Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

The breast that had radiation. (5 rounds and ended a year ago) has gotten increasingly sensitive/painful and a bit swollen. Any thoughts

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Houston, TX
June 21
 · 
Reactions
A MyBCTeam Member

calling for appt today

June 22
A MyBCTeam Member

Good advice 👏🏻

June 25
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member

I really would get a referral to a certified lymphedema PT so that you are doing this self massage correctly.

It is not just massaging the breast. There are a series of sets to do with it.

Your Dr. called it edema. Edema in the breast is lymphedema which can get worse if not massaged properly.

Please ask if you have any other questions.

June 24
MyBCTeam

It's really important to let your doctor know about these symptoms as soon as possible. Increasing pain, sensitivity, and swelling a year after radiation can sometimes be long-term side effects, but they should always be evaluated by your care team to rule out anything that needs treatment. Some long-term side effects of Show Full Answer

It's really important to let your doctor know about these symptoms as soon as possible. Increasing pain, sensitivity, and swelling a year after radiation can sometimes be long-term side effects, but they should always be evaluated by your care team to rule out anything that needs treatment. Some long-term side effects of radiation that can develop months or even years later include:

- Lymphedema — a buildup of fluid that can cause swelling in the breast, chest, or arm
- Skin changes — thickening, darker color, or increased sensitivity in the treated breast
- Tissue changes — the area around the breast can be affected over time

A MyBCTeam member shared that radiation can cause swelling in the area years later, and their doctor recommended an anti-inflammatory while monitoring symptoms. If swelling is involved, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist who specializes in lymphedema. Treatments can include:

- Compression bandages
- Massage therapy
- Gentle exercise
- Keeping the arm elevated to help drain fluid

Don't wait on this one — the sooner it's checked out, the more options there are to manage it effectively. 💛

June 21
A MyBCTeam Member

To my BC friends: My radiation oncologist told me today that I have some collection of fluid in my breast which received radiation. It can happen even after a year (s) of final treatment. Nothing to worry about. Need to manually massage it away from center outward. It’s just a side effect
and strange to me because treatment was over a year ago. Kind of like lymphoma of breast instead of arm (?). Thank you friends for your support. Maybe this will help others. BUT please if you have symptoms go to doctor to verify what YOUR situation is.

June 24

Related Questions

View All

What is the best treatment for stage 0 cancer ( DCIS)

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rochester, NY
July 30

Wet Towel Over Breast During Radiation: Why Is a Bolus Used?
5 Reasons To Seek a Second Opinion About Breast Cancer
7 Facts About Breast Cancer You Might Not Know