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Nerve pain after lumpectomy and breast radiation
I don't know if this has been addressed on this site before but I am having extremely painful nerve pain that goes from my finger tips up my arm. I wondered whether this is a common problem after breast cancer treatment. I am also having severe osteoarthritis in my finger joints so I am not sure what the cause is. I will talk to my oncologist about this on my next appointment.
Has anyone else had this kind of nerve pain after radiation treatment?
katrina123
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The pain in my arm extends from my shoulder down to my elbow and my first three fingers on that hand tingle. It’s a deep vague pain that comes and goes. Mostly bothers me at night. Nothing that I couldn’t live with but just a source of concern. Will see my oncologist in may but sometimes I think the experiences of others in the same situation provide more valuable information. Thanks for the reply and any further information you can share.
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3 Reactions@lovethedesert
I am having exactly what you described. It was really bad after my sentinel node surgery but then with PT it seemed to get better.
Now that I’ve started radiation, I’m having sharp pains in my breast and it feels like someone is shocking me near my armpit. Is that the type of pain you had?
Thank you!
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2 ReactionsYes and after 3 years I still have pain. Not as bad but still exists. I did not do any therapies. Just a week ago I had another breast surgery on the other breast. I discovered the node surgeon got the
Margins. I'm convinced the grief over the death of my 18 yr old dog brought on this cancer. My surgeon wanted to do the nodes in my left arm but insurance and me discouraged it. Too many ramifications and more long term pain
Stand up for yourself read and ask a zillion questions and then ask MORE! You are your Best doctor!
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3 ReactionsHas your doc said the pain you’ve been having is nerve pain? And if so is there anything to help it?
I read it is supposed to go away after a while but if you are still having it 3 years later, that doesn’t sound too promising.
I will definitely ask my oncologist about it when I see her this week.
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1 ReactionI had horrible nerve pain in my breast after lumpectomy-stabbing, bursts of pain and I had to keep my arm elevated out away from my side …. Surgeon prescribed gabapentin and it really helped me until a few months later most of that was gone. Off the medication and I only get minor random stabs of pain now
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1 ReactionI had 16 treatments after lumpectomy. I had pain in my arms and fingers last 2 radioations. I don’t have it anymore. Hope it goes away soon for you!
I had a lumpectomy (plus reduction & reconstruction) and node biopsy in July, followed by a full axillary node dissection (32 removed in all between the two surgeries) in August and I’m in radiation now. Lots of nerve pain and numbness in my arm and breast, plus cording since the surgery. Radiation irritates everything so the lymphedema is a bit worse and I get those icepick twinges a little more again (they had quieted down some prior to radiation). But I also started an aromatase inhibitor the month prior to radiation. I attribute my joint pain to that. It’s especially bad in my hands. My oncologist prescribed an antidepressant that also helps with joint pain and it has seemed to take the edge off, but definitely still there. I would still encourage you to reach out to your doctor now. They should know what the best options are for your situation.