Lumpectomy pain in chest & back – how long does it last?
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3 posts since
27 Feb 2021
l’m not sure what’s normal after a lumpectomy. It’s now 4 weeks after the operation. l thought l was healing well and l’d taken 2 weeks off work, after which I felt ready to return. However, 2 weeks after working at a desk based job with long hours, (catching up) the pain in my chest wall and upper back is so intense it keeps me a awake at night and is a constant nagging feeling. ( feels bruised on the breast bone but much deeper & the back pain muscle in the lower shoulder blades) My lump was quite deep in the inner breast bone area. I suspect this is quite normal and maybe l have pushed myself too hard at work & home, but l now feel embarrassed to ask for more time off work for healing. I’ve also gone back on pain killers, but l’m so exhausted due to not sleeping as l can’t get comfortable. I also get stabbing pains in the breast occasionally- which l know will be nerves healing, but that’s nothing compared to the constant dull ache and tightness in my chest and back. What’s normal? I have less energy now than 2 weeks ago. Thank you.
955 posts since
1 May 2018
Hello and thanks for posting on the forum,
I am sorry to hear about the pain and discomfort you have been feeling and I can understand that this must be such a difficult thing to deal with.
You have had a big operation and it can take a while to recover. The pain is usually caused by bruising, stretching or damage to nerves during surgery or when scar tissue forms.
Four weeks after surgery is still early days. You may find if you take another couple of weeks off with regular pain killers and some gentle exercises may help you get on top of any discomfort that you are feeling. Sometimes sitting in one position does not help particularly if you are working at a computer.
Be kind to yourself and give yourself more time to recover. Talk it through with your GP. Everyone takes different times to recover from surgery and it is important that you feel more comfortable and you don’t feel so sleep deprived.
The charity Breast Cancer Now have written some useful information about the lasting affects of breast surgery which you may find it helpful to read. It is also good for you to know that you are not alone in having pain that continues for a while after surgery. Have a look here.
It has some useful tips such as exercise and wearing a supportive bra so do have a look.
Don’t feel embarrassed about taking more time off work as it is so much more important to get on top of all the symptoms that you are experiencing. You may find it helpful to also talk this through with your manager and HR so they are fully in the picture and can also help support you.
You may also find it helpful to talk to others who have been through a similar operation. Breast Cancer Now are able to put you in touch with other women in a service called ‘Someone like Me’. Have a look at their details here
I do hope that the pain gets better soon and your sleeping improves.
If you want to chat any of this through with one of the nurses on the helpline then do get back to us or give us a ring. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
Very Best Wishes,
Catherine
3 posts since
27 Feb 2021
Dear Catherine, thank you for your advice which is greatly appreciated.
Lumpectomy pain in chest & back – how long does it last?
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