Radiation Side Effects: Hard Lump & Pain After Lumpectomy - Expert Advice

Question
My mother, age 69, had a lumpectomy in 12/07 and is undergoing radiation.  She has a hard lump that has developed on the breast where she is receiving the radiation and is experiencing alot of pain.  Is this normal?  Is the hard lump fluid?  What can she do to minimize the discomfort?  She is living off Loritabs and I am extremely concerned about her health.  Her doctors just think she's another blue hair!

Answer
It is not common and you should discuss this with her breast surgeon as soon as possible. I can not tell you what it is - for that an examination is needed, so her surgeon should check her since it probably has to do with her lumpectomy and not her radiation therapy.