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Lumps and Bumps after Lumpectomy & Radiation

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Penny View Drop Down
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    Posted: Aug 19 2020 at 9:32pm
Hi Everyone,

I am posting this question to see if anyone has had the same experience.  I do not like doing self examinations as it frightens me every time.  I was diagnosed in December 2016 and finished treatment June 2017.  I am coming up on year four "post diagnosis".  

When I do my breast examination, my affected breast is lumpy and bumpy.  Especially at the site where my tumor was.  I was diagnosed stage 1.  I thought I have read in previous posts that there is a "ghost" feel in the exact same place as the tumor.  My thoughts race during self exam and I am looking for others to advise if they also feel lumps and bumps on their breast from scar tissue and radiation.  I don't want to run to the doctor every time and I have had my annual mammogram in November 2019 and all was clear.  I have tried researching this on my own and can't find much. 

Is anyone experiencing this same issue?  I want so badly to get past this fear and anxiety and no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to.  Any help is appreciated.  

Thanks Penny  
DX IDC, TNBC 12/7/16 (age 55), Stage 1a Grade 2, .6cm, 0/1 nodes, Lumpectomy & node dissection 12/22/16, BRCA1&2 negative 1/23/17 Chemo TC. Chemo completed 3/28/17. 30 RADs completed 6/6/17.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Plume Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug 20 2020 at 6:14am
Hi Penny
My operation was in July 2017 and I have recently have my mamo which is "normal". I have many lumps and bumps, with one VERY hard lump.

After my partial mastectomy, I had nearly 2 years of almost weekly physio including 20 sessions on a machine which were supposed to reduce or soften scars.  None of these treatments have actually got rid of the lumps and bumps though they did make the whole area feel less uncomfortable.

I have always been told that these things are "normal" after operation and treatment for breast cancer.  I understand about you feeling anxious.....I think we all tend to worry because, after all, we have had a frightening experience the like of which perhaps none of us had ever had in the past.

Just so you'd know that perhaps all is well, I am seeing my surgeon at the end of the month when he will once more make the arrangements for my reconstruction.  I just hope that this time it will go ahead as this will be the operation that was postponed on account of the covid.

So what I want to say is, your lumps like mine, are probably nothing sinister.  I hope others will also come forward to allay your fears.

Bon courage, my friend!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote CMDW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug 22 2020 at 10:59am
I’m so glad someone brought this up!  I finished radiation end of December 2019, chemo first, lumpectomy second.  My breast is hard, lumpy, ropey and tender/sore.  It is also larger than my normal breast even though nothing was added.  A plastic surgeon moved tissue from the outer part to the inner (where the golf ball sized tissue was removed) in order not to have a divot.  I don’t know that I would choose to do this again.

Mammogram in June was “normal”, but I also find it disconcerting that I would be unable to detect a lump at this point.

My oncologist explained that radiation “burns” tissue from the inside and this affects the structure of the breast.  

Best wishes to all!  Cindy
66 at diagnosis. 3/2019, AC/T, lumpectomy, 30 radiation. Complete 12/19. IDC, grade 2-3, 4 cores .2-1.5cm, yellow lobulated fibroadipose, stage pT1b, NO
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SagePatientAdvocates Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug 22 2020 at 2:50pm
Dear Cindy,

The explanation you received is probably correct but I wanted to ask you if you have any discoloration is your breast/s? Anything resembling peau d'orange as in the outside of an orange...looks like it is pitted? Anything that looks like a rash?

One breast becoming larger than another and any of the characteristics I mention above
can be an indication of Inflammatory Breast Cancer(IBC) which is difficult to diagnose and a very rare breast cancer. Approximately 70% of IBCs are also TNBC. The converse is not true; if you have TNBC 70% of the time it is not IBC. I think it is estimated that IBC occurs in 1-2% of all breast cancers. It may be really important for you to see an IBC specialist if you have the issues above. It is diagnosed via a clinical breast exam and from my experience there are not too many IBC experts in the United States.

If you would prefer to send me a PM I will answer as soon as I see it ...if you don't hear from me in 3-4 hours and if you are comfortable doing so please send me an email to

steve@sagepatientadvocates.org

I have been having some issues receiving PMs that is why I am suggesting an email. I will send you my phone number and we can talk if you would like. I am not a medical professional and will not give you medical advice but I may be able to help with a referral to one/several Breast Medical Oncologists.

As a general rule, for those of you describing 'lump and bumps' I would suggest, out of an abundance of caution that you see your breast medical oncologist in addition to your surgical/radiation oncologist to see if any tests are warranted. Better safe than sorry. 

with love to all here,

Steve




I am a BRCA1+ grandson, son and father of women affected by breast/oc-my daughter inherited mutation from me, and at 36, was dx 2004 TNBC I am a volunteer patient advocate with SAGE Patient Advocates
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CMDW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug 22 2020 at 4:36pm
No, the coloration and surface seem normal.  My right breast is the affected one and it was probably always a little larger.  Friends tell me it takes a year for things to settle in to what they’re going to be, so that would be 4 months from now (if that’s true).  I have been following up with my oncologist and surgeon, and an ultrasound was performed in June along with my mammogram.

My oncologist, Dr. Adil Akhtar, has quite a good reputation, as well as Dr. Eric Brown, my surgeon, and Dr. Frank Vicini, radiologist.  All considered “top docs”.  I do appreciate your vigilance and input!  Thank you.  Cindy
66 at diagnosis. 3/2019, AC/T, lumpectomy, 30 radiation. Complete 12/19. IDC, grade 2-3, 4 cores .2-1.5cm, yellow lobulated fibroadipose, stage pT1b, NO
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SagePatientAdvocates Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug 23 2020 at 10:10pm
Hi Cindy,

delighted you don't have any of the classic IBC signs and also pleased you are happy with your medical team.

Wishing you the best of luck.

with my love to all here,

Steve
I am a BRCA1+ grandson, son and father of women affected by breast/oc-my daughter inherited mutation from me, and at 36, was dx 2004 TNBC I am a volunteer patient advocate with SAGE Patient Advocates
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