It's been just over three months since my bilateral lumpectomies and there is still pain at the surgical sites on both breasts from scar tissue, or fat necrosis as the surgeon called it. I am still not climbing or running due to surgical pain, and I'm not swimming due to radiation. The pain is almost daily, though not all day long. It's worse when I do weight training but hurts even when I don't. The surgeon ordered an ultrasound prior to the follow-up and confirmed that there were no fluid build up that could be drained or other issues. Although I do seem to be taking longer to heal than expected, she did not think the size of the scar tissue was bad. She will refer me to a physical therapist at the cancer center to see if I can qualify for a vest that will massage my breasts, which will help break down the scar tissues faster.
My next follow-up with the surgeon is in January. We will do a mammogram first and then discuss results in that appointment. If my breasts still hurt in three months, I have the option to postpone the mammogram. I'll likely tough it out and just do it though since I could use more peace of mind.
I had a few other questions for her, and she listened and answered everything patiently without any attempt to rush me like some of my other doctors do at times. While I'm sad about the continued pain, I'm happy with how the appointment went.
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