Ache in "other" breast and armpit

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I am 7 months out of chemo and 4 months out of rads for stage 2 IDC. After finishing rads, I started an exercise class to help with strengthening. I gradually started getting increasingly achey on my left side (non-cancer side). At first, I thought it was muscle pulls or something like that but it is not going away. It seems to be getting worse--it is an ache in the breast area along with ache in the armpit area. I have been feeling around for a lump--but cannot seem to find anything. I am due to visit onco in July for my followup but now have made an appointment with my GP for her to take a look. The ache will sometimes extend down my whole arm. I had some aches in my left side post-chemo and my onco ran another bone scan to rule out mets--it was clear. Logically, I know that it could be many things--but of course, I am worried that cancer has reared its ugly head again. Not sure if anyone has had similar pains? I am guessing some more scans may be coming up...back into that waiting time again.

Comments

  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited June 2011

    Bumping for Rachel

  • lrr4993
    lrr4993 Member Posts: 937
    edited June 2011

    I don't have an answer but I had a similar experience.  Of course, at first I thought it was cancer.  It has since gone away although every once in a while I have a pain.  I now think it may be related to a disk problem in my neck.  I have not mentioned it to my onco yet, but I had the pain within 3 months of a clear PET, so it seems unlikely to be anything of huge concern.

  • rachel5738
    rachel5738 Member Posts: 920
    edited June 2011

    Hi Lisa--Thanks. I had a clear bone scan in Feb but am concerned (I'm guessing that never goes away). I called my oncologist and in the meantime have appt with my GP. The worrying will drive me crazy so I try my best not to worry--but of course, easier said than done.

  • marial
    marial Member Posts: 255
    edited June 2011

    Rachael - I have been having pain in my non cancerous breast and armpit now door about 6 weeks..I have gone in twice for a breast and lymph node exam and both times they felt nothing..my port is also on that side, so I am thinking maybe it's the port..I had a Pet scan today so hopefully that will come out clear..mine is more of sharp pains that radiate into my breast and from my armpit

  • rachel5738
    rachel5738 Member Posts: 920
    edited June 2011

    Marial--I went to Doc last week and they dont feel any issue. I would love to say that I am not worried but the ache is still there. They dont want to run scans prior to my July checkup and scans. I am hoping for all clear. I didn't have a port. Hope you get clear results! Take care, Rachel

  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited June 2011

    Are you favoring this arm due to lymphedema?  I am just wondering if this could be the cause of your pain. I hope you can rest soon with clear scans.

  • GoldenEyes
    GoldenEyes Member Posts: 180
    edited June 2011

    Rachel,

    Any word yet? Did you get results from the scan yet?

  • rachel5738
    rachel5738 Member Posts: 920
    edited June 2011

    I and my checkups last week and my Docs said they were not concerned. I have my 6 month follow up in July so Doc said to wait till then as I had a second bone scan in Feb. We are heading on vacation so although this whole thing is in the back of my mind.....I will wait for my follow ups. Docs all believe it is nothing to be concerned about and is either muscle issues/compensating on one side or just general aches/pains from tamoxifen. I am hoping it s nothing serious....after 2 cancer diagnosis last year, I know I have high anxiety and hyper-vigilant. Aarrrgghh!

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