Is Breast Pain During Treatment a Sign of No Response?

Did you have surgery before or in between chemo?

Hi lovely. Out the other side of same treatment. Neo as well as adj immuno - I had lots of breast pain all the way through too but put it down to massive inflammation. The drugs can also make tumour swell as it starts to take effect which can be alarming which while increases pain also indicates it’s kicking ass - painkillers!, rest and lots of mineral water! - I came out with a full & complete response (pCR) - I was also very worried at the time too so hope that’s helpful.

Hi Anita, I’ll have surgery after chemo.

Hi Anika - in between - 6 months chemo - then lumpectomy - then radiotherapy - now 7 months immunotherapy. x

Good morning AE- thanks for sharing your story. My common sense kept telling me it was lots of inflammation too, but I let my worry get the better of me. Thanks for the encouraging message! I’m so happy for you that you had a great response!

Sending love & light & healing that you will too…. I imagined (and was sort of told) it was like the tumour was going into battle with the chemo; so it got its boxing gloves on! chemo won & usually does 🫶 keep positive - there’s a paper in the Lancet in the UK which proved the powerful healing benefits of positive mental attitude. x

Yes I also had 8 cycles of chemo along with immunotherapy pembro...followed by lumpectomy...19 fraction of radiation..followed by 9 cycles of pembro

And dont worry.I totally agree with A E

And Anika, when was your diagnosis?…

Because our paths are identical …. I was wondering how you’re feeling and coping with recurrence statistics.

Breast pain during treatment can be concerning, but it doesn't necessarily indicate that the treatment isn't working. Pain can happen for many different reasons during neoadjuvant therapy, and response to treatment is typically measured through imaging and clinical assessments rather than symptoms alone. It's definitely worth discussing this pain with your care team so they can evaluate what might be causing it and provide appropriate guidance for your specific situation.