rib pain - no recons. - worried

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kim_the_nut
kim_the_nut Member Posts: 24
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I've posted, and someone told me this is the correct thread.  I was diagnosed Feb of last year (2008) with left inflammatory & invasive ductal cancer with spread to lymph nodes.  I had 6 chemo sessions with nearly complete response to chemo (including Herceptin).  I had a modified radical left mastectomy and a simple right mastectomy without any reconstruction last July, and lymph nodes were clear and there was a very tiny residual area of cancer in the breast when they biopsied.  I then had 28 sessions of rads to the left finishing in late October. 

Recently I have noticed pain in my ribs, more on my right side than my left.  I did do some lifting of some heavy grocery items that might be it, but I'm not sure.  It's mostly tender to the touch more than anything. 

I have an appt with my oncologist next week.  Would you be worried about bone mets?  I know your mind can play tricks on you, and of course now that I'm thinking about it (and poking it!) it hurts worse.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Kim

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  • Member_of_the_Club
    Member_of_the_Club Member Posts: 3,646
    edited March 2009

    Mention to your onc since you have an appointment coming up.  A lot of funky things happen to your posture after all the CRAP this disease puts you through.  I'm guessing you are fine, but you should hear that from a doctor.  Good luck.

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  • kel1
    kel1 Member Posts: 30
    edited March 2009

    Kim,  tell your onc.  While it could be absolutely nothing, things like this is why we have to keep getting checked after going through all the intensive treatments.  After 2 yrs, I still see my onc every 3 months...if I stay clear for 2 yrs, I'll be down to every 6 months for 2 yrs, then once a year.  My goal?  To see the onc yearly and stay clean for the rest of my life.  I'm still sore in the ribs from rads & my posture is terrible.  But keep up with your onc & listen to your body.

    Here's hoping it's nothing.... let us know.

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  • AccidentalTourist
    AccidentalTourist Member Posts: 365
    edited March 2009

    Kelli, you are so lucky to have such vigilant oncologist.  My operation was in June, rads in August/September and first check up in January.  I complained of constant but bearable rib pain and consultant shrugged it off without doing any scanning.  I went to see my GP today and told her that I am worried about rib and breast pain (dull, throbbing pain deep in my breast) and she was very symphatetic but said that my oncologist is very good and if he thought it was something he would have offered scanning.  That seemed reasonable at the time but I am now in quite a bit of pain and don't feel reassured.  GP said I should wait as my first post surgery mammo is booked for 7 May.  I can put up with this pain no problem, as long it not what we are all fearing.  I am not sure whether I should press harder to bring the mammo forward or just put up with it until due date.  Kim what were you told? Best Nena

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  • Blundin2005
    Blundin2005 Member Posts: 1,167
    edited March 2009

    Hi Kim,

    I've had a rib pain since my surgery (Sep 27 '05).  I need only move the wrong way and WOW does it hurt...  I didn't have recon either.   I think I remember reading here something about muscle getting trapped between the ribs....but I'm not sure....maybe a search here would find it.

    It's my new 'normal', I guess you can say.  I do mention any and all quirks in my body to my doctors.  Fortunately, not all lead to the worst outcomes...unfortunately some are here to stay but are manageable.  

    I'm hoping to be dealing with chronic old age for some time to come.

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