Chronic Pain after Stage 4 Breast Cancer Surgery, Chemo and Radiation

@fiesty76, I moved your discussion to the Breast Cancer group because I think you'll get more responses to your question about persistant pain after breast cancer treatment here.
@madijen @k1958 @baynie @wendyh @barbaranathalie @beku @cindylb and others talk about similar pain in this discussion:
- Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-mastectomy-pain-syndrome/

And @roch and @trixie1313 started this related discussion:
Cording / Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cording-axillary-web-syndrome-aws/

Pain is pretty hard to "get used to." What have you been doing to get any relief?

@fiesty76
As it was explained to me, nerves can be cut because of surgery which will cause pain. I wound up with partial mastectomy following first surgery of lumpectomy with chemo inbetween both and after the second surgery also had 30 radiation treatments. Radiation can cause fibrotic changes and hard ridges. I've also wound up with lymphedema of my breast. Unfortunately, there is a lot of pain involved because of all of this. I do take turmeric capsules as an anti-inflammatory and also rub calendula cream on my breasts and around armpit area. If you can meet with a physical therapist, that person can teach you stretching exercises for your chest area and arms which may help.

@fiesty76 @trixie1313

My surgery wasn't as extensive as Trixie's (only lumpectomy and sentinel node removal), yet, the internal scars can pull and ache... not all the time, just now and then. When that first started, I was alarmed until my NP explained that it was normal for my situation. Do raise the issue with your oncologist, however, because you want the area examined and a conclusion reached.

THANK You, Colleen for moving my question to the Breast Cancer group. I'm still learning how many "connect groups exist" so am very grateful for your help. Such worthwhile information at each site! I am concerned that oncology surgeon seemed so cavalier about the continuing under arm pain and don't believe any of us should suffer unduly if there is help. These sites Help! Big hugs to you.

Thank you for responding, Elizm. It does make sense that there are internal scars from the surgery. My pain is constant and I've just been using hot and cold paks but now, having reading more on this site, feel better equipped with more questions to ask doc and more avenues to pursue for some relief. I am so grateful for Mayo Connect, this forum and its many responsive informed members for their tips, experiences and sharing.

Hey fiesty76,
I’ve had ongoing post mastectomy pain since my bilateral mastectomy in 2016. I have found that gabapentin is helpful for the nerve pain and I’ve also had massage therapy for the scar tissue problems. Also stretching exercises like free style swimming are helpful. It is better but I still have pain. I think it’s something that some of us have to learn to live with. I’m happy to be living, even with some pain!! Hope you feel better soon!

No problem @feisty76. We now have 63 groups on Connect so there's a lot to keep track of. Here's the full Group Directory https://connect.mayoclinic.org/groups/
You can find the group directory under GROUPS in the navigation menu.

@fiesty76
By any chance, has anyone talked to you about possible lymphedema of the breast? I just went to the physical therapist today and learned how to try to work through that. Also, after my lumpectomy (first surgery), I had multiple hematomas in a honeycomb fashion which caused pain. If you have a breast care specialist, maybe check with that person or your surgeon. Oncologists don't always deal with this type of issue.

Thank you for the suggestions Beku! I still can't get over the surgical oncologist not recommending something to try for at least some relief. I'm praying that a visit with my pcp, who still puts the patient first, will provide some options/referrals along with yours.

Thank you for the group directory link, Colleen! Sometimes it can be right in front of me and I miss it. Smiles