses. This must not be a common problem since only Dani has the same problem. I'll go see my medical onc this friday.
Dani, did your rib start hurting pretty soon after the surgery or did it not start until much later?

I had several surgeries back to back, so I dont know exactly when it started, but I did realize when nothing else hurt that it shouldnt be either! I went to physical therapy and a few other things once they knew it wasnt a fracture or mets, and the only thing that helped was looser sports bras. I did start swimming just to make sure it wasnt muscular and that was good. Eiether way, get it cheked out. At this point, rather be safe than anything else. Good Luck!

Dani

wimpy

Hi Sharon

I have had exactly the same problem that you have described. Very annoying and often very painful. So far I have done nothing except monitor for new lumps. Good luck with the doctor visits and let me know if you learn anything new.
Wimpy