Post radiation for breast cancer
Hi, I was diagnosed with BC in Feb in my right breast, I had lumpectomy and a month of radi therapy which finished mid May. Everything healed and settled down into June. I started tamoxifen early June also. But since early July I have constant ache and discomfort in both armpits. So bad it woke me up at night. I've been back to my consultant in June & he referred me for mammo and u/s of both sides, which I had done 2 wks ago. The radiologist there said pain & lumps in right side are most likely due to radiation therapy and that the covid vax can cause swelling in area where I received my vax (left arm). While left armpit isn't as bad now as it was, the right has got worse since the mammo & u/s. Finding it uncomfortable to wear bra and to sleep, with heaviness & discomfort. Is this normal 10 wks post radiation therapy even when it seem to settle down in June. Or is it something I need to get re checked or mri? I'm anxious something is amiss. Thank you for your help.
Dear Ebony,
I am sorry you have this concern at the moment. It sounds like the pain in your left arm, where you had the vaccine is lessening. As your right arm feels heavy and uncomfortable it might be a good idea to arrange to see the breast care nurse on your team. She may also ask their lymphoedema specialist to asses it. The extreme heat we have had may have contributed to this.
It is reassuring that your consultant did a mammogram and ultrasound to assess what is happening. Recovery time after treatment can vary from person to person but it can take up to a year for the tissues to heal.
Would you like to also phone our support line and speak to a cancer nurse about this and also for some tips on how to mind your arm and skin post- surgery/radiotherapy & how to minimise the risk of developing lymphoedema.
I do hope it will all settle down, now that the heatwave has passed but you are right to follow it up.
Kind regards
Cancer Nurse