Lumpectomy + 33 radiation,now inside pain still 4 months?

im 4 months out from surgery and have been having trouble with infection of the inside of the breast. has anyone with DCIS had the same thing with chills and swelling?also i have completed my radiation and im burnt but my skin is getting very crispy. is this normal?

The problem list you pose:

1. Rule out Excessive Radiation -

* Exposure to excessive radiation for medical treatments (may include excessively high doses, excessive time of exposure, or excessive body areas exposed)

Symptoms

* Nausea and vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Skin burns (redness, blistering)
* Weakness, fatigue, exhaustion, fainting
* Dehydration
* Inflammation of exposed areas (redness, tenderness, swelling, bleeding)
* Hair loss
* Ulceration of the oral mucosa
* Ulceration of the esophagus, stomach or intestines
* Vomiting blood
* Bloody stool
* Bleeding from the nose, mouth, gums, and rectum
* Bruising
* Sloughing of skin
* Open sores on the skin"

This is unlikely but is a dose related spectrum of effects from zero to significant. You do not have acute radiation poisoning, but giving you all the effects is good for understanding.

2. Rule out recurrence of cancer with follow-up and monitoring.

3. Treat the infection, skin and pain.

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Cancer vs. Non-cancer Pain- The pain you state may be explained by the surgery and radiation.

" * Lumpectomy: Once the area of the lumpectomy "wakes up" after the shock of surgery and radiation, it can recover some of its senses, which can cause mild discomfort in the breast. The pain improves slowly and can linger for a long time.

Radiation pain

Radiation causes different degrees of pain for different people. Some may feel just an occasional twinge. Others might have significant pain. Most people have mild to moderate discomfort that builds up slowly over the course of radiation.

Radiation treatment produces pain due to:

* nerve irritation,
* swelling around scar tissue and treated areas,
* skin soreness,
* rubbing of one part of your body against another (such as the arm against the outside of the breast),
* and, sometimes, infection.

Pain from radiation treatment usually goes away with time. It often improves a lot in the first year after treatment, and then continues to improve more slowly for another year or two."
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http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/pain/ca...
This is the site that addresses recovery.


A talk with your Oncologist, Radiologist, and Family Doctor are in order so they all know what is going on and follow you together.

Follow your appointments, talk then, and if any of what you state has not been treated or is becoming worse schedule an appointment.

Communication is key. That is what you pay them for, to hear, interpret and to respond correctly.

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From what you say, it sounds likely to be within the normal range of reaction to the treatment you have received. But the infection must be treated.

With a major illness that has been or is in the process of treatment it is not unusual to discount or delay in seeking relief for symptoms or other problems. An infection is not a normal part of the after effects of anything and should not be attributed to the Lumpectomy, even if it may be a complication.

Signs of infection with chills and fever need to be treated exactly as if you had never had cancer or therapy.

To simplify the issue-

Complications, new complaints, are the same as a new unrelated problem.

Whither you have received treatment for a problem or not,

You are getting better, staying the same or getting worse.

If you are not getting better you need medical care.


If feel bad or have signs of infection go to the doctor.
If you are in distress or pain go to the emergency room.
If you are in severe distress or pain call 911.