Swelling and Discomfort After Breast Cancer Treatment: Anyone Else?

Yes, very similar to you my swelling and pain started about 4 months after radiation. I did have a lot of swelling and still a year later I have mild lymphedema, I have spent 2024 doing weekly lymphatic therapy, it helps a lot and the key is not to let the lymphedema spread into your arms or feet. I would suggest doing the therapy, drinking a lot of water and for my shoulder I do use a hot pad. I had them do an ultrasound on my chest and back and what I was told it was scared tissue from the surgery and lymphedema. I fly to Europe a lot and wear sleeves on both arms to help with swelling. I wish I have more answers for u, keep on top of it and be an advocate for yourself. You are not a lone.

I have shoulder pain after lumpectomy w/node removal. It’s really on my collar bone. There’s days it hurts so bad it make me cry. I just keep pushing through. I had 30 rounds of radiation to the left breast.

I had lymphedema for about 5 years when I was very overweight and I was late 60s into early 70s. Also it can be caused by chronic kidney disease which I have. With taking Mounjaro and then Zepbound (same as Mounjaro for those without diabetes), my lymphedema went away completely. I thought that my lymphedema was because of my excessive weight loss, but then following my radiation treatments for lung cancer, I needed to get off of it to gain weight. At this point, I was at my lowest weight. THEN the lymphedema came back with a vengeance without taking Zepbound. So did my sleep apnea. It wasn’t the weight loss at all. It was the Zepbound. I know that if you don’t have diabetes, then Zepbound is exorbitant. The manufacturer offers it in the liquid that you put into the injection that is far cheaper, but still about $400 a month. There is also compounded Zepbound that is also about $400, but that didn’t work on my trigeminal neuralgia which Zepbound had also completely stopped. It has been a miracle drug for me., especially for my trigeminal neuralgia. I don’t know if it would stop your swelling, but it might be worth a try. I have had no side effects from it at all. And I have allergies to about 30 different medications. With my lymphedema, I could not wear regular socks. Even diabetic socks hurt me too much. I went through physical therapy for it, but I couldn’t stand the pain from those compression stockings. It was hopeless until Mounjaro/Zepbound.

Sorry, Correction: I thought that my lymphedema GOING AWAY was because of my excessive weight loss.

I had similar experience-lumpectomy with 3 nodes removed and radiation that followed, Experienced significant shoulder pain during the radiation tx which almost made me stop tx bc pain was so excruciating. Radiologist said it was not due to the radiation, but I think it had to be the cause. After tx was completed, pain subsided. However, I do have some flare ups in my shoulder when I lift weights or lay in one position for too long. Since my surgery, I have had swelling and tenderness in the effected breast. Surgeon says it is breast lymphedema-poor drainage due to scared tissue in that breast. I tried to do lymphatic massage as often as possible and also stretching. I also went to my hospital’s lymphedema clinic which has helped some. I do have a sleeve and special tank top I ordered through lymphedema clinic that helps. I’m just past a year from the end of treatment.

I met with the lymphedema therapist, and I'm now wearing a special tank top and sleeve. I also started the strength after breast cancer program and have begun exercising. It was just a flare-up, and now my measurements are normal. My next appointment is scheduled for six months from now. I recently heard that a lifepro vibration plate can help with lymphedema. I purchased one and really like it.

I had horrible pain in my shoulder and went for physical therapy and massage and that made it go away. Doctors all said it was from the radiation. 

Many people in this community have shared similar experiences with swelling and discomfort following breast cancer treatment, especially after lymph node removal and radiation. It's encouraging that you're working with a physical therapist who can monitor these changes and provide guidance on managing symptoms. Others here may have valuable insights to share about their own post-treatment experiences, so hopefully you'll connect with community members who understand what you're going through.