Almost a year ago I had a lumpectomy in my right breast followed by radiotherapy and I now take tamoxifen. Some swelling will be normal for about 1 month after surgery. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer will undergo either breast conserving surgery or mastectomy. Some say it feels like when. Researchers have reported that physical function and the ability to deal with daily tasks greatly. But for between 20 and 30 percent of those patients, the pain never goes away. The breast lump was removed. It also caused axial webbing for me about three times now. The most common signs are changes in the look or feel of the breast or the nipple and nipple discharge. S. Also a complete reduction in both breast , I have been in pain in the left breast ever since, which is the one I had lump and lymph nodes removed. Pain to arm and chest 18 months after lumpectomy. These hormones cause your breasts to swell and can lead to tenderness. Only the tumor and a small area of normal tissue around it are removed. It is often used when the lump is small and remains confined to the breast. Some people experience burning. Just over. Some people may experience pain in the chest area, armpit, or arm after lumpectomy surgery. , 1999. Upper arm and scapular numbness that results from nerve damage in the axillary region may be more uncomfortable than surgical pain. m. Nerves, blood vessels, and muscles may be damaged during your surgery. Do check in with your doctor to be on the safe side, but those nerve regeneration areas from surgery can last for years. 6. My pet scans are clear in my breast. Clip displacement from the. Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a type of chronic pain that occurs after breast cancer surgeries such as mastectomy, lumpectomy and axillary lymph node dissection, which involves removing lymph nodes in the underarm region. lumpectomy was done July 6, reexicion for margians on July 27th and was reopened on August 17th due to an infection. Asked By: Chasethedream in Boston, MA. “It’s just occasional sharp jabbing pain, like a knife. Anxious and overwhelmed. Had ACT/33 rads. It’s considered a stage 0 breast cancer that is not life-threatening and potentially 100 percent curable. 41; Lymphedema Monitoring. This showed up on my first ever mammogram (at age 48) and I was recalled. Adjuvant radiation therapy reduces the local recurrence rate of ten years from 31 to 15. I have had CHRONIC PAIN since lumpectomy! Used Duragesic pain patch for 1 yr. Other signs include: swelling of the chest wall. , 1995, Tasmuth et al. The skin in my armpit felt like it was burning for several weeks. Review: Reconstructive Surgery for Early-Stage Breast Cancer. A lumpectomy is known as “breast-conserving” surgery. Rest, fluids, and proper nutrition can help speed up healing. Of course, I will not be needing those now since I have had a double mastectomy. Adjuvant radiation therapy reduces the local recurrence rate of ten years from 31 to 15. They have increased with the radiation treatments. Shooting pains and itching are also normal. Partial breast irradiation, which involves treating only the site of lumpectomy and surrounding tissue, requires fewer radiation sessions and decreases acute skin toxicity without increasing the. Hi, I had lumpectomy and lymph node dissection 2 weeks ago. Hi all. Patients generally do not have significant pain after a lumpectomy, but the breast can be swollen, bruised or tender for a few days to a week or two after surgery depending on a patient’s breast size and size of the tumor removed. This can include not only pain, but non-painful sensations such as itching, heaviness, and more. Lumpectomy. A breast rash can be a sign of IBC or Paget’s disease, but most breast rashes are not malignant. numbness, tingling. 029. About 20% of people have pain that lasts longer [ 258 ]. Reduces Bruising and Swelling. Postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a common and debilitating form of postsurgical pain with neuropathic characteristics, presenting as burning, stabbing, or pulling sensations after mastectomy, lumpectomy, or other breast procedures. After surgery, as your nerves regrow and heal, you might notice your breast is more sensitive. sharp shooting pains, hardness in breast Hi, I have just completed 6 weeks of rads, post lumpectomy. Postural restoration through myofascial release (medical massage) is needed by most people, but especially those having significant scarring on the front of the body. About a week ago, my right breast starting hurting like a deep bruise with a slight burning sensation. This means that about 66% of the women had mild to severe pain 1 year after breast cancer surgery. Although persistent nipple discharge after nipple-sparing mastectomy is a rare event, it has been. numbness. She'll be draining off more tomorrow, but if she can't give me. Drains are usually required following a mastectomy or reconstructive breast surgery. Treatment for breast pain after surgery depends on the type and severity of pain you're experiencing. For many people, breast reconstruction is an important part of their. They have increased with the radiation treatments. Doctors may also refer to lumpectomy as an excisional biopsy or quadrantectomy. Bruises are generally flat and tender to the touch, whereas hematomas can be raised, hard, and painful. I hopped in, screamed when the water hit my breast and I was right back out. The prevalence of PMPS has been shown to be higher after lumpectomy than after mastectomy (Tasmuth et al, 1996, 1997). Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, can be associated with many conditions, including: Hormonal changes during menstrual cycle. Just over. I contacted the doctor and he quickly responded. This is 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). , exact pathogenesis of PMPS remain unclear; Affects 25%-60% of patients Prevalence is higher after lumpectomy than after mastectomyA lumpectomy (also called a partial mastectomy) is a breast cancer surgery that removes a tumor plus a normal margin of surrounding healthy breast tissue. Lymphoedema is swelling caused by a build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues. Numbness that isn’t limited to the breast has many possible causes, including: abnormal levels of minerals such as calcium, potassium, or sodium. Phantom breast syndrome refers to sensations women may "feel" in their breast after a mastectomy or other breast surgery for breast cancer. i recovered well but last week it so started to have significant stabbing pains in same breast as operation and now I am worried !Answer: Breast shrinkage 10 years after radiation for breast cancer. Phantom sensations after mastectomy might not involve pain, but there are reports of 17 per cent of women up to. Feeling much more tired than usual. At that time, you will hear about your pathology results from the tissue removed during your lumpectomy. Advertisement. Pain from PMPS has been described as a burning sensation; a shooting, stabbing pain; or a throbbing,. Practice Essentials. with lumpectomy and then re-excision). I keep feeling pain from the scar under my arm pit, every time I touched it it feels very tender and swollen (the arm pit scar). Tightness in the surgical site can make moving difficult and painful. Leave this in place for the first 48. After the Procedure. Interesting, I was just searching for the possible reasons for sharp shooting pain at the site of my right mastectomy. It should ease and become less frequent. After treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy, you may experience pain and sensations such as burning and numbness in the scar area and under the arm. the shooting pain in my breast finally went away 2 weeks ago and now after just one treatment of radiation I can feel the pain coming bacj and a tearing feeling under my arm. A number of treatment options are available for treating rib pain that continues after breast cancer surgery. Sore throat. Discussion. Lymphedema may cause tingling, numbness, stiffness, and weakness in your arm. Off and on I get pain in the scar area from the lumpectomy. Pain from surgery (breast, lymph node or reconstruction), radiation, rotator cuff tendonitis, nerve damage, cording, or other side effects of breast cancer treatment including lymphedema can lead to shoulder underuse, either consciously or subconsciously. Sharp shooting pain. Patients with chronic post-mastectomy pain can also experience significant discomfort from even minor sources like clothing, seat belts, or coughing. Your doctor may call it breast-conserving surgery, partial mastectomy, or excisional. It likely will become tighter and harder, tighter, and lumpier over the next 2-6 weeks. PMPS is often described as a typical neuropathic pain consisting of burning pain, shooting pain, pain evoked by pressure and deep blunt pain. May 2011 #2. Aches . problems breastfeeding. For some people, it may last for 1 or 2 years. This bra has adjustable straps – great! – in a soft and smooth satin. Sensations like these are normal. I’ve had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removal 14 months ago because of a triple negative breast cancer at 31. The amount of muscle, tissue and lymphatic system removal may have an impact on how much pain is felt. For the last couple of weeks I have had pain to my shoulder and chest to the side I had the cancer. Trusted Source. Treatment for breast pain after surgery depends on the type and severity of pain you're experiencing. slow-to-heal wounds. While the cause of nipple pain usually isn't serious, in rare cases, it can be a sign of breast cancer . We are given exercises, remember the. Other causes of numbness. Hormonal fluctuations are the number one reason women have breast pain. Swelling in the hand, fingers, arm, or breast area. The condition is typically permanent. After a lumpectomy, there will be an incision from the breast tissue removal that must heal. Menstrual cycle. Signs of a breast infection, including local redness, pus, or fever. Oil cysts in the breast commonly occur due to injury to the chest or medical procedures. It can take six months to two years for all of the healing changes to completely resolve. lack of proper support from a poorly fitting bra or. It can take a few months for everything to settle down after having two lumpectomies. Had to have more revision surgeries (hisense). The tube was pulled early due to a nurses incompetence as I was admitted to the hospital with a serious infection. Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) removes the cancer and just enough tissue to get all the cancer. 5C or below 36C red or swollen breast your breast feels warm a painful breast fluid seeping from the wound (discharge). At the time, I had shooting pain in my left breast. The pain of the lumpectomy finally gone. Some women have reported. 6. I went through chemo from January through April and finished radiation in mid June. I am unable to take pain medications due to side effects from pain meds. lumpectomy. Katrina, this could be from radiation after effects where the radiation can cause a "ridge" in the breast tissue. With a skin-sparing partial mastectomy, surgeons use implants or tissue from. Often, breast pain is caused due to hormonal changes but may also arise due to an infection, noncancerous blockages or tissue growths, and injuries to the chest or breast. That being said, I just had a breast MRI which showed absolutely nothing of concern - and I was convinced that I would at least get false positives with all the swelling and lumpy hard places. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy 13 days ago as they had found cancer in my breast. PBTPS can be defined as persistent neuropathic pain, and is often associated with symptoms of numbness, dysesthesia, edema, and allodynia located in the chest wall, axilla, arm, or shoulder of the surgical side. A lot of the tightness and pain is the result of scar tissue. Hello beautiful people happy new year to all I haven't been in this site in many many months or a couple of years I would say, I've been so busy working trying to survive in this hard economy here in the US. my surgeon told me that when I was healed enough, I was to have a baseline mammogram so there would be a record of what was scar tissue for future mammograms. The collection of fluid (called seroma) is a normal body process to heal the area. If you have radiotherapy to the area around your collarbone or near your breastbone, you may develop a sore throat or discomfort when swallowing. Here I am, 9 weeks out from lumpectomy (7 weeks out from follow-up surgery to place drains) and I still get shots of pain in the breast. It may resolve on its own over time, or it. I have recently felt a little tightness and some very minor pain but in my scar since I've been diagnosed metastatic to the bone and was very ill. For 1 or 2 days after the surgery, you will probably feel tired and have some pain. Check the Cup Fit. But yes, the weird sensations do show up at weird times. My lumpectomy was a year ago April. However, improvement was negligible. Discuss whether or not phantom breast sensations are frequent. The lump and some of the normal breast tissue around it is. My whole breast aches and the pain goes through to my back. The exercises can be painful, requiring perseverance and working gradually through the pain, until arm movement improves and the pain subsides. I just finished radiation (and also got a nice case of shingles early on during radiation). Some very common reasons for sharp shooting pain in breast include the following: 1. Generally, when they have this syndrome, women will feel pain, numbness, and burning under the armpit and across the chest. However, bruising on the breast can also be caused by a hematoma, a pooling of blood that results from injury to larger blood vessels. Over the past 2 decades, breast-conservation therapy with lumpectomyand whole-breast radiotherapy has become a standard option for themajority of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Interesting, I was just searching for the possible reasons for sharp shooting pain at the site of my right mastectomy. Importance Surgery after initial lumpectomy to obtain more widely clear margins is common and may lead to mastectomy. Methods: The study involved women from Victoria, Australia, who had survived at least 5 years from diagnosis, remained free from. Regaining sensation in your breasts, which Dr. 3. Dr. Sensitivity and Nerve Pain. You will have some pain after breast surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy or breast reconstruction). “I had bilateral mastectomies a year ago, and I still have a lot of issues with rib pain,” they shared. Diagnosis and treatment Pain in my breast 4mths after lumpectomy. trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Jan 3, 2021. The goal of managing your acute pain after surgery is to minimize your pain enough to feel comfortable getting up, taking deep. For example, wound infection is a possible complication after any surgery. Wide under breast panel to provide softness, comfort and support – good design for a surgical bra. I was getting worried but have been reading many women do feel the pain and stabbing sensations a long time after surgery. I had two ops in January & February 2021 ( removal of lumpectomy then back in to remove lymph nodes in second op. Cysts are pockets filled with fluid, pus, air, or other substances. Over the counter medication can help with the pain or your doctor can prescribe a stronger pain killer. Laura Esserman, the director of the Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center in San Francisco, said she was shocked to learn of the prevalence of the problem when one of the speakers at a 2011 symposium she led on the management of breast cancer symptoms said that 20 to 40 percent of women complained of persistent pain after. Many findings can be mistaken for cancer. 9), and the mean BMI was 23. Without it, post-op swelling can linger much longer than. However, when DCIS causes a palpable lump (one that can be. Fig. Anyway, the surgery was successful with no cancer cells in the Lymph nodes. Fortunately, survival rates continue to improve, likely due to improved individualized treatment as well. For most people, this pain is temporary and goes away after you heal. If you have any symptoms, tell your health. Developing lymphedema – painful swelling in the arm, underarm, hand, chest, abdomen, or back – after breast cancer has traditionally been viewed as a risk worth taking to undergo breast cancer surgery. Mine is, especially around the areola which is where the tumor was removed from. Other symptoms of metastatic breast cancer include: headaches, vision problems, seizures, nausea, or vomiting if it’s spread to. Breast-conserving surgery is sometimes called lumpectomy, quadrantectomy, partial mastectomy, or segmental mastectomy depending on how much tissue is removed. Breast cancer 1996 (left breast & lymph node involvement). Abstract. Back pain can be a sign that the cancer has spread to the bones. Shooting or burning pain going to the nipple can be caused by the stretching of your breast tissue and muscle to accommodate your implants. Your doctor may also refer to it as a wide local excision, segmental resection, or partial mastectomy. I'm sure its scar tissue since its so close to the scar, right under it. I also recovered really well. You may also hear this procedure called by a few other names, such as: Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) When paired with the right surveillance after treatment, a lumpectomy may also be an option for breast cancer patients who carry genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 that put them at a greater risk for cancer. I'm sure it's just healing but I take norco for back pain and it worries me that. After the lumpectomy I had a spot near the incision site that was numb, which I understand can be normal. Pain may be felt in part or all of a breast. Just over 10% said their symptoms were severe. I had only a lumpectomy with lymph node dissection. Lumpectomy surgery is a common type of surgery used to remove tumors in the breast. Tiredness is probably the most common side effect of breast cancer treatment. While radiation therapy itself isn’t painful, there are side effects that can feel uncomfortable. I had a lumpectomy in 2008 for stage 1 breast cancer in my left breast. Some of the symptoms of scar tissue pain include: inflammation (swelling) redness. This will usually go away in 2-3 weeks. INTRODUCTION. I had chemo and radiation. Sunday, March 12, 2023. I have been really well throughout and feel fortunate that I’ve healed well and my treatment has been straight forward. April 2011 #12. One theory is that this arises because nerves cut during a mastectomy try to grow back without any place to go. Abnormal cells are inside the milk ducts and. Skin inflammation or area of redness. The blue dye was injected thru the IV, it was the 4 injections of the Radioactive Tracer that is injected around the breast area. I had my check up with the surgeon in July of this year (1 year after surgery) and she said this was normal, and may be fluid. I was unaware of any problems. Yes, random pain in both sites. You’re probably right that the pain is nerve regrowth. It may be burning or sharp, may spread down the arm and can be worse when you move. You will be given general anesthesia (you will be asleep, but pain free) or local anesthesia (you are lightly sedated and pain free). For 1 or 2 days after the surgery, you will probably feel tired and have some pain. Description: Six months after right breast lumpectomy and whole breast radiation therapy for invasive cancer. Some people experience burning or shooting pain in their chest wall that may not go away over time. New; Breast cancer forum requires membership for participation - click to join. This type of breast pain is more common in women between 30 and 50 years of age. While phantom breast syndrome is common, it is less talked. Commonly, there's a nerve called the. Additional deep breast pain occurred between the first and second physical therapist visits, after the performance of an exercise that, probably, vigorously stretched the operated. This is because while radiation destroys cancer cells, it also. The pain is cording and also a stabbing pain in my armpit. I had a right breast lumpectomy with radiation treatments almost 20 years ago. At first I had pain along my arm but now it has moved to my breast. In 20% of these cases on average, a second procedure will be needed to remove lingering cancer. throbbing. An herbal oil helped relieve the sting better than anything I tried. A dry cough or feeling of breathlessness. Signs and symptoms of local recurrence on the chest wall after a mastectomy may include: One or more painless nodules on or under the skin of your chest wall. but chose to stop taking med. “The pain isn’t constant,” a third member shared in regard to post-lumpectomy pain. April 2010 edited April 2010. Mastectomy removes all of the. I hopped in, screamed when the water hit my breast and I was right back out. Cording can take on a few different forms. “It’s just occasional sharp jabbing pain, like a knife. BACKGROUND. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of potentially life-threatening conditions, such as a pulmonary embolism (sudden blockage in your. Women with PMRS may experience weakness, tightness, or pain in the shoulder; muscle loss in the chest wall; or muscle spasms and pain. If lymph nodes are removed, lymphedema (swelling of the arms or back) may also occur. It is important that the cups properly support your boobs, if there is gaping in the cup, then try going down a size to get a better fit. I just had my first radiation treatment yesterday. Contact us today by calling (410) 709-3868 and our staff will be glad to assist you. Postmastectomy pain syndrome has been described as a burning, aching or stabbing pain or tightness, which may be exacerbated by movement of the shoulder/shoulder blade. Learn more here. If you are experiencing rib pain after a mastectomy, it’s essential to talk with your doctor about pain management. Burning or shooting pain;. The first week was bearable with lots of numbness which is now going, but this week has been a nightmare! Patient arm movement is often limited by pain or fear of pain. Breast pain years after lumpectomy, nipple inverting. Try to repeat this exercise 3 to 5 times a day. Recent studies indicate between 25-60% of women have some degree of pain or uncomfortable sensations in their breast even years after breast cancer operations. Lumpectomy surgery. Scar tissue can cause its own side effects: nerve pain or numbness if scar tissue forms around nerves. If you are experiencing rib pain after a mastectomy, it’s essential to talk with your doctor about pain management. The pain comes and goes. I have read estimates that up to 60% of women with breast cancer experience some degree of shoulder discomfort. Some people may experience pain in the chest area, armpit, or arm after lumpectomy surgery. In contrast, during a mastectomy, all of the breast tissue is removed. What does ongoing pain feel like? The pain may be in your scar, breast, armpit, arm or shoulder. had 10/30 radiation tx after lumpectomy with slb (0/3). The prevalence of PMPS has been shown to be higher after lumpectomy than after mastectomy (Tasmuth et al, 1996, 1997). Monday to Friday. Some symptoms to be aware of include: Unexpected weight loss and a loss of appetite. After the surgery and recovery from anesthesia, patients may experience pain, which usually resolves in a few days and can be minimized with painkillers prescribed by the doctor. I am experiencing a lot of upper arm pain and armpit pain. In many cases, a lumpectomy will be followed by radiation therapy, which kills any remaining. I've. I’ve had pain in my left breast for at least 4 years now and still remember the night I felt a sharp stabbing pain in my chest. The following tips may help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life. Check in with your breast surgeon or the RO, whoever you're meeting with next. my wife is still in excessive pain 3. Radiopaque circles are mole markers. m. In special situations where the risk of recurrence is very low, your doctor may also discuss the option of avoiding radiation after a lumpectomy. I was on Tamoxifen for 5 years. Collections of fluid or blood. Hi had anyone suffered any new pain several months after lumpectomy? i recovered well but last week it so started to have significant stabbing pains in same breast. Tenderness should go away in about 2 or 3 days, and the. This type of pain can also be felt if pressure is applied to the area on the chest wall. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. A review of available studies reported rates of lymphedema after the combined approach that ranged from 0 to 4% and rates of lymphedema after sentinel-node biopsy alone that ranged from 0 to 63%. Infection at the incision site is the primary concern, as any. trouble using hands to pick up objects or fasten clothing. Breast pain is not a typical sign of breast cancer: Just 3. A 2019 study notes that once the surgeons have removed the breast, the muscles in the front of the chest can tighten. Lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla) may also be removed. It got a lot more tender after radiation. Introduction. Menstrual cycle. It can also involve removing lymph nodes in the armpit area if the cancer has spread there or is at risk of spreading there, or if there is. In 1996, Smith et al identified a prevalence rate of PMPS of 43% among 408 women in the Grampian Region, Northeast Scotland. If you have neuropathic pain, you may feel a shooting or burning. Breasts become sore three to five days prior to the beginning of a menstrual period and stop hurting after it starts. However, you may lose some hair in the underarm area or on the breast or chest area getting radiation (this may be a concern for some men with breast cancer). Some women have reported. I remember the doctor saying that I could shower the next day. Laura Esserman, the director of the Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center in San Francisco, said she was shocked to learn of the prevalence of the problem when one of the speakers at a 2011 symposium she led on the management of breast cancer symptoms said that 20 to 40 percent of women complained of persistent pain after breast surgery. 5 years out post lumpectomy and radiation. You might also have an itchy sensation or numbness as your body heals. Hi, I have continuous pain and tenderness in the bone area on the upper side of my left breast, armpit area and the wound scar. For people under age 70 with invasive breast cancer, radiation therapy will typically follow the lumpectomy to kill any remaining cancer cells. Discussion. The aim of this study. I had a lumpectomy for a 4cm tumor rated 4B. Sometimes after a lumpectomy surgery, fluid may collect where the breast tissue was removed. Lumpectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a tumor (benign or malignant). Lumpectomy recovery goes smoothly for most people. The two types of breast cancer most likely to recur are inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). I still have shooting pains in breast and under arm. In Study 1, women who received mastectomy had lower physical functioning than lumpectomy (ps < 0. Patient presented with new pain on lumpectomy scar. May 13, 2023. It's a common phenomenon in at least 25 percent of women. You may find that bras with adjustable. These symptoms are usually temporary and start to get better over a matter of months, but they can be permanent. British Journal of Cancer (2008) 99, 604 – 610. Scaring from radiotherapy may cause nerve damage in the arm on the treated side. Nerve damage. December 22, 2020 / 9 Comments. IBC: IBC is a. Hello! It is common for the breast to undergo shrinkage from the radiation. H. Summary: Nearly 50 percent of women surveyed indicate they experience pain symptoms 2 to 3 years after breast cancer treatment, with women who were younger or. Just wondering if this is normal and if anyone else has notice the swollen and tenderness still especially since its been a year. Funding is available for eligible individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment at any stage or living with metastatic breast cancer (stage 4). Offline Lindylum over 5 years ago. 2r3b | @2r3b | Nov 7, 2022. If you have neuropathic pain, you may feel a shooting or burning. Soon the pain became unbearable and I had to do something. I had a right breast lumpectomy with radiation treatments almost 20 years ago. Breast pain (mastalgia) can be described as tenderness, throbbing, sharp, stabbing, burning pain or tightness in the breast tissue. Wounds can weep a little and the dressing may need to be changed. ago. For the last few days the pain in my breast is awful, but is also radiating down my right side through my ribs, they feel really bruised. Although neuropathic pain is the most common type of pain reported after breast cancer surgery, some women also experience phantom breast pain. Now I am not allowed to lift, carry, stress out left side at all for 6 months. A lumpectomy is the surgical removal of a small area of breast tissue that is cancerous or suspected of being cancerous. I think this is probably right but it is so hard not to be worried. A lot of work was done in there -. Your breasts should fit snugly within the cups of the bra, if there is spillage at the top of the cup, then you should try a larger size. It usually occurs after trauma, irradiation, or surgical intervention and can be commonly seen in mastectomy patients after revisions, breast reconstruction, implant removal, or infection . Our experience indicates that post-mastectomy. Directional vacuum-assisted biopsy has become an irreplaceable tool in the management of suspicious mammographic lesions. Persistent pain is a postoperative complication estimated to affect between 20% and 50% of mastectomy patients with considerable negative influence on quality of life. I did chemo, rads and had a mastectomy a year ago with diep reconstruction. Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) removes the cancer and just enough tissue to get all the cancer. If you had breast surgery for breast cancer, such as a lumpectomy, mastectomy, or lymph node removal, and are still experiencing pain, you’re not alone. Pain from surgery (breast, lymph node or reconstruction), radiation, rotator cuff tendonitis, nerve damage, cording, or other side effects of breast cancer treatment including lymphedema can lead to shoulder underuse, either consciously or subconsciously. Breast pain may be described as: sharp, stabbing or shooting pain. This helped me for sure. Some people have shoulder pain due to nerve damage from radiation therapy or a lumpectomy, mastectomy, or lymph node removal. Chest tightness after a mastectomy is normal. Medical literature exists but doctors will downplay the chronic pain. I was on Tamoxifen for 5 years.