Robin, this doesn't sound normal at all, to have a hugely swollen breast accompanied by lots of pain. A bit of pain and a bit of swelling are indeed normal; but what you describe sounds beyond that. You could be experiencing lymphedema, if you also had a lymph nodes or nodes removed. If I were you, I'd seek a second opinion. It doesn't sound right that they just keep telling you it's normal and will disappear... you need some help figuring out what's going on, so you can deal with it. Good luck - PJH