Is Breast Tissue Changes Normal After Lumpectomy and Radiation?

I’m post radiation 9 months & I think that is normal. I’ve read that the radiation effects on your breasts continue for several years. I’m seeing a specialized Physical Therapist who is helping loosen a hard seroma and possible scar tissue that was painful & tight. I know that we all react differently to the radiation treatments but everyone that I’ve talked to says that they have had similar skin changes like you are experiencing.

I had 22 days radiation and 7 target on my nipple last Sept. You never feel the same from day to day. I had DCIS ER in one breast and a year 1/2 later , had DCIS negative in-the opposite breast. I have been on tamoxifen since April of 2020 Doctor said tamoxifen would help with not getting cancer in other breast, for me it didn’t. I just go from day to day.

I had my last radiation treatment 2 yrs ago, at the end of May 2021. About 4 mths ago, the left side of my chest and my left breast, the side of the radiation, started getting really itchy! My medical oncologist told me it's normal for changes to the breast for several years is not uncommon. I plan to ask my radiation oncologist at our next follow-up, too. For now, Vit E cream 1-2x/ day helps alot.

Changes in breast tissue after lumpectomy and radiation are quite common, and many people in this community have shared similar experiences with varying textures and densities during recovery. It's always best to discuss these changes with your medical team during follow-up appointments, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation and help distinguish between normal healing and anything that might need attention.