Pain in breast

KellyW · 11-05-2006, 11:38 PM

Dx right breast 2001, recurrence 2005. I finished chemo/rad about a year 1/2 ago. I started Herceptin in January 2005. I did not have a port for either chemo treatments but did get one put in when I started the Herceptin. I was wondering if anyone has ever had pain in the port area almost a year after it was put in. The reason I ask is I am having pain in my left breast. I can't tell if it's from the port or if my actual breast is hurting. The port was placed very low and is just a little bit above my lumpectomy scar. I am concerned about the pain. When I had the first cancer, my mammogram was clear and the doctor tried to talk me out of the biopsy. I insisted they do it and it was cancer. 3 1/2 years later and about 6 months after another clear mammogram I was having pain in my left breast especially when I turned. I insisted that they check it out so they did another mammogram with a compression of the area and an ultrasound and it was cancer again. The reason it hurt was because the tumor was attached to the muscle so every time I turned, it pulled on the tumor. I'm not sure who to ask about this pain. I'm sure my Onc. and primary care Dr. think I'm a hypochondriac as I contact them so much but I was right both times I had cancer. I'm thinking I may start with the Dr. that put the port in and see what he says. I'm hoping it's just the port as I really don't want to deal with a 3rd round of this. Thanks.

tousled1 · 11-06-2006, 05:56 AM

I haven't had any problems/pain with my port. If I were you I'd call the doctor and get it checked out. Don't worry about him/her thining that you are a hypochondriac. It's probably nothing to worry about but my feeling is better safe than sorry. Good luck to you.

Jean · 11-06-2006, 07:13 AM

Dear Kelly,

Trust your inner feelings - go, ask and never hesitate to question, you should never feel that you cannot ask or speak with your dr. It is about you and your health - they should be there to answer any questions and also check any
problems that maybe there.....good luck! Hope all is goes well.

Jean

hutchibk · 11-06-2006, 09:32 PM

Push your Onc (and the port doc) that you want whatever scan might best reveal any activity in that area (don't know if it would be MRI or PET/CT for soft tissue)!!

I had pain under right breast (mastectomy side) and all the way across my chest to the left side two years ago, and after scans revealed nothing, it turned out to be scar tissue that had formed around my implant which was tugging on nerves and referring pain to the left breast. I have mild left breast pain now as well, but I end up with either MRI or PET just about every 3-4 months, so I know that whatever it is we will see it in a couple of weeks when I go for another PET.

Good luck and just be thorough!! Your instints told you before to push for further
testing and I think you should this time too.

SusanV · 11-07-2006, 11:36 AM

For all of us we have to stay vigilant. Call and don't worry what they think about you! You are not a hypocondriac, you are a concerned breast cancer patient !!!! I am sure you will be fine, but you will rest better knowing for sure !!

Thinking of you