left side of the left breast is sore, should I be concerned?

Anon, it helps a ton.

I'm sorry you've gone through all that, with the infections and surgeries, and the disappointments about your implants. You've had to deal with some difficult times.

Here's an important question. Do you like the doctor you have now? Do you trust her or him?

Because I'd sure like you to make an appointment to have this lump checked out. If it's sore and sometimes feels hot, you want to find out if it's anything more than a bruise or swollen lymph node. You're smart to notice the symptoms and you're smart to ask about them. When it comes to our breasts, we can't be too careful, and with a family history, you're even smarter to be aware.

Here's a page from the Mayo Clinic on evaluating breast lumps:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-lump/WO00031

How do you feel about your doctor? Do you need help finding a new one? If so, where do you live? Our EmpowHer readers are incredible when it comes to this kind of help.

I was told I had "A-Typical" Cancer - my understanding that meant dormant. Dr. did a lumpectomy (sorry spelling). I caught a massive infection; gauze stiches (etc.) was left in me. I went from a dd breast to an c breast. New dr. (years later) did reconstruction - breast reduction. unfortunately, caught another massive infection which left me with no breast (not even a's) - year later implants were put in places I was told implants were saline but recent dr. believes they are silicone. the new pain feels like a bruise in the same place all the time and sometimes it feels hot other times nothing- as well I feel a small lump under/near the arm pit - I hope this info. helps -- I should state I was first diagnosed @ 19 and now Im 42 --- As well implants never took too hard, fell in the body and are leaking -- having them removed --- too many scars very emotional 4 me did not want to see another dr. till I could come to grips with issues ---- family history of breast cancer ---- 2 years ago had 4 tumors removed from another place ---- sorry hope all of this has helped ---- whew!!!

Hi, Anon, and welcome to EmpowHer. Thanks so much for your question.

Can I ask you a few questions?

What kind of breast cancer did you have?

I'm assuming you had a mastectomy and reconstruction? Did you have a double mastectomy?

What kind of implants do you have?

What kind of pain is it? Sharp pain? or more of an ache?

Do you see or feel any lumps or bruising? Does the area feel feverish?

I'd love to help you with some research and possibly some answers to your concerns. Please give me some more information and we'll see what we can find for you.

And please let me add that with your history, it's never an overreaction to just call your doctor's office and speak to her/him or a physician's assistant or nurse about something like this. They will know if you need to be seen, and they'll be able to tell you what to watch for as alarming or not-alarming.

Hoping to hear back from you soon.