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• trishac

  

  • 6 posts
  February 5, 2012 2:37:30 PM WATime

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  Hi Glenys, it's just on 12 months after my lumpectomy for b/cancer. I had a 7wk course of radiotherapy in May, and have been taking Tomoxofin since mid the operation. Just last week I began to feel tenderness in the breast area again, and a slight tingling sensation, very similar to what I felt prior to my diagnosis. I decided to do a check and felt what seemed to be a small lump to the right of the nipple area. I have had this checked by my GP during the week, who advised it's likely to be scar tissue. It was quite tender when she pressed around the underside of the breast, and I guess I felt a little anxious just in case it may have been a recurrence.

• Glenys

  

  • Moderator
  • 162 posts
  February 5, 2012 3:18:20 PM WATime

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  Hi trishac
  That must be very alarming to feel similar sensations to how things felt just before diagnosis. Great you went to your GP to check, I'm assuming this is going to be checked further? You must be having your annual check tests soon (if not had) - this will clarify the situation for you.
  Your GP is right, the most common cause for tenderness and lumpiness around the surgical area is due to scar tissue. Scars continue to fully form for up to two years, and changes can occur through this time. Damage also occurs to nerves in the area from surgery. Nerves also usually take a very long time to fully recover from damage, and can be very sensitive when they do return! This is likely to gradually settle down.
  It's possible that a needle test may be required to be certain, though this will depend on the scans and the specialist's opinion.
  I hope you don't have to wait long .. that's the frustrating part ..
  Please let us know how things go ..

  The Click Breast Care Nurse 

• trishac

  

  • 6 posts
  February 15, 2012 5:21:17 PM WATime

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  Hi Glenys, as you're aware I just had my annual check. I had a mammogram and ultrasound y'day, which both showed up clear. However, they did reveal scar tissue, which explains the tenderness around the breast area. According to my surgeon, there is still healing going on, both from the surgery and from the radiotherapy, so she says I will continue to notice changes for a bit longer. Was good to know the tenderness is normal and not a sign of the b/c returning!
  
• Ness

  

  • 81 posts
  February 15, 2012 6:20:16 PM WATime

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  That's great news Trish and must be a weight off your mind!

  The Click Project Coordinator
  

  Daughter-in-law and niece of breast cancer "thrivers"!