rib pain years after radiation
Hi,
I had radiation therapy in 2005, Ive noticed a slight discomfort in my rib area every now and then. Primarily after I excercise. I jog about 3 or 4 times a week. I wear a tight sports bra. Has anyone else experienced rib pain years after radiation therapy. Thanks!!!
Comments
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Thanks so much for your post that makes me feel better. Yes, the pain comes and goes and cancer is always in the back of my mind. I try run 3 times a week and I believe the sports bra is the cause of the pain. My radiated breast is more sensitive also. It could be worse, I am grateful for being 8 years out and counting! Stacey
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I have sore ribs occassionally and my (reconstructed) breast is sore to the touch. I finished radiation at the end of March. My ribs did not become tender until about the beginning of May when it was pretty consistent for a few weeks. Now it comes and goes. This is a normal side effect of radiation.
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I am one year out from radiation and have had muscle pain and tightness that comes and goes. At one point it was in my upper back and couldn't believe the pain when my husband innocently patted my shoulder. I had radiation on both sides so can tell this is related to that and not a random pulled muscle. Sometimes the muscles tighten and I can feel relief after stretching which I will need to do several times throughout the day. That will last several weeks then goes away for a while. I also have pain after wearing one of my "nicer" bras with underwire that give nice support. They look great but I pay the price for it for at least a week or so after. My radiologist doesn't seem to understand what I am talking about and just mentioned how I need to keep my muscles stretched. I regret getting radiation now as I feel permanently damaged. I have children though and didn't want to make a stupid mistake if radiation was going to decrease my chances of cancer returning.
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Mine is more of an achiness. There are many bras I can't wear anymore. Try diffferent styles on to find ones that support but don't bind. I've found several styles of sport bras that work for me & an underwire from Victoria's Secret that is super padded around the wire.... I buy another one of that same style whenever they are on sale.
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Ruthbru, which Victoria Secret bra is it that you can wear?
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'Incredible' is the name of it.
Edited because I just checked their website and they are on sale right now. I copied over the description (it's the foam encasing the underwires that makes it work for me):
Incredible by Victoria's Secret
Demi Bra
Get the ultimate bra experience with our most incredible demi ever. With supersoft, fully adjustable straps for a perfect fit every time and seamless sides... Morefor a slimming, body-transforming shape. It’s our most comfortable bra ever.- Lightly lined
- Foam encased underwire cups
- Fully adjustable straps
- Imported nylon/spandex
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Thanks Ruthbru, I will check it out.

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I completed my radiation in Jan of this year. Since my surgery I had rib pain which progessively got worse and I developed tightness in my chest radiating to my back. I go to water aerobics and the exercising was making it worse. I started going to a Certified massage therapist that helped somewhat and when I went to see my oncologist he said I was a Keloid producer and to continue what I was doing. I did the the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in June and it set me over the edge. I had a hard time taking a deep breath the vice around my chest was terrible. I had my rountine F/U appt with my radiation oncologist who basically told me I needed to get more exercise and become more cardiovascular fit! I ended up at my chiropractors office in tears and he referred me for Physical Therapy. By choice I picked a hospital by my home instead of where I received radiation therapy - it was divine intervention. They have a lymphadema clinic! My pectoral muscle was one giant muscle spasm into my back and had several tight bands and scar tissue that needed to be broken up. I was also fitted with a compression bra that is wonderful and I am happy to say I am a new women!
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I'm glad things got better for you Michelin. I hope all we go through with the radiation is worth it. I guess the radiologisst don't like to mention all the lasting side effects or few women would go through with it.
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Read your comment re rib pain. It is 3 years since I completed radiotherapy and the pain and discomfort takes its toll at times. Have had check ups and only recently became aware that this was linked to radiotherapy.. I have found that this is something that is not discussed very much.
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Dear 123squash, welcome
to Breastcancer.org. We're sorry you have to be here, but glad you found us!It makes such a difference to know you are not alone in suffering this type of pain/discomfort, and that is one of the strengths of this forum.
Besides sharing your experiences and learning from other members here at
the boards, feel free to check out the latest research in articles like Myths About Radiation Therapy on our main site.We hope you find this a safe place to discuss issues.
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