Shoulder blade (scapula) itching and breast cancer

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LinP
LinP Member Posts: 2
edited July 2018 in Just Diagnosed

Hi, I've been unable to find any articles or studies on the possible connection of scapula itching and breast cancer. Prior to being diagnosed, I was experiencing progressively worse right shoulder blade itching with no apparent dermatological cause. I tried scrubbing, lotions, to alleviate the itching but eventually I started experiencing itching in the left scapula as well. After my yearly mammogram detected stage 1 breast cancer with the subsequent choice of having bilateral mastectomy, the itching stopped post surgery. Within 5 days post surgery the itching started again, but very, very mildly and only on the right side where it originally began. The tumor tissue was oncotyped and results were intermediate risk so I chose to do chemotherapy. In the meantime, the itching returned but mildly. I've had my first chemo treatment and the itching has stopped again. I'm scheduled for only 4 chemo treatments. If the itching doesn't return, I'll be convinced that the chemo has destroyed the cancer cells. Has anyone ever mentioned or noticed shoulder blade itching prior to breast cancer diagnosis

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited April 2017

    Hey LinP, by asking to hear only from folks who may have also had an itch is called a sampling error. Hearing from people whose shoulder blade may have itched for any number of reasons will reinforce your original hypothesis, but you won't hear from the thousands that didn't. There may not be any studies for a reason.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited April 2017

    I had no 'itching' anywhere. Even on my breast that was IBC.

    As MTWoman pointed out - it would take a Scientic/Documented Study to show rather or not there is a factual relationship between 'itchy shoulder' and any type of BC. Not just those who might reply to a Thread On-Line.

    What did your pre TX Scans show as to whether there were any metastis/other sites of possible cancer?

    As you seem to be saying you have a chronic skin 'itchiness' issue, an appt with a Dermatologist might be in order.


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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited April 2017

    I have a similar itch on my right shoulder blade. Dermatologist found no skin issues. said when someone has an itch like that that is specific and doesn't go away that its normally nerve related.  I still have my itch and nothing really helps. Its opposite side of my BC. I don't believe there is any connection and assume nerve related as doctor stated.

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  • LinP
    LinP Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2017

    Thanks Everyone,

    Was hoping for a simple yet obvious marker indicating I was cancer free. So many unknowns!

    I'm also being blown away by how my oncologist practice have never worked with a patient who has decided to take a probiotic to help the digestive track replenish the necessary flora to absorb nutrients. No wonder so many gain weight trying to rebuild what the chemo has destroyed. I've never taken a probiotic before but after chemo, I couldn't digest a thing. Almost a week later, I'm starving and trying to eat bland protein wherever I can besides whole grains, fruits, veggies but the indigestion is quite uncomfortable. I'm lactose intolerant and have started drinking kefir which is supposedly 99% lactose free. Have never tried fermented soybean (miso) but am looking for it.

    This cancer is taking me down a journey I would never have taken if I could have chosen but appreciate the community I'm beginning to discover.

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited April 2017

    LinP,

    If you want to try a way to incorporate miso as an initial experiment, I mix white miso with enough olive oil to make a little bit looser paste (salt & pepper) and massage that into cauliflower (and/or broccoli) and then roast it for a bit. scrumptious! Probiotics are great to improve digestion, and don't forget the prebiotics (the 'food' that probiotics need for optimum performance) like chicory root fiber :)

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  • Investigator
    Investigator Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2018

    It sounds like notalgia paresthetica. I suppose you could have this along with breast cancer without the two conditions being related. I am not diagnosed, but I am quite certain I have the notalgia paresthetica. I am concerned about cancer, as well. Mom had breast cancer, although, I am guessing there is probably a spine condition going on, in my case, as I also have considerable mid back pain. I detest going to the doctor, though, as I feel they don't take me seriously and I don't want to be prescribed a bunch of meds, either.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2018

    Investigator, thanks for sharing this information on notalgia paresthetica. Healthline offers this article on it, with some things that could help: https://www.healthline.com/health/notalgia-paresth...



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