tamoxifen and breast swelling

Marymomof3
Marymomof3 Member Posts: 24
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Has anyone noticed any physical changes to their breast while on tamoxifen? My side with the lumpectomy/radiation appears to be getting fuller/larger while the other breast is not. It's been 2 months since the end of radiation so I'm not sure if it's from that - the swelling from radiation seemed to go away after a few weeks. By the way, if anyone told me I'd be describing my breast on an internet site a year ago, I'd have told them they're crazy! LOL

Comments

  • ksfc
    ksfc Member Posts: 251
    #2
    I bet it's the radiation. My breast started swelling about 2 months afterwards and then there were some changes in texture. I'm 9 months away from rads now and although they had hoped it would settle down, I still have swelling as well as fluid retention, much like lymphadema in your arm.
    I did have a bout of cellulitis, vasculitis with this so if you notice anything that looks like an infection, make sure you talk to your doctor so you can be treated. Other than that, it's just one of the lovely side effects of rads and hopefully yours won't last as long as mine has.
    I'm large breasted and they did tell me that it's harder to get the fluid to leave larger breasts.
    That makes sense I guess. Good luck! Diane
  • Marymomof3
    Marymomof3 Member Posts: 24
    #3
    ksfc said:

    I bet it's the radiation. My breast started swelling about 2 months afterwards and then there were some changes in texture. I'm 9 months away from rads now and although they had hoped it would settle down, I still have swelling as well as fluid retention, much like lymphadema in your arm.
    I did have a bout of cellulitis, vasculitis with this so if you notice anything that looks like an infection, make sure you talk to your doctor so you can be treated. Other than that, it's just one of the lovely side effects of rads and hopefully yours won't last as long as mine has.
    I'm large breasted and they did tell me that it's harder to get the fluid to leave larger breasts.
    That makes sense I guess. Good luck! Diane

    Thanks Diane. I didn't realize the breast swelling could continue for months after radiation. Mary
  • ksfc
    ksfc Member Posts: 251
    #4
    Marymomof3 said:

    Thanks Diane. I didn't realize the breast swelling could continue for months after radiation. Mary

    Neither did I Mary. It's amazing how these treatments just keep on giving :-) Diane
  • Alandon1
    Alandon1 Member Posts: 17
    edited February 2021 #5
    ksfc said:

    I bet it's the radiation. My breast started swelling about 2 months afterwards and then there were some changes in texture. I'm 9 months away from rads now and although they had hoped it would settle down, I still have swelling as well as fluid retention, much like lymphadema in your arm.
    I did have a bout of cellulitis, vasculitis with this so if you notice anything that looks like an infection, make sure you talk to your doctor so you can be treated. Other than that, it's just one of the lovely side effects of rads and hopefully yours won't last as long as mine has.
    I'm large breasted and they did tell me that it's harder to get the fluid to leave larger breasts.
    That makes sense I guess. Good luck! Diane

    Same here

    Thanks for these osts. I am exactly 2 mos post radiation and swelling has started. I thought I was nuts. I see my oncologist in 2 weeks so will discuss with him then. 

Discussion Boards