Sudden pain along lumpectomy scar 4 months after surgery

Posted by lll3 @lll3, Nov 17, 2022

I was awakened from my sleep with pain by my lumpectomy scar 4 months after surgery and 2 months after radiation. Was swollen and lumpy and hurt to touch the area. The worst of it subsided over about a weeks time but I’m still very achy from it a month later. I portaled surgeon who told me it likely was not a tear of stitches and portaled radiology oncologist who said it was likely not a hematoma. Wondering what this might be? Anyone experience anything like this?

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toomanyquestions | @toomanyquestions | Nov 19, 2022

Radiation can have side effects that show up months afterwards.

cctoo. Catherine Crowley | @cctoo | Nov 19, 2022

In reply to @toomanyquestions "Radiation can have side effects that show up months afterwards." + (show)

hope not seroma...if swowlen lump!! I developed one 3 weeks after drain removal 3weeks aftrr surgery

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 19, 2022

Welcome @lll3, I can imagine you're concerned. There is something called post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) because it was first noticed in women who had mastectomies, but it can also happen after other types of breast-conserving surgery (such as a lumpectomy). Read more https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/pain/post-mastectomy-pain-syndrome.html

Did either the surgeon or radiologist suggest going in for an exam? I might ask if a referral to physiotherapy might be recommended.

lll3 | @lll3 | Nov 20, 2022

Colleen,
Thank you for the link regarding Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome. I had a lumpectomy with sentinel lymph removal. That healed well. Then I had a brutal 5 day round of radiation. I vividly felt the radiation which I understand is unusual. 6 weeks later I had a terrible rash. Also painful zingers. All of that had faded away. Daily I put on lotion and gently massage scar so I know how it feels. Finally feeling better until this sudden painful event occurred. Now, 5 weeks later it is itching and burning which is described in the link. I am seeing my new team at a Mayo breast survivorship clinic next week and will certainly go over this. Also, I do weight lifting 3x weekly with a man who is very knowledgeable but will see if a PT may have specific routines that may help. Thanks again for your response.

meomurian | @meomurian | Nov 20, 2022

In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome @lll3, I can imagine you're concerned. There is something called post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) because..." + (show)

I am so grateful to see an explanation of the sharp pain I occasionally feel along the lumpectomy scar from 12 years ago. Thanks for the article.

lll3 | @lll3 | Nov 20, 2022

In reply to @cctoo "hope not seroma...if swowlen lump!! I developed one 3 weeks after drain removal 3weeks aftrr surgery" + (show)

I have no idea if it was a seroma. I never felt a lump developing but the experience was like a blood blister rupture, perhaps a seroma. I have an appointment with survivorship clinic doc next week and hope to get more info then.
Hope you are healing well now.

cctoo. Catherine Crowley | @cctoo | Nov 20, 2022

In reply to @lll3 "I have no idea if it was a seroma. I never felt a lump developing but..." + (show)

thank you.... I'm trying heat, compression, and limiting use. If anyone has had seroma did it just resolve on its own?. Or what else to do?

toomanyquestions | @toomanyquestions | Jan 16, 2023

I beed help. My plastic surgeon just finished reconstruction 14 days ago.
I wanted to
A) go flat
B) using only extra breast skin, fill in concavity areas and make small ROUND mound if possible.

Three plastic surgeons turned me away. One assured me he could do it. I am horrified. My chest looks like a slab of bumpy toast. FROM STERNUM WRAPPING AROUND TO BELOW ARMPITS 1/2 way to waist. The side bulges look ridiculous on my skinny upper body. I’m ready to scream. The doc said “ looks good to me.”
Any advice?