SWOLLEN ASYMETRICAL RIB

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thegoodfight
thegoodfight Member Posts: 560
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Okay, just another day in the nervewracking life of a cancer survivor.  Today I saw my GYN for my annual.  I mentioned that for the last few weeks sometimes when I turn a certain way I get a pain near my left rib cage.  While I was laying down I felt that the left rib area felt swollen or enlarged.  She sat me up to take another look and said yes it was significantly larger.  She suggested an immediate chest XRAY.   She said it was probably nothing but we need to be sure.  I went downstairs to radiology thinking I was going to have one xray...................how silly of me forgetting that nothing in this cancer world is simple.  First a chest xray (which had to be taken again) and then 8 xrays of the ribs, 4 each side.  The results said no abnormality.....................but maybe it should be followed with a CT.  I am  leary of all this radiation.   More to think about and worry about.  I am going to my onc tomorrow for followup blood work on elevated liver enzymes so I guess I will ask to see a nurse and have them weigh in.  Any body else have anything similar going on.  Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Caren

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited May 2010

    Hi, Caren ~  Sorry to read about what you're going through, and just wanted to say I will be praying that everything checks out okay.  Please let us know what your onc says.  Hopefully, the rib and liver concerns are absolutely nothing, but glad you're having it checked out for your peace of mind.  Thinking of you  ~  (((Hugs)))   Deanna

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited May 2010

    Caren, is this on the treated side? Might you be dealing with truncal lymphedema? Doctors generally never think of it and are unfamiliar with it, but it's increasingly common with SNB and rads (don't know what treatment you had), and is always a possibility after any bc treatment. There is no imaging that picks it up, as the fluid accumulation in lymphedema is not pooled, but all in between the cells.

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htm

    The medical professional who diagnoses and treats lymphedema is not a doctor, but a well-trained lymphedema therapist. Here's how to find one near you:

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

    Before you expose yourself to further radiation, an evaluation by a lymphedema therapist might turn up answers that will help. Also, s/he'd be able to take baseline arm measurements and give you individualized lymphedema risk reduction tips, so it would be well worth the effort. Ask for a referral from any member of your healthcare team.

    Be well!
    Binney

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  • thegoodfight
    thegoodfight Member Posts: 560
    edited May 2010

    Thanks Deanna and Binney.  I just got back from bloodwork at the onc and while there had my onc's nurse take a look see.  She said yes it is much larger than the other side, but it does not feel like there is anything going on.  I was impressed that that office had already received the report on yesterdays xrays which were done so late yesterday.  She will discuss this with onc and get back to me, but I am even wondering if I have had this asymmetrical look all along.  It is amazing that I can be turning 65 this month and can't answer the question "has it always looked this way or is it a change".   Guess I never really looked closely at my body, but I sure do now.  I had a similar issue with swelling at a clavicle a year ago, and it was determined it is just my body.   Binny it is NOT on the side of my original cancer, so  guess that is good news.  I took a xanex on the way to the appt today, so for now I don't feel worried at all......................lol.

    I'll keep you all posted..........................Caren

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  • thegoodfight
    thegoodfight Member Posts: 560
    edited May 2010
    Oops, forgot to say, I had the liver enzyme test redone today, so I guess I will  know within a week.  In the mean time, going out to dinner tonight and finally having a glass of wine.............it was a long month.............and a long cinco de mayo party last night Frown
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  • thegoodfight
    thegoodfight Member Posts: 560
    edited May 2010

    The saga continues......................................got a call from the onc's nurse this am and after she consulted with him this morning, he wants me to be seen by my breast surgeon.  They can't see me till next Wednesday, so now the waiting begins.......................as we all know the worst part.   I thought this was simple, especially with neg xrays, but I have a feeling there is a scan in my future.  This is the life we live and it sucks!!!

    Caren

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  • TXBadboob
    TXBadboob Member Posts: 597
    edited May 2010

    Sorry Caren, I'll be praying for you for good results.

    Deen

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited May 2010

    Caren, once we have a bc dx, you know our docs are just going to be extra cautious for their own (liability) protection, as well as concern for us.  Yes, it sux big time, but hopefully it's just a scare and life will return to new normal after everything is checked out.   (((Hugs))) & prayers ~ Deanna 

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  • kk69Z
    kk69Z Member Posts: 167
    edited May 2010

    good fight:

    Just wanted to let you know that I also have what looks like right under my affected breast like the rib is swollen. I checked with my BS, oncologist and radiologist and they all said it was nothing (possibly due to radiation). It doesn't hurt or bother me. And like you said may have been there for years.

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  • thegoodfight
    thegoodfight Member Posts: 560
    edited May 2010

    Thanks everyone.  I am just getting comfortable in the waiting room.  It is incredible that no matter how far you think you have distanced yourself from the beast, it just takes one little "something" to bring it all back, making you rellive all the details of the past.  I am trying to stay positive and do feel that it is probably just the extra cautious eyes at work.  It does help so much knowing I am not alone and so many of you sit in the waiting room with me holding me up.................a big thank you.

    kk69z, just curious how long ago was your radiation.  I finished over a year ago and the swollen rib in my case is on the opposite side of my cancer breast.

    Caren

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  • thegoodfight
    thegoodfight Member Posts: 560
    edited May 2010

    My oncologist wanted me to have the rib checked out by my BS.  That appt was today and he also felt it is probably "nothing" but has ordered a bone scan anyway.  That will be Friday.  As much as I do not like all this radiation I am sort of glad because I haven't had a bonescan since the first one done as part of my dx two years ago.  I have lots of pains, hips, back, ankles, fingers, etc. and of course my mind sometimes takes off and goes bad places.  So I am hoping it is truly arthritis and the arimidex and they find no changes since the last scan, especially near this swollen rib area.  I'll keep you posted..........................Caren

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited May 2010

    Glad your docs have taken your concerns seriously, and that you are having things checked out -- and quickly.  I think you really need the peace of mind at this point. 

    I'm so sorry you're going through this, but I will be praying for you and trusting everything will be okay.    Deanna

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  • thegoodfight
    thegoodfight Member Posts: 560
    edited May 2010

    dlb823,

    I  have read many of your posts in the past and you are always so supportive and know just what to say.  Thanks for your concern.

    I did have the bone scan today,so now the wait begins till Monday afternoon.  I will be calling in for the results because I am leaving tomorrow for a nine day visit with my darling grandson who  will be two next Friday.  He has actually been here this week visiting me so it has taken the edge off. 

    Of course I am hoping for all neg results so I can just go forward with lots of peace of mind.  But I also know I will deal with whatever comes my way.

    I am busy packing and I will be packing the xanex, just in case.................................Caren

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited May 2010

    Caren, I'm so happy that you'll be travelling to celebrate your grandson's birthday with family. I'll be praying that the waiting goes by quickly and the results are all joy.

    Hugs, prayers,
    Binney

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  • thegoodfight
    thegoodfight Member Posts: 560
    edited May 2010

    Here's the good news......................bone scan NED!!!!   It did show tons of arthritis..........shoulders, hips, knees, ankles and wrists............did they leave anything out.  I knew I had some, but I think the Arimidex has fed that. 

    Now here's the bad news, but it isn't really that bad and you almost have to  laugh.  While doing the last minute packing Saturday morning I stubbed my toe pretty badly.  I iced it, taped it and got on the plane.  When we got to Philadelphia my daughter insisted we go to the er.........hmmm, a little role reversal.  Ok, we went, ok she was right, I have a broken toe.  They don't really do anything, but tape it and send you home with crutches.  But this is just a small annoyance, and I am thrilled with the bone scan results.

    Caren

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited May 2010

    Wonderful news about your scan, Caren!   And sorry about your toe.  You must have wacked it pretty hard to have broken it.  And it's interesting how breast cancer absolutely changes our perception of what's "bad" enough to complain about or let upset us!  

    Thanks for letting us know your scan results. Now relax & enjoy the rest of your trip!    Deanna

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited May 2010

    Aw, Caren -- whew! I'm so happy about your results (well, not the arthritis, exactly!) Now enjoy your visit, keep that foot up, sit back and have a ball!

    Binney

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  • kk69Z
    kk69Z Member Posts: 167
    edited May 2010

    to the good fight (carin):

    I had my radiation back in Sept and Oct of 2008. I had it looked at back in summer of 2009. Its only noticable when I push my rib cage out and put my arms over my head.

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