Shooting pain in breast after lumpectomy. 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. Shooting pain in breast after lumpectomy

 
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 BRCA2Shooting pain in breast after lumpectomy This is my 1st time on board! 2 yrs

intense itching. I am 4. Swelling can also affect the breast, chest, shoulder or the area on the back behind the armpit. But yes, the weird sensations do show up at weird times. Women with PMRS may experience weakness, tightness, or pain in the shoulder; muscle loss in the chest wall; or muscle spasms and pain. If scar tissue forms around a stitch from surgery it’s called a suture granuloma and also feels like a lump. This procedure is also called lymph node dissection. 3% in 2011. Now I am not allowed to lift, carry, stress out left side at all for 6 months. Scaring from radiotherapy may cause nerve damage in the arm on the treated side. The breast lump was removed. Source: JAMA and Archives Journals. Rest, fluids, and proper nutrition can help speed up healing. In some cases, local anesthesia with sedation, or regional anesthesia may be used. The procedure preserves the rest of the breast as well as sensation in the breast. infections like mastitis or a breast abscess. Trusted Source. Chronic post-mastectomy pain (cPMP) is defined as “chronic pain in the anterior aspect of the thorax, axilla, and/or upper half of the arm beginning after mastectomy or quadrantectomy and persisting for more than three months after the surgery” [1-2]. It seriously affects quality of life. They have increased with the radiation treatments. A lumpectomy is a type of surgery for breast cancer to remove cancer or other abnormal tissue from your breast. Damage to the ICBN can also happen during other surgeries and radiation therapy in the axillary area. ” In addition, pain medications prescribed after breast surgery may cause itching as a side effect. Medications: Oral contraceptive pills, hormonal injections, antidepressants, and antipsychotics can alter the hormonal balance of the body and lead to breast pain. Long-term side effects can include: Breast changes: The breasts may shrink or become more dense after radiation. You will go home with a breast binder. A complication is anything that happens after surgery that makes your recovery more difficult. 1 – 4 This chronic pain is believed to be related to injury of the sensory nerves to the breast, chest, and upper arm/axilla. Side effects: Common side effects after a lumpectomy may include: Pain, tenderness, or swelling of the breast. Here is why. i recovered well but last week it so started to have significant stabbing pains in same breast as operation and now I am worried !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. 3 months later my breast still gets shooting pains & the nipple is hyper sensitive so I wear a comfort bra to keep my clothes from brushing up against it. S. As sensation returns to the breast, patients may experience shooting pains as nerves “wake up” and this is temporary. I'm sure its scar tissue since its so close to the scar, right under it. Here are some solutions to help you find the. A lumpectomy, also known as a partial mastectomy, is a surgical breast cancer treatment option that aims to preserve healthy breast tissue. At my 3-month follow-up with the Radiation Oncologist, I mentioned I had noticed a little less range of motion in the arm coupled with tightness in the breast area. lumpectomy chest pain. Breast Cancer Now is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (9347608) and a charity registered in England and. Over 5-7 years after breast cancer surgery over 1/3 of women have persistent pain: Evid Based Nurs. 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. A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure that removes cancerous breast tissue along with an area of healthy surrounding tissue. The pain comes and goes. Damage to the ICBN can also happen during other surgeries and radiation therapy in the axillary area. This will usually go away in 2-3 weeks. The exercises can be painful, requiring perseverance and working gradually through the pain, until arm movement improves and the pain subsides. 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. These symptoms are usually temporary and start to get better over a matter of months, but they can be permanent. The following tips may help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life. . While the pain associated with breast surgery resolves in the majority of patients, chronic pain, defined as pain lasting greater than 3–6 months after surgery, affects a significant minority of patients, with an estimated incidence of 20–30%. Just over 10% said their symptoms were severe. Signs of a breast infection, including local redness, pus, or fever. , 1997, Smith et al. About Cindy Greb and the Breast Blog; Healing post-lumpectomy – 3 months laterBreast conserving surgery is treatment to remove an area of cancer from the breast. Some women may also have redness or pain in the arm,. 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. Shooting or burning pain going to the nipple can be caused by the stretching of your breast tissue and muscle to accommodate your implants. loss of touch sensation. Methods: The study involved women from Victoria, Australia, who had survived at least 5 years from diagnosis, remained free from. It will subside but people do say that it's not unusual to experience some aches and stabbing pains for up. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness. This year in the U. In some people, it may cause some loss of movement in the arm and shoulder. Late toxicity was defined as adverse reactions occurring after three months. and 4 p. You won’t lose the hair on your head. Over an average follow-up of five years, the study revealed that the rate of breast cancer recurrence in the same breast was 2. Some common causes for surgical scar pain are: Tightness. You may have swelling in your arm closest to the lumpectomy or where lymph nodes were removed. The aim of this study. Numbness or neuropathy. In Study 1, women who received mastectomy had lower physical functioning than lumpectomy (ps < 0. Knobf T. Most pain stems from damage to the intercostal brachial nerve, which runs under the arm and rib cage. Some people experience burning. However, when DCIS causes a palpable lump (one that can be. Do check in with your doctor to be on the safe side, but those nerve regeneration areas from surgery can last for years. So very similar to you. I just had my first radiation treatment yesterday. The classic symptoms of PMPS are pain and tingling in the chest wall, armpit, and/or arm. numbness, tingling. British Journal of Cancer (2008) 99, 604 – 610. It is considered "breast-conserving" surgery because only the malignant tumor and a surrounding margin of normal breast tissue are removed. Your doctor may call it breast-conserving surgery, partial mastectomy, or excisional. I had a lumpectomy was stage 2, grade 3 er/pr+, 7+nodes and brca2+. The pain may be constant or it may occur only occasionally, and it can occur in men, women and transgender people. Of course, I will not be needing those now since I have had a double mastectomy. Some very common reasons for sharp shooting pain in breast include the following: 1. You will have some pain after breast surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy or breast reconstruction). Onc was very concerned, we did biopsy came back neg but due to symptoms there was fear of inflammatory BC. It usually describes as feeling of burning, stabbing, and pulling around the treatment side. The incidence varies in different studies, ranging from approximately 30% to as high as 80% of patients after mastectomy. The surgeon removes the area of cancer and some of the surrounding breast tissue. Although persistent nipple discharge after nipple-sparing mastectomy is a rare event, it has been. That means it lets you to keep your breast shape and, usually, your nipple. There was no lymph node involvement. For 1 or 2 days after the surgery, you will probably feel tired and have some pain. The skin around the cut (incision) may feel firm, swollen, and tender, and be bruised. Phantom sensations after mastectomy might not involve pain, but there are reports of 17 per cent of women up to. Together we will beat cancer. Depending on the deformity and asymmetry - options include an implant, but more likely mobilizing tissue to reconstruct the lumpectomy defect or simply fat grafting. Prevention. Ongoing pain or discomfort can happen after any type of breast surgery, including a lumpectomy (wide local excision), a mastectomy, lymph node removal and breast. chest pressure uncomfortable squeezing or fullness in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a couple of moments, or that goes away but then comes back trouble. 1. If your surgeon had to move around some of the tissue under the surface of your skin, the area may feel tender. If this happens, talk to your treatment team. Most hematomas resolve on their own, but larger ones may require medical attention. October 2012 #2. Definition. shooting, stabbing, pulling, tightness, heaviness sensation or aching pain in. Treating them as soon as possible is important. DCIS does not cause symptoms and 80% of the time is found only by mammography. 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. , surgeons will perform roughly 170,000 lumpectomies on breast cancer patients. If you have any symptoms, tell your health. Previous studies have suggested that lumpectomy is an option after local recurrence if irradiation was not used in the initial therapy. 6. I went through chemo from January through April and finished radiation in mid June. Some people may have severe swelling (edema) with the affected arm being several inches larger than the other arm. I just finished radiation (and also got a nice case of shingles early on during radiation). The past 2 weeks have been very painful. Post Breast Therapy Pain Syndrome (PBTPS) is a complex constellation of symptoms. When fat necrosis is symptomatic, 97% of cases manifest as a palpable lump, with a minority of cases associated with pain, tenderness, or skin. Treatment. A new lump with the onset of the pain; lump does not go away after your menstrual period. For example, wound infection is a possible complication after any surgery. Called postmastectomy reconstruction syndrome. In women 70 years of age or older who have early breast cancer, it is unclear whether lumpectomy plus tamoxifen is as. After a breast biopsy, a person should receive emergency medical care if they experience any concerning symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or signs of a blood clot in the leg. 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). Description: Six months after right breast lumpectomy and whole breast radiation therapy for invasive cancer. Said to be 92% Combed Cotton, 8% Spandex. While phantom breast syndrome is. I had breast implants 17 years ago. After a lumpectomy, there will be an incision from the breast tissue removal that must heal. 5 years out post lumpectomy and radiation. If your breast or chest wall pain persists six months or more after surgery, and you have seen other doctors, request a consultation with Dr. I have difficulty squeezing a lemon, grating food, or the hand over hand action. 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. A bruise on the breast can be caused by localized bleeding from small blood vessels, such as capillaries. dermatitis, pain, skin infection, and radiation-induced esophagitis. Scotch Freckles. 05), and those who received bilateral mastectomy had worse pain (p < 0. Fortunately, survival rates continue to improve, likely due to improved individualized treatment as well. Alot of nerve damage was done and trying to repair. If you have radiotherapy to the area around your collarbone or near your breastbone, you may develop a sore throat or discomfort when swallowing. You may get a blood clot. I had a lumpectomy for primary breast cancer in March 2013 followed by chemo, rads and Herceptin. But it is agony when I lie down, sometimes I wear a bra at night to support my breast. Was swollen and lumpy and hurt to touch the area. Looks like you're just 6 months out from radiation. 2% of breast cancer cases include breast pain as a symptom. Discussion. Interesting, I was just searching for the possible reasons for sharp shooting pain at the site of my right mastectomy. It also sometimes feels as if I am burnt inside this area. Support group. I actually jump at times causing my husband to look at me strangely!!Another shared their story of long-lasting pain after breast reconstruction surgery. Six factors in particular emerged as the most significant indicators, with risk for invasive breast cancer after DCIS diagnosis ranging from 36% to 84%. Nerves will usually repair themselves, but it can take weeks or months. Pain to arm and chest 18 months after lumpectomy. Bloody or clear discharge from your nipple. You may find that bras with adjustable. Usually, some surrounding healthy tissue and lymph nodes also are removed. Tenderness should go away in about 2 or 3 days, and the bruising within. ago I was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma with 3 positive nodes and had a lumpectomy (left breast) followed by chemo & radiation. Almost a year ago I had a lumpectomy in my right breast followed by radiotherapy and I now take tamoxifen. December 22, 2020 / 9 Comments. Cotton is regarded as ‘good’ as it tends to be durable as well as soft and breathable. Anyone else who had a lumpectomy, is your breast still very tender. shooting or prickling pain. Ongoing pain or discomfort can happen after any type of breast surgery, including a lumpectomy (wide local excision), a mastectomy, lymph node removal and breast reconstruction. PMPS is often described as a typical neuropathic pain consisting of burning pain, shooting pain, pain evoked by pressure and deep. They can also cause a loss of joint or tissue. This guide will help you get ready for your breast surgical excision or lumpectomy at MSK. lilianahomes over 2 years ago. 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. The blue dye was injected thru the IV, it was the 4 injections of the Radioactive Tracer that is injected around the breast area. under the arm and. The stinging and shooting pains from my lumpectomy went on for months. This can occur for different. Before my lumpectomy, I had a wire-guided localization performed by a radiologist. The literature related to this chronic pain after breast surgery suggests the magnitude of this problem may be as high as 50% of patients having mastectomy. A lumpectomy also includes removing a small amount of healthy breast tissue around a cancerous tumor. I just finished radiation (and also got a nice case of shingles early on during radiation). Menstrual cycle. A, Craniocaudal (A) and mediolateral oblique (B) mammograms show benign posttreatment change. Some say it feels like when. Sensitivity and Nerve Pain. These cancers are described in more detail below. I have a concern that I need to see if someone has the same problem. 0). Patient age: 37. Shooting pain or pins and needles. Postbiopsy mammograms are used to determine the adequacy of clip placement and the location of the clip. It feels like a burning, sharp, sore, inflamed swollen mess. The collection of fluid (called seroma) is a normal body process to heal the area. Make the breast feel firmer. Arm pain after breast surgery can be due to lymphedema. The pain can feel like a tingling, burning, or shooting sensation. Arm pain after breast surgery can be due to lymphedema. Breast pain years after lumpectomy, nipple inverting. It was an ache, sometimes shooting nerve pains all in my left. Pain right after surgery is most often due to injury to the skin or muscles. seroma (excessive fluid collection in the lumpectomy cavity), wound healing issues and change in breast size and shape. Has anyone else experienced this?I was awakened from my sleep with pain by my lumpectomy scar 4 months after surgery and 2 months after radiation. After a lumpectomy, people may. Larger fibroadenomas may feel like a hard or rubbery marble that moves around under the skin. The pain is cording and also a stabbing pain in my armpit. I have read estimates that up to 60% of women with breast cancer experience some degree of shoulder discomfort. While phantom breast syndrome is common, it is less talked. 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%. Back pain can be a sign that the cancer has spread to the bones. It took weeks for the pain from surgery to go away. Fading of scars (although they may always be noticeable) Loss of breast sensation after a mastectomy due to delicate nerves getting severed when the breast tissue is removed. Symptoms of chest wall pain. A part of the breast. Your tendency after surgery is to slump. April 2011 #12. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines PMPS as persistent pain soon after mastectomy/lumpectomy affecting the anterior thorax, axilla, and/or medial upper arm. Patients with chronic post-mastectomy pain can also experience significant discomfort from even minor sources like clothing, seat belts, or coughing. Cording can also be felt on the trunk as well, typically lower than the mastectomy scar or breast, or under the chest pectoral. “I had bilateral mastectomies a year ago, and I still have a lot of issues with rib pain,” they shared. My lumpectomy was March 2 and I have the same hard lumps under my scar. Scars or dimples. Self-Advocacy. 5 years (SD, ± 7. The burning sensation is on the sternum and under the left breast. The garment also helps your body absorb any accumulating fluid. Long-term side effects can include: Breast changes: The breasts may shrink or become more dense after radiation. I sprayed it on my fingers and then dabbed it on the spot. Posted by beckyf @beckyf, Oct 14 1:26am. I also got Neosporin for pain or itch which also helped. Together we will beat cancer. My cancer was 11mm so had lumpectomy and five sessions of radiotherapy. Some of the symptoms of scar tissue pain include: inflammation (swelling) redness. Hi Renee, I also had Hi Renee, I also had lumpectomy w/ re-excision. Lymphoedema is swelling caused by a build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues. Lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla) may also be removed. 6% in breast cancer after lumpectomy and the locoregional recurrence from 32. Your healthcare provider will also discuss. I didn’t know exactly what to expect when I went into the procedure. Phantom pain is pain that seems to come from an amputated limb, breast or other body part. Discuss whether or not phantom breast sensations are frequent. The goal of this procedure is to extract cancer tissue while still maintaining breast tissue. In many cases, a lumpectomy will be followed by radiation therapy, which kills any remaining. The treatment of this condition depends on its staging, and surgical resection constituting an important step in an attempt to cure the disease. It should ease and become less frequent. Changes in size or shape of the breast. Background Rates of nipple-sparing mastectomies have increased over the past decade. skin that feels thicker or leathery. It took weeks for the pain from surgery to go away. The sentinel node (s) (the first lymph node (s) to take up the material) is (are) removed and checked for cancer cells (last panel). October 2012 #2. Together we will beat cancer. No bc in muscle and clear margins. 1 kg/m 2 (SD, ± 3. At first I had pain along my arm but now it has moved to my breast. Specializing in reconstructive surgery and pain relief in the Greater Baltimore area. After surgery, it's important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully for a speedy recovery. The debilitating arm and shoulder disability and pain that some women who have had breast cancer surgery experience as a side effect can be reduced by following a physiotherapy-led exercise programme after their operation, a new NIHR-funded study has found. I've. 8%) with diabetes mellitus. ThisAfter a lumpectomy, we typically begin radiation therapy within a few weeks to months, therefore it occurs during the six-month time frame of healing. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer will undergo either breast conserving surgery or mastectomy. I was afraid of being told my cancer had come back, so I suffered in silence. Anyone else who had a lumpectomy, is your breast still very tender. Sunday, March 12, 2023. 7% of the women said they had severe pain. Nipple discharge. Shooting or burning pain going to the nipple can be caused by the stretching of your breast tissue and muscle to accommodate your implants. Sensations or Pain After Breast Cancer Surgery. “I had bilateral mastectomies a year ago, and I still have a lot of issues with rib pain,” they shared. 5C or below 36C red or swollen breast your breast feels warm a painful breast fluid seeping from the wound (discharge). Commonly, there's a nerve called the Intercostal. Serous fluid is a clear, pale yellow fluid that contains protein but no blood cells or pus. It is wise to keep the dressing dry for the first 48 hours, then you may shower or bathe as normal, but try not to soak the dressing. Breast pain can range from mild to severe. A lumpectomy is known as “breast-conserving” surgery. Importance Surgery after initial lumpectomy to obtain more widely clear margins is common and may lead to mastectomy. Had a right. December 2016 edited December 2016. There are no major systemic symptoms or laboratory findings; mild symptoms, if present, most. Breast-conserving surgery is sometimes called lumpectomy, quadrantectomy, partial mastectomy, or segmental mastectomy depending on how much tissue is removed. Researchers led nationally by the University of Warwick with University Hospitals. Infection at the incision site is the primary concern, as any. Had lumpectomy about exactly same time. I have had some painful spots since the 1st surgery, and then in general a larger tender spot under excision. Surgical biopsy: A surgeon makes a cut into the breast to remove either a small amount of the abnormal tissue or the entire lump. This article will focus on ICBN damage after axillary lymph node surgery. Yes, I still get shooting pains that I and my surgeon call phantom pain. Over the counter medication can help with the pain or your doctor can prescribe a stronger pain killer. Breast pain almost 2 years after lumpectomy. Patient presented with new pain on lumpectomy scar. While radiation therapy itself isn’t painful, there are side effects that can feel uncomfortable. 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. I had both breasts lifted and augmented (saline) in 1994. Some people develop lymphoedema after treatment for breast cancer. It may: Make the breast smaller or larger. Anyone else having. Discussion. Other symptoms of metastatic breast cancer include: headaches, vision problems, seizures, nausea, or vomiting if it’s spread to. It is also known by other names: lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, segmental mastectomy or quadrantectomy. It may resolve on its own over time, or it. Symptoms. The researchers found that certain factors were linked to continuing pain after surgery: preoperative pain problems. Ice application is usually recommended for 10 minutes an hour. BACKGROUND. Lumpectomy is a surgical procedure that carries a risk of side effects, including: Bleeding; Infection; Pain; Temporary swelling; Tenderness; Formation of hard scar tissue at the. Typical warning signs of breast cancer include: a lump with a different appearance or. Do not push or pull with your arms. Yesterday, my surgeon drained off over 10 cc of fluid from my breast, hoping to give me some relief. A lot of work was done in there - the incision does not reflect what was actually done. I think this is probably right but it is so hard not to be worried. Hi everyone, I’m here tonight cos I’ve been looking for support and reassurance. Most women can return to normal activities within a few weeks of surgery. lilianahomes over 2 years ago. The inside of the arm to just above the elbow. preoperative pain in the area where breast cancer surgery would take place. 8%) with hypertension and 39 patients (10. I also recovered really well. In one study, just over 40% of participants reported symptoms of neuropathy 2 years after taxane-based chemotherapy to treat breast cancer. 7. You may have only one drain, or you may have five or more if you have a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. If you. IBC: IBC is a. May 13, 2023. Pain from PMPS has been described as a burning sensation; a shooting, stabbing pain; or a throbbing,. With a lumpectomy, it’s not so much the outer scars which feel like an issue right now as the stitches inside my body. 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. This pain, which can occur in the breast and/or upper extremity, affects 25% to 60% of patients. Lumpectomy is performed under anesthesia; hence, the procedure itself is not painful. Apparently this is quite normal and can go on for 5 years. In contrast, during a mastectomy, all of the breast tissue is removed. The two types of breast cancer most likely to recur are inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the biopsy. "Most recurrences will happen. Injury: Direct injury can damage breast tissue and. You may also develop extra fluid in your breast that may cause sharp, stabbing sensations. After treating patients for 20 years, I am deeply concerned about the pain and associated postural deformity that follows some post -surgical breast patients. Things are good for me and I am blessed. I have a concern that I need to see if someone has the same problem. The photos below show the breasts of some typical patients who underwent lumpectomy and radiation therapy for treatment at the Comprehensive Breast Program for their breast cancer. Radiation therapy stops fast dividing cells from dividing thereby halting the growth of any cancer cells. problems breastfeeding. These hormones cause your breasts to swell and can lead to tenderness. Now having pain and my nipple is sinking in. ‌lymph node removal. For people under age 70 with invasive breast cancer, radiation therapy will typically follow the lumpectomy to kill any remaining cancer cells. Sharp shooting pain. Funding is available for eligible individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment at any stage or living with metastatic breast cancer (stage 4). Summary. More common than nerve pain is stiffness and diffuse pain. For 1 or 2 days after the surgery, you will probably feel tired and have some pain. Hi I had a lumpectomy in march. Some people may experience pain in the chest area, armpit, or arm after lumpectomy surgery. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sharp breast pain alongside one or more of the following: feelings of pressure, fullness, or squeezing in the chest that may come and go. • Lymphedema, or pain in the armpit. I had a TAH in 2000. I am now taking Anastrazole. Introduction: Breast surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. shoulder pain. Iniah Member Posts: 3. The skin around the cut (incision) may feel firm, swollen, and tender, and be bruised. I am unable to take pain medications due to side effects from pain meds. This showed up on my first ever mammogram (at age 48) and I was recalled. I hope the lumps go away, I hate. It may occur: Once the lumpectomy site of your breast "wakes up" after the shock of surgery,it recovers some of it's senses and you can experience discomfort. After a lumpectomy, there will be an incision from the breast tissue removal that must heal. Oil cysts in the breast commonly occur due to injury to the chest or medical procedures. Diagnosis. This means you’re asleep during the surgery. Dr. Reduces Bruising and Swelling. 2. It may go away over time, or it may persist — a condition known as post-mastectomy pain syndrome, which can also happen after lumpectomy surgery. Your surgeon may prescribe you prescription painkillers like Vicodin, or have you take over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol to help with pain and. This is due to a rise in estrogen and progesterone right before your period. 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.