Massage for breast radiation fibrosis

Posted by Rubyslippers @triciaot, Apr 27 12:53pm

If you had fibrous tissue form after radiation to the breast did you try massage? Did it help?

I’m 2 1/2 yrs post radiation, had last surgery Nov 2024 to adjust size and remove internal scar, and they are now emphasizing that it is radiation fibrosis causing my breast to not drop down to the level of the other one. I feel a bit stupid that I didn’t know that the radiation fibrosis was so extensive.

I’m trying to figure out how to find a good therapist knowledgeable in breast massage after breast conserving surgery and radiation. I live 3 1/2 hours from the cancer center. They have therapists they recommend but I can’t see traveling back that often for massage. I need to find someone locally. I can find names of therapists around here, but trying to figure out how to pick a good experienced one!

If you happen to know someone in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown TX area that would be awesome- but I’m guessing you live elsewhere!!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

leolion811 | @leolion811 | Oct 5 10:05am

I do have been diagnosed with radiation fibrosis, 1 and 1/2 years after 33 Proton Treatments. Finally found a certified lymphedema therapist ( certified is the key) I have had TNBC 3 times in 5 and 1/2 years. And it looks like there is no cure 😭 just exercise, massage and seeing the CLT once a week for life.. it is so painful 😓

diamonddog | @diamonddog | Oct 5 10:19am

My radiated breast is definitely a bit higher than the other. (In fact, I wish the other one was that high....)

I stretch the whole area 2x/day to keep my range of motion, and I try to remember to massage just in case it helps, but I honestly haven't noticed much of a difference in the "hang". So I just wear a snug bra and it lifts & compresses the normal breast to the level/size of the other one. If the treated one shrinks further, I have bra inserts that I can employ on that side when I need to be really visible in public.

But if I'm honest.....I just can't worry about things like that anymore. In my situation, it's like that old quote: "....those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

Good luck finding just the right solution for you.

Rubyslippers | @triciaot | Oct 5 3:56pm

Two and a half years after BC surgery/radiation they went back in and removed a one inch square of radiation fibrosis that was very painful when I slept on that side. I need to sleep on my side because of back issues. There is more fibrotic tissue but that was the amount they could take out without creating a totally misshapen area.

I did find a PT specializing in scar, breast, lymphedema treatment. She said that her clients find that massaging the area does help break up the fibrotic lump, although it is an ongoing task. She showed me how I could do it myself. My number one goal now is to try to keep the fibrosis from lumping together again because it is painful to have the rib cage push against the lump while sleeping. I did go looking for a way to soften the breast but learned that if I don’t do something about the other fibrosis I may have the same problem. I don’t want, won’t have, any more surgery.