Shoulder or shoulder blade pain after a breast lumpectomy

I had a lumpectomy 7 months ago, I still get some shoulder and under arm discomfort, My surgeon warned me this can happen as nerves are healing and reconnecting. I have read many women experience the same for years. I regularly exercise as this can also aggravate it. It is better over time. Praying for you 🙏🏻.

@katrina123 , I had a mastectomy 4 yrs ago. Following the surgery my right side ribcage area was sore to lay on. Like I was laying on something and it was pushing on my ribs. I thought it was from surgery and would get better. Fast forward - my shoulder blade had terrible spasms that would cause me 7-9 level pain. I would work thru these, chiropractor & massage. Finally PT & acupuncture. The acupuncturist identified it as scar tissue and PT therapist agreed. My Serratus Anterior muscle was affected.
Long story short, I have been working on my posture, doing acupuncture for a year now (alleviated muscle spasms) & chiro is all helping. I believe that the acupuncture has made the difference along with me doing exercises to work the serratus anterior muscle.
I know you had a lumpectomy, but food for thought, acupuncture may help you. Also Heat on the affected area. Good luck & Blessings

@julz007
I had a lumpectomy 4yrs ago completely numb in my armpit,
2yrs later just 4days before my 50th birthday l had a mastectomy on the same side (right) took a long time looking at nothing...
Just before my 52nd birthday it is now in my spine & neck.
Terminal!!!!
Crap birthdays LoL.
But in saying all that my right side has been completely numb since the 1st operation. I hope you feel better very soon sweetie no body deserves this.
Stay strong💓

I’m 60- had lumpectomy on left breast, reconstruction on both,15 days radiation. Yes I had/have shoulder pain. Went to PT and helped by giving me certain stretches to do daily. I am also achy from AI drugs and most likely will start acupuncture. MDAnderson offered an oncology massage, which was incredibly helpful-i can get one weekly but it’s a 3hr drive - one way.

Hello @katrina123 I have had a significant amount of shoulder pain on and off for a few years. Partially due to surgeries, partially due to compensatory postures. Had a frozen shoulder that has finally completely resolved, this took two years for the entire process. When I was first diagnosed with BC, my doctor said he could tell a breast cancer patient and what side the cancer was on in most cases by a patients posture.
In my case this has contributed to ongoing pain, even though I am constantly striving to have correct posture. I suppose the rest of it is due to the surgeries, there is less I can do about that.
Can you distinguish the pain you can help with physical therapy and movement, from the pain you have from surgery?
Why do you think our shoulder seem to take the brunt of this?

kflin, sequoia, jonni, celestebradham, and Chris,

Thanks to all of you for your personal responses. I appreciate it. It has only been 2 1/2 weeks since my lumpectomy but if this continues for very much longer, I may consider having some physical therapy.

This injury is something I have never experienced before. My shoulder and shoulder blade will feel O.K. and then I will reach for something, and it can go into spasm and stay that way for a very long time. It can even hurt me when I breathe in.
Hopefully this will go away soon.

I too have shoulder and scapula pain on my right side. Had lumpectomy 4 years ago on left side. Started with this pain about a year ago. After creams, finally went away after about 6 months. Pain free in that area until about a month ago. What was interesting was that I was lying in bed and turned over on my side and felt a stretch/crunch. Same pain in same area as before.