Breast pain/inflammation and swelling post radiation?

Thank you eaglewings22!

I had this happen to me about a month ago. It was so bad I was scared it’s more serious. Oncologist ordered bone scan to rule out metastases. Came clean. 🙏
Now the issue I’ve been dealing with since March 2023, is lungs inflammation. Initially I was diagnosed with radiation pneumonitis in the lung of radiation side. Was put on prednisone for about 3mo. It seems to come back when I get to lower dose of prednisone. I’ve been in this circle since. Been in the hospital couple times with pneumonia and it’s both lungs now that get inflamed. Anyone dealt with this? My pulmonologist put me on prednisone long this time around with antibiotics this time. Started in September of last year and still tapering down. Prayers I get out of this cycle and life goes back to somewhat normal.

@zeerj
I’m glad the bone scan came back fine!
How was the lung inflammation and radiation pneumonitis diagnosed? Did the doc just listen to your lungs?

Initial pneumonitis was diagnosed with an acute cough I started having. I was fatigue as well but attributed that to chemo since I was on kadcyla. It’s know unfortunately that kadcyla can cause pneumonitis when combined with radiation in about 2% of people. Unfortunately I happened to be in the 2%. Subsequent pneumonia would be triggered by sickness. Never had issues before my breast cancer diagnosis. I was healthy, exercise daily and keep up with regular exams.

A breast sling by ComfortSlings might give you some temporary relief from general discomfort. It will certainly alleviate any irritation you might incur from accumulated perspiration beneath your breast. The company sells both slings, with cushions on adjustable straps that tuck beneath the breast, and cushions without the straps to tuck inside your bra cup. They really are game changers in protecting your skin. http://www.ComfortSlings.com Good luck!

Hi cedar75….I have had acid reflux since radiation too. It's terrible. I had 19 radiation treatments that ended January 11th. I had prone left breast radiation. My chest developed an itchy rash. It started during the last week. The first two days of radiation I had a sore throat each day afterwards for about 30 minutes or so but just thought it was something else, allergies or my nerves most likely. I told the technician and the Dr but they said it couldn’t be from the radiation. I think it was now. I’ve never had acid reflux this bad in my entire life. I’m trying to get better with diet, sleep and exercise. It’s crazy because I’ve always had a healthy diet and lifestyle. There’s not much else I can do. I have started eating smaller meals and be more active but the bouts with acid reflux is the same. I’m nauseous a lot. It affects me all during the day. I have taken otc Prilosec, but I have to be careful of what pills I take as I have a liver enzyme deficiency called Alfa 1. I’m an Mz which means I’m at greater risk than most people for liver deficiencies/diseases.
What kind of radiation did you have?

I had a speeded up schedule of radiation because I was diagnosed in the heart of the pandemic. They would not even let someone come in with me to the exam room to hear the recommendations So I was by myself. There is a protocol that had been followed in UK for many years that did fewer days with higher intensity and boosts. A year later when I met with my radiation oncologist he noted that there were women in this protocol that reported more later and long term side effects from radiation. The rate of recurrence was same as standard treatment recommendations. I too have had nausea but it could also be related to chemotherapy and other meds. I take famotidine which has helped. I have thought that maybe the reason for my radiation issues was my small size.

Hi. I’m Glenda from Florida, I’m about 6 months out from my last radiation 01/08/2024. My left breast lumpectomy was done September of 2023. My Left breast is now sore again after all this time. It hurts to move when lying down from side to side. It’s like there’s this weight pulling on it. It’s very tender even in the shower bathing. The weight of water it seems hurts the left breast. I thought at first it was a new bra that I’d been wearing so I switched but it’s sore no mater what bra I wear. I’ve tried compression and no bra. Same effect. It feels better with a bra of some kind. My breast are large, DD cup. I have this hard but numb to touch area, but I think it’s growing more now. I’m calling my oncologist today as the tenderness and pain has been developing for about a week now. I hope this goes away. It’s painful and I’m afraid to hug people even side to side hugs hurt on that side.

It is good you are going to the oncologist. I find I understand my body up to a point, but then for example can not be able to figure out a source of pain--post treatment? Infection? Something else? I hope you get a clear answer and solution quickly.

I had slight swelling and ending up being lymphedema- caught it early and went to OT- she was a lymphedema specialist and was great. BUT prior to this oncologist ordered sonogram- saw something and then MRI- all were clear, but it was frustrating to me because it was such a long process… not to be horribly negative, but I had already met deductible and it seemed like they kept ordering tests($$).

You have to know your body!!!! I know mine better now. It’s hard because everything is new knowledge and my brain was overloaded and overwhelmed

Stay positive!