Concerned about shoulder blade pain

LeesaD

I know no one can answer for sure but I'm hoping to be talked down a bit. I am 4 months since dx. Dx Feb. 3rd thought to be very small tumor, MRI showed no lymph nodes, BMX March 27th, 2 sentinel nodes showed micro mets and tumor 3 times size originally thought at 3 cm's so I pushed for ALND. ALND on April 17th. They found 2 of 14 nodes fully positive in ALND. So it's been surprise after surprise. My oncotype score a 3 as ordered before my ALND but with 4 nodes involved in some sort I'm doing chemo but my MO encouraged by the 3 that he changed my chemo regime. I'm 97 % ER positive and 87% PR positive HER neg.

So I had lingering shoulder blade pain just prior to my mastectomy and dx. I always chalked it up to exercise or a muscle pull as I was pretty active prior to dx. After my BMX I thought oh wow perhaps the shoulder ache as it was on diseased side was a sign of my breast cancer or the tumor itself. Pain has been lingering and again thought well if my shoulder blade was achy with a 3 cm tumor then with this baseball size tissue expander I can understand it still being achy. I'm two months out from my ALND surgery and I have some cording and range of motion issues which I am starting PT today for. Achiness and pain still there so now I'm starting to get worried about bone mets. I spoke to my MO yesterday and he ordered a bone scan which I am having Friday. I have never had one prior but I did have a chest CT about 5 weeks ago. The chest CT found some incidental findings (thyroid nodes etc..) nothing of which was breast cancer related or thought to be concerning. My MO yesterday said chest CT showed no mention of bone issues so everything should be ok but he ordered the full body bone scan. Does anyone know if a chest CT shows shoulder blade/ ribs? I thought it was just internal organs and not sure if they could see my bones on chest CT. I am freaking out a lot. I am halfway done with my TC treatment and scheduled for radiation mid to end July. Also my CEA and CA27-29 within normal ranges

Falconer

Leesa, it sounds like it's been a difficult journey, full of unexpected turns- not that any of us expect bc! I wanted to reply since I too have had pain in my shoulder and neck since before my mastectomy. Do you notice relief if you take pain meds like ibuprofen? I have tried that and acupuncture and, like you, was the most freaked out by it in the first 6 months of my diagnosis. Now I'm convinced it Is muscular because I can get relief from yoga and ibuprofen. It's hard not to think mets, but I instead think muscle pain. You would think that before the bc diagnosis right? It's good you're getting peace of mind w scans so stay there- w peace of mind

meg2016

I have similar shoulder pain and like you have had it for awhile and pre- surgery. I keep asking my MO about it. I've been having regular CTs to keep an eye on lung nodules. My oncologist said CT would show either soft tissue or bone issues since it's like a higher quality x-ray. This put my mind at ease. I'm going to try some massage at her suggestion. She offered a PET if I'm really worried about it but she said she didn't think I needed one. Hoping your bone scan is clean!

Rufhewn

I do recall my CT scan did address bone issues. It's not a full body but your shoulder area would likely show up. Good luck. Pam