Sharp sternum pain - taxol side effect?

Allydp
Allydp Member Posts: 520
edited July 2014 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Hi, I just started carbo/taxol 3 weeks ago after finishing adriamycin/cytoxan. I've been having sharp on and off sternum pain (directly in between my breasts) since starting this new regimen. A little pain in my hip too, but not as often or severe. Back when I was dx at the end of January, my MRI showed a suspicious mass on my sternum. After a negative PET and bone scan, it was determined to be benign. I asked my onc today about the sternum pain and mentioned the mass. She said not to worry one bit, that taxol causes sharp bone pain. I'm glad to hear this, but can't help still worry. Of all places, why does this stabbing pain have to be in my sternum?! So I thought I'd post here and ask. Do you think this is simply a taxol thing? Or should I push the issue and investigate further? The only thing left to do is an invasive bone biopsy at this point. Thanks so much for any input you could pass along. 

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Comments

  • leggo
    leggo Member Posts: 3,293
    edited May 2014

    Hi Ally. When was the bone scan? Things can change so quickly. I would ask for further investigation.....perhaps a CT scan. Taxol can cause bone pain, but to me, that would be a weird isolated area to have the pain. I hope you get to the bottom of it.

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  • Allydp
    Allydp Member Posts: 520
    edited May 2014

    Thank you so much for your reply, Leggo. Just this morning I found a new lump just two inches from my original tumor. I'm now scheduled to see my BS tomorrow to further investigate. (Praying my tumor isn't multiplying or spreading.) While I'm there, I am going to tell her I'd like to scan my sternum again and possibly do the bone biopsy for, if nothing else, peace of mind, so I can put this worry to rest once and for all. My last bone scan was the beginning of February. My tumor is grade 3 triple negative, so if this new lump could form while on chemo, I'm sure it could have met as well. I'm so scared, but trying to tell myself it's nothing until it's something. 

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  • leggo
    leggo Member Posts: 3,293
    edited May 2014

    I know how scary this is for you, but glad you're getting it re-checked. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. 

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  • Tam178
    Tam178 Member Posts: 34
    edited May 2014

    Not that it will help your mind much but I've had sharp bony pain in my sternum with taxotere (sister drug of taxol). I've had back, hip & knee pain too but I wrote on my list for the most about sternum too. Hth & good luck!

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  • Allydp
    Allydp Member Posts: 520
    edited May 2014

    Thanks so much, Tam. I'm now also having rib pain, towards my back on the cancer side. My BS is ordering another bone scan next week. I'm terrified and not coping well at all. I hope to keep as busy as possible until results.

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  • MameMe
    MameMe Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2014

    ?Ally, How are you doing now? I wanted to add my experience of sternum pain with Taxol, it happens shortly after treatment then seems to quiet down. Is much less after several months of weekly Taxol.

    Hope things are getting sorted out for you. Hugs, Mame

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  • Allydp
    Allydp Member Posts: 520
    edited July 2014

    Mame, thank you so much for checking in on me so long after this post. That's very kind of you. My sternum pain progressed into my ribs and shoulder blades, but eventually went away around week 8 of taxol. I finished chemo last Wednesday and I'm still very achy in my lower back, hips and legs, but it's not the sharp bone pain like before. I'm so sorry you're also experiencing pain with taxol. I hope it continues to lessen for you. Hugs to you and wishing you all the best. 

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