Ongoing Shoulder Pain not responding to physio

marjie

Hi all -

Jumping back to breastcancer.org because I have found myself in one of those 'places' where I know the support and advice from these forums will keep me sane! I have been struggling with shoulder pain for the last few years. An initial ultrasound showed I have a couple small - like teensy tears in my rotator cuff - I'm a paddler so this was not a surprise. Initially physio worked well and things settled down, but without reason the pain returned with a vengeance and has become quite debilitating. Another ultrasound showed little to no change from the original, maybe some added calcification. My physiotherapist says there needs to be more investigation because my shoulder continues to get worse, the pain is 24/7, and she says it "makes no sense". It's been difficult to get my GP to react and I've finally been re-referred back to the Hand and Upper Limb Specialist Clinic although it could be weeks, if not months before I hear from them.

I got an appointment with my rads oncologist who had me in the other day for an initial exam. He ordered blood work and sent me for chest and shoulder xrays, telling me that he would look at them right away and I could wait to speak with him. Well - he told me that he could see an "area of decreased bone density" in the region that I am having the pain, and that he would prefer to have a radiologist look at my xrays. He also ordered a bone scan. I'm trying not to be too concerned but - well - you know how it goes.

Anyone with similar experience? This "area of decreased bone density" has me a little concerned. I'm also a little sad that maybe it's not reparable soft tissue that is causing the problem - honestly, the pain is exhausting, I don't sleep well, and it's very deep and achy. UGH.

wallycat

I'm sorry you are dealing with this. I have nothing really to add except that your post is not being ignored.

I hope they can find the cause...pinched nerve? cartilage issues (bone on bone which might cause some osteo stuff). Could it be tendon or ligament inflammation?

HOpeful you can resolve this and get back to life.

vlnrph

Were all your labs within normal limits? Sometimes calcium is elevated when bone is being attacked by tumor.

Another clue could be which shoulder is affected. Your previous treatment was on the right. If any cells escaped the chemo and radiation, they might have found another home close by.

It's good to have a higher level of suspicion when a cancer patient presents with new pain so your RO is thinking correctly. Let us know how thing turn out.

santabarbarian

Maybe ask about the brachial plexus (brachial plexopathy)...

KBeee

Hoping you get answers. Do keep us posted.

marjie

Thanks everyone. I have a bone scan scheduled for June 6.

M.

Lilneenz

Have you had any news ?? I’m in s similar situation x

msjag

HI Marjie,

Came on here to say hello/checkk on our sisters of March 2011 rads group, and saw this. Hope all is well, please keep us posted. thinking of you and sending positive thoughts and hugs.

MargM

Hi I came on, after a long break with similar symptoms. I hope you're okay.