Ribs are still sore

Shirlann,

You are not the ONLY one who has had this problem. I am 4 1/2 years post treatment. I had lumpectomy, axillary node disection, chemo and rads. I've had trouble with rib pain since. Complaints to my oncologist have resulted in two bones scans, both negative (thank God), however I've been given no options for relief from this pain. Certain twisting or lifting or pressure in that area does result in some rather intense pain.
Just wanted you to know, you are not alone in this boat.

I saw my radiation oncologist yesterday. He did a thorough physical exam of my breast, ribs, and axillary area. I told him that I was concerned because I didn't know if I was dealing with side effects of radiation or bone mets.

He concluded that my symptoms are in line with radiation effects and said they could go away in short period of time or linger on. He recommended a high dose NSAID (Motrin e.g.) twice a day for a full week whether I was in pain or not. He said that by keeping the anti-inflammatory action of the pills in your system 24/7 for the week can give the body a chance to heal.

On the question of mets to the bone, he said the pain would be more severe, would not be intermittant, and would definitely interfere with sleep - and not just because you roll over on that side.

He ordered an x-ray of the ribs which I will have next week, but he said it was just a crossing the t's and dotting the i's measure.

He gave me alot of confidence and I don't think I will obsess about this being mets (well, maybe I'll still obsess but not to the same degree).

Shirlann - how did you break your rib?

The list of demoralizing side effects and long lasting devastating pain and unexpected disfunctional quality of life is so long, it is impossible to list them all; not to mention the affecting memory loss and "ditz" brain brought on by all of the treatments.

You are not crazy. I was described in one physician's report as overly anxious; some abbreviated terms which I am not certain as to the definition. Can't take the subservient attitude toward so many of the breast cancer patients; is it because they don't know or because they do know the outcome of these treatments?

When discussing pain, numbness and shoulder/back/clavicle pain, shouler blades, etc; I was finally informed that "frozen shoulder" and effects on the bone marrow were indeed side effects of rads, chemo, surgery. As stated earlier, the only advice given was to put my arm out and run my fingers up a frickin' wall.

Did this treatment destroy what I thought living was supposed to be? I get no answers. Only remarks like, " you are clear of cancer; there is NED, and then again, they never say how long this will last and what type of life occurs aterwards.

Indi

Hi Coltsneck, that is what is so scary, I did not have a thing for a long, long time (so long ago now, I have forgotten the exact time frame) but long enough that I too was sure it was bone mets.

Yogiddo, I bet you have a broken rib.  I have had two. 

Having said all this, and told everyone not to worry, of course you need to worry and have everything checked.  Sure do not want to keep anyone from finding out anything, by steering you wrong.  I am not a doc and they are the ones to ask.

Hugs, Shirlann                                                                  m

ive never had rads or chemo, just the diep six weeks ago and i am having intermittent rib pain just started 3 days ago. and it hurts like a son of a bitch. and i find myself holding my boob as if thats going to do any good and it doesnt matter where i am. and im pretty sure the look on my face is pretty severe. i still have pain meds from surgery and even 2 vicodin is not enough to even make a slight dent in the pain. im going to try the motrin twice a day thing for a week. i will be returning to work oct 1 and i work with the public and im sure grabbing my boob in public will not seem professional.

I was feeling alone and thinking the worst until i read this thread-thank goodness!  I am 2 1/2 years out from right  breast radiation (35+boosts)  and i am noticing severe rib pain underneath the treated breast.  It is very sore to the touch and is tight and uncomfortable after workouts .  This year I really noticed the difference in breast size, they looked the same even after removing a plum size of tissue plus the rads.  The skin is normal and soft appearing but now the breast appears about 2 cups sizes smaller.  So looks like i have a DDD cup and a G on the left untreated breast.  I do get extra tightness in the chest/armpit even with yoga and weekly streching.

Glad I found this thread, I was diagnosed with TN reast cancer May of last year, had 4 rounds of Adriamycin/Cytoxan, followed y 4 cycles of Taxotere. Finished that Dec. 17,2012. Started rads in Jan. of this year, 35 in all, including boosts. Finished March 8 of this year. Found the tumor because i went to bed one night,couldn't sleep on my right side due to pain to outer right side of right breast,pain went into my ribs and back. The tumor was wrapped in nerves, had it's own blood flow. SO, my pain is back in the same area of ribs and back.RO attributes this to radiation. My pain is constant, interferes with sleep. I get a mammogram may 20 and then see oncologist. Starting to wonder if i should ask for  X-Rays< hesitant to ask due to possibility of recurrence