some ache in ribcage

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JerseyMom
JerseyMom Member Posts: 46

Hi All,

This is my first time posting here....I was diagnosed with TN, stage 2a/2b (micro single cells in couple of nodes, multifocal, largest 3.2cm) in Jan 2007. Since then I have gone through a mastectomy,  chemo (4 DD AC+Avastin, 4 DD Abraxane+Avastin), 28 radiations. Have had a couple of clean bone scans and a clean brain MRI since then.  

Since past couple of days, I have little ache in my rib cage on surgery side....feeling a little nervous...it is not a constant ache and I feel that is has probably gone down a bit (but that could be my imagination). Feels more like it is the bone.....this morning I was sure it was gone only to realise a couple of hours later that it wasn't. I slept on hard floor the night before this started and my hubby thinks that might have caused it. I will wait a couple of more days and see if it goes away but feeling nervous....I am only 36yrs old with 2 kids 6 and 2 years old.  

 Just wanted to see if any one here had any positive or negative rib cage pain who would like to share it with me.

 -Ren

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  • Shirlann
    Shirlann Member Posts: 3,302
    edited August 2008

    You very likely have Costochondritis.  It is an inflammation of the meat between the ribs and is caused by rads.  Scares you completely silly. 

    Now, Dr. Susan Love talks about this in her book.  Try this, she suggests that you pinch the "aching" area hard.  If it hurts, it is Costochondritis.  So give this a try.

    Almost for sure this is what this is.  Fairly common.  Not everyone gets this, but I did.

    Hugs, Shirlann 

  • Liz08
    Liz08 Member Posts: 470
    edited August 2008

    Ren-

    This is a great site for support and information.  As Shirlann said...it's probably costochondritis.  I was recently diagnosed with it too.  I've had mine for over a month and then went to the doctor and was told to take Advil/Motrin (3 tab every 6hrs around the clock even if it stops hurting) since it brings down the inflamation and helps your body to heal.  Motrin helped but under the advice of my naturalpath, I also am taking Zyflamend 2 times a day and that along with Motrin has helped alot.   I have no clue what brought mine on, other than possibly over stretching on the exercise ball.  My symptoms are the area behind my breast and just below the breast in the rib area hurts. My symptoms get worse with motion such as coughing, laughing, lifting, and sneezing is the worst.  When I just sit or when I first wake up I can hardly feel it. If your sypmtoms are similar, then it probably is costochondritis.  If your worried, request a CT scan with contrast of the chest, that's what my doctors did to rule things out since I was in ALOT of pain at first.  

    (((Hugs)))

    Liz   

  • Vickan
    Vickan Member Posts: 54
    edited August 2008

    Hi Shirlann,

    I am very interested in the book that you mention. What is the title?

    Looking forward to your reply.

    Victoria

  • Liz08
    Liz08 Member Posts: 470
    edited August 2008

    Vickan-

    Shirlann was talking about "The Breast Book" by Dr. Susan Love.  Here's the link to Amazon where you can purchase it http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Susan-Loves-Breast-Book/dp/0738209732/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217853451&sr=8-1

    I borrowed it from my local library instead of buying it.  Dr. Love is an excellent authority on breast cancer many of the breast cancer survivors I know have read the book and suggested it to me.

  • BMac
    BMac Member Posts: 650
    edited August 2008

    Thanks Shirlann, I'm having rib pain and just finished rads on July 23rd.  I figured it had to have something to do with rads but wasn't sure.  Now I have one less thing to worry about!

  • Vickan
    Vickan Member Posts: 54
    edited August 2008

    Hi LizM,

    Lovely I will go to Amazon and place an order straight away.


    Thx!


    Victoria

  • Shirlann
    Shirlann Member Posts: 3,302
    edited August 2008

    Oh yeah, this dang disease, if its not one thing its another thing to scare you half silly.

    Breast cancer, the gift that keeps on giving!

    Hugs, dear sisters, Shirlann  (almost 10 years post treatment)

  • JerseyMom
    JerseyMom Member Posts: 46
    edited August 2008

    I wanted to thank you all for the replies. It is gone...the rib cage pain is gone!.....I was going to call the Onc on Monday if I still had it. I am being very careful not to stretch or strain my right side.

    Shirlann, I am happy to see a 10 year survivor posting here and helping people like me.

    -Ren

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