Rib pain - are PET scans infallible?

lahela

5 months ago, I noticed a painful spot on one of my ribs, BC side just below my bra. I had a poke around and found another on the outer end one of the lower ribs and another on a rib just below my armpit. The pain was like a bruise when I pressed on it. I went to my PCP who ordered a low-dose CT which showed nothing. She wanted my ONC to do further testing so I went to see her - she ordered a PET, which showed nothing. She sent me to a rheumatologist, who said it was a complete mystery. She had me try 3 different anti-inflammatories (despite my blood test showing no signs of inflammation) which had no effect whatsoever, so she sent me to a physiotherapist. After 6 sessions, she gave up and said I should go back to the ONC for further testing. I'm now waiting for her to come back from vacation to get an appointment.

In the 5 months since I first noticed it, it has got to the stage where the constant pain is just about unbearable and it is now excruciating to touch the spots. I can't sleep on my right side or even wear constricting clothing. I keep telling myself that the PET was clear so it must be something else, that I'll feel like a fool for worrying so much when it turns out to be something simple and totally non-BC-related... but I'm at my wits' end with the pain.

Are PET scans infallible?

Hernie

Hello, Swiss neighbour!

I have asked about rib pain twice, once from show shovelling (it was costochondritis) and the other was after a severe blow, nothing broken, but it flared up for weeks after. Your pain getting worse makes me concerned. Have they offered you analgesics such as paracetamol or metamizole (without antiinflammatory effect) just to control the pain?

I expect that, even 5 months ago, a bone met large enough to cause pain would show up on the PET, but definitely talk to your Onc. That's what she is there for.

Worrying about mets is part of the territory. We have to be always on alert. Good luck!

Anonymous

Whether it's mets-related or not (and chances are it's not), you deserve answers and to be out of such pain. You are not silly or a hypochondriac for wanting that

bevin

Could you request a bone scan?

lahela

Split-bean - hi, neighbour! The rheumatologist ruled out costochondritis. The only other thing they've offered me is narcotic painkillers, which I don't want because they mess with my head. The rheumatologist found it strange that there was nothing at all on the PET (no trauma or inflammation, either) and said something about size not being an issue, but she didn't elaborate, so I have no idea what she meant.

Bad_At_Usernames (I love your username!) - thanks for the support. I hate that I've become such a worrier since this stupid disease.

bevin - I've just got off the phone and have an appointment with the ONC next week, so I'm going to ask for a bone scan.

Thank you all for the support xxx

bevin

Good luck. Keep us posted , hoping its nothing . try to do something fun this weekend.

lahela

I saw my ONC this morning and she has ordered a bone scan for next Thursday.

vlnrph

Brings back memory of the tests I had a year ago due to elevated serum calcium (turns out the lab had calibration errors!) - I hope they will report your results promptly so you can begin to get appropriate treatment & pain relief

KBeee

Keep us posted!

jenjenl

hope the scan goes well tomorrow!

lahela

jenjenl, it's next Thursday... I still have another anxious week of waiting...

themomoo

I was reading this and thinking how similar it is to my problem. In August I started having pain in my rib area under my right breast, on the side under my armpit and in my back. My oncologist had xrays done and they showed nothing. The pain got worse and sometimes felt like someone was stabbing me in the front. They did a bone scan in December and found nothing. They have suggested physical therapy, saying it is probably from the muscle flap reconstruction I had in April 2015. The pain is so bad now it hurts to do anything. Its a burning sharp pain directly under my right breast. It doesnt feel like the rib anymore but behind the rib area. I feel like my doctors are tired of listening to me complain about this but I am thinking of insisting on a ct scan. I hope your bone scan goes well and that you can figure out whats going on. I feel a little better knowing im not the only one with this problem.

grandma3X

I've had rib pain for years - it comes and goes and often is just a stab or pulse of pain. Its worse if I'm sitting. After being diagnosed for BC in November, I had a chest x-ray, CT, MRI and bone scan, all clean. The pain disappeared after my MX for about 4 weeks, maybe because of the pain killers, but now is back. I find that it's worse if I'm stressed out about something. I also have some arthritic changes in my spine, and think the pain may be due to a pinched nerve. Lahela - I hope your bone scan turned out ok.

themomoo

I went to my oncologist last week for my three month follow up and told him again that my ribs hurt and now my back. I have a lot of pain and cant get comfortable at night. He said he would have a pet scan done just to be sure. I had it done yesterday and found out I have a 4.7 x 5.3 cm mass in my right lung. They are not sure if its breast cancer spread to the lung or lung cancer. They are scheduling a biopsy for next week. Ive been crying all day. Ive had this pain for six months now and feel like they should have done this sooner.

KBeee

on no themomoo, how frustrating. Keep us posted on the on the biopsy results.