New breast pain 20 years post lumpectomy

Posted by adreb2 @adreb2, Jun 19, 2022

I had a right breast lumpectomy with radiation treatments almost 20 years ago. There was no lymph node involvement. I was on Tamoxifen for 5 years. About a week ago, my right breast starting hurting like a deep bruise with a slight burning sensation. It is only on one side of the breast and is most noticeable in one very tender spot. Is this normal? Should I go to my Primary Care doctor? I no longer see an oncologist.

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A huge resounding yes! Because even if it turns out to be a rogue nerve, it will bring peace of mind. I believe any new and persistent breast pain requires investigation. If you have a primary care doctor you trust to really look into it, that is great. If not you might see an OBGYN, they are also trained in breast care. If it turns out to be something you have to deal with, I think you will be glad you did. I had a doctor tell me breast cancer wasn’t painful, so that was actually a good sign.
20 years is a long time to think it gone and then have pain. How are you doing mentally?

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Mentally I am fine. I’m just concerned over this new issue. I will call my doctor tomorrow for an appointment. I am a very active 73 year old and I hope to stay healthy for years to come.

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My rule of thumb, for what it's worth, is to not ignore any pain that I can't figure out a cause of. Having had a breast cancer experience last year (no chemo or radiation), I'd be doubly sure to have any new unusual pain or sensitivity in the breast area checked out. Having noted that, that area of the body is plumb full of nerves going in different directions. Weird things, even trapped gas from GERD and GI tract issues* or some strain on a distant muscle "can" have referrent pain felt in the breast. But still, pain is worthy of attention.

*I actually had this and it hurt, a lot, until an endoscopy broke it up. My cardiologist has clients who've rushed to the hospital with the same thing fearing a heart attack. The pain felt as if it was outside the rib cage and just under the breast. Hard to describe and two doctors were mystified until a gastroenterologist I was seeing for something else knew exactly what it was.

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@adreb2

Mentally I am fine. I’m just concerned over this new issue. I will call my doctor tomorrow for an appointment. I am a very active 73 year old and I hope to stay healthy for years to come.

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I am crossing my fingers and my toes for you right now.

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I am scheduled for a bilateral diagnostic mammogram this Friday with an ultrasound of my right breast.

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I trust my doctor and would have been upset if these tests had not been ordered. I seriously doubt there are quotas for Medicare patients. Medicare doesn’t pay for anything they feel is unnecessary.

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You are right....! daughter told me that. O have been having breast pain with large armpit node had btrast cancer six years ago in same breast. Biopsy tomorrow. Of node. Pray for you and me

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My mammogram and ultrasound were normal. Pain probably due to scar tissue but cause really unknown.

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I started having breast pain in breast I had cancer in six years ago... Just got results today of biopsy of armpit node...bc back again...but no mass or lump
In breast

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@cctoo

I started having breast pain in breast I had cancer in six years ago... Just got results today of biopsy of armpit node...bc back again...but no mass or lump
In breast

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I am so sorry this has happened. It is not because you didn’t take AI. I do hope that women who can tolerate them will at least give them a try. If for no other reason to prevent this kind of second guessing. There are many women who never take them and never see their cancer again. The contrary is also true. I took them and it still came back. Don’t put yourself through that kind of agony. This is absolutely not your fault!
Have your doctors discussed next steps yet?

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