Has anyone had pain in ribs cage after radiation

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Susug
Susug Member Posts: 193
edited March 2015 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I'm having pain about 3 inches below my left breast not sure if it's my ribs or lung. It feels like it isdeep inside not on the surface.i finished radiation in November.has anyone had this feeling following rads?

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  • phxsunshine
    phxsunshine Member Posts: 242
    edited March 2015

    Hi Texas! I started having pain in my ribs and shoulder 3 1/4 years out from radiation. It is very annoying when I do yoga or other twisting motions and trying to stretch my affected arm over my head requires a lot of effort and it hurts. I went to PT this summer for it and it did help some, but it seems to be getting gradually worse.

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  • shellsteak53
    shellsteak53 Member Posts: 1
    edited March 2015

    Hi Arizona! I also have been experiencing rib pain just under my left breast, breast pain and pulling sensations when reaching for things over my head or just moving my body a "different" way. It seems like this increase in pain has been getting worse over the last 2 years. Especially when I am very active. Sometimes I think that my nerves are regenerating. Haven't gone for PT - I just take Advil (frequently).

    Dx 4/2011, IDC, 1cm, Stage Ib, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

    Surgery 05/2011 Lumpectomy (Left); Lymph Node Removal: Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection (Left)

    Radiation Therapy 07//2011 External

    Hormonal Therapy 08/30/2011 Arimidex

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  • Pswanson82
    Pswanson82 Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2015


    I am on my 6th day of hypofractionated radiation. On my 3rd day, my rib under my breast felt bruised. On my 4th day, my rib and sternum ached. On my 5th day, I was in a lot of pain. I took ibuprofen and was comfortable. I asked the nurse and doctor and they had different answers. The nurse told me it was probably inflammation and the doctor told me that ribs are a side effect. Both lame and not too encouraging. I will wait until my sit down exam with the doctor on Tuesday and pin him down on it. I have not heard of anyone mentioning this issue yet. Makes you wonder if the simulation is right. One nurse said that we have to put a lot of trust in them. Well, yea, right? My breast is feeling a bit sore now, like it used to right before my period, back in the good 'ol days.

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  • Delufox
    Delufox Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2015

    I went through radiation last May. On my 15th treatment, I woke up with excruciating pain in my chest. My symptoms were difficulty breathing, pain on inhaling, pain on bending down. I went to radiation but asked to meet with my RO. He said that it could have nothing to do with radiation and urged me to head to the ER. So, after blood tests, CT, X-rays, MRI, EKG, stress test, etc and 8 hours of invasive tests, they found nothing. They diagnosed me with costochrondritis, inflammation of the sternum. It was definitely caused by radiation and my RO is in CYA mode. After a year, I still have symptoms of it. The good news is I know it's not my heart. I just wished that my RO would be honest. Radiation is really hard on our bodies. hopefully it outweighs the risks of cancer reoccurance. Tonight is the eve of my one year anniversary mammagram. Totally freaked out

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  • Pswanson82
    Pswanson82 Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2015

    Delufox-Hang in there. An anniversary can stir up emotions and memories but not more cancer. Be at peace.

    I have had my 7 th treatment and feel no pain, nothing at all. I have been at ease in the treatment room for the last 2 days now. Not sure If that has anything to do with it or not. However, I do think that there was some inflammation causing the pain. Who knows how our body is reacting to radiation, stress, anxiety, etc

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  • Annielabradoodle
    Annielabradoodle Member Posts: 1
    edited March 2015


    I still have pain in my ribs back and front three years after radiation .

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited March 2015

    Dear Annielabradoodle, Welcome to the BCO community. We are glad that you reached out and we hope you will stay connected. This is a great source of support and information. There is some information on our website about longer term discomfort after Radiation Therapy. Follow this link to learn more and stay connected here to learn from others. The Mods

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