Achey breaky ribs...

shockedat39

...ok, not breaky but a little achey (sp?).  I wouldn't call it pain, just sort of a dull ache that comes and goes on both sides, mostly in the mornings as I sleep flat on my stomach (with tissue expanders even!)

I should also mention that my mastectomy scars, well basically the whole of the front of me has been achey lately as well and I'm wondering if the nerves are just finally all starting to come back full force.  I would assume there is scar tissue in my rib area since that's where my surgical drains were.  Maybe it's just that...

Anyway, any insight on rib aches would be appreciated.   

Thanks so much!

SandyL

shockedat39,

Did you have radiation?  I had a mast, chemo, and radiation after my diagnosis in 2002.  I had 4/23 positive nodes, which is why my oncologist strongly recommended radiation.  I think it was about nine months after I finished radiation that I began having discomfort/pain on the same side in my rib area.  Mine was more toward my side rather than my front.  I was worried about bone mets to my ribs, but a bone scan didn't show anything.  Next I saw my radiation onc.  He said it wasn't unusual to have pain and discomfort several months after rads treatment ended.  He said the skin was still changing due to the radiation and that was very likely causing my pain. I don't remember how long the discomfort lasted, but it finally eased, then went away completely.  

I wonder if yours is caused by sleeping on your stomach?  I didn't have reconstruction, so I can't identify with that.  

If the discomfort continues longer than three weeks, you might want to call one of your doctors, just to be cautious.  

Good luck!

Sandy 

shockedat39

Thanks, Sandy.  I saw my onc today and she said something very similar and also that, in general, the nerves are just waking up and I'm starting to feel things where I haven't in a while.  Long story short, all is well.  She even did the full 6-month follow up exam and everything seems perfect.  Yipee!!

Thanks again!

Diane 

Shirlann

Just one other suggestion to think about.  This does not explain both sides, though.  I had Costochondritis from rads.  Hurt like the dickens.  It is an inflammation of the meat between the ribs.  It come sometimes quite a while after treatment ends, therefore scaring you silly.

Worth a thought.  Mine lasted to one extent or another for about 6 years.  Then, slowly it has gotten better.

Gentle hugs, Shirlann