Through the rabbit hole but not sure there is closure

Hello network,
So I have gone through chemo, port infection, two surgeries (double mastectomy and auxiliary clearance) and radiation, and started Tamoxifen in August 2019. I have been reading other posts and I also was diagnosed with Osteopenia and had some swelling in my left arm (early lymphedema. I have been managing the side effects of Tamoxifen better but I feel slightly unresolved by the discomfort still in my rib cage. It’s not sharp pains but just feels like bruising / a slight tenderness when I touch it. Is that normal? When I had my follow-up with my surgeon and he said that it is from radiation. He then said that it’s when I get sharp pains (that keep you up at night) I need to be more concerned (as it could be a sign cancer has come back and crept into bones). It feels like a fine line based on feeling. He also said he is a minimalist and doesn’t believe in scans for sake of scans which I can understand too.
All in all, I am kind of wondering how do you monitor what’s going on in your body without going over the top. Is tenderness on rib cage normal still after 5 months and does it just continue?
Would value hearing from anyone that has gone through something similar.
Thank you for your support
So I have gone through chemo, port infection, two surgeries (double mastectomy and auxiliary clearance) and radiation, and started Tamoxifen in August 2019. I have been reading other posts and I also was diagnosed with Osteopenia and had some swelling in my left arm (early lymphedema. I have been managing the side effects of Tamoxifen better but I feel slightly unresolved by the discomfort still in my rib cage. It’s not sharp pains but just feels like bruising / a slight tenderness when I touch it. Is that normal? When I had my follow-up with my surgeon and he said that it is from radiation. He then said that it’s when I get sharp pains (that keep you up at night) I need to be more concerned (as it could be a sign cancer has come back and crept into bones). It feels like a fine line based on feeling. He also said he is a minimalist and doesn’t believe in scans for sake of scans which I can understand too.
All in all, I am kind of wondering how do you monitor what’s going on in your body without going over the top. Is tenderness on rib cage normal still after 5 months and does it just continue?
Would value hearing from anyone that has gone through something similar.
Thank you for your support
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I did have some lingering (for months) tenderness/discomfort in my collar bone and the ribs underneath it, which I presumed was from a combination of the surgery (lots of digging around for the sentinel node) and the radiotherapy. I had a lumpectomy, then a second surgery for margins. I get tight through that area if I don't exercise and stretch.
https://therapy-a.com/pain-after-breast-cancer-costocondritis/
When do you see your Rad Onc next? It might be an idea to ask if you can see them sooner than later, to discuss your concerns. I have found my Rad Onc to be the most understanding & helpful of all my team.
In the mean time, check out these '‘tick sheets'’ to help you put your questions together for your medical team - they cover your mental well being, as well as your physical & has one page for tracking all your appointments. Make sure you click on the documents at the bottom of the post, & NOT click the pics (as they are just samples.)
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/21973/questions-to-ask-post-surgery-of-yourself-to-your-specialists-tick-sheets-self-assessment#latest
Where abouts are you? You can add your town/city in your Profile - then other members nearby may be able to point you to specific services that are available to you xx
All the best xx
I think sometimes our bodies are just a mystery! K xox
Took me months and months to get comfortable wearing bras as I was so tender and swollen , and even now I prefer a soft crop top. I went and got fitted by a breastcare nurse. Made a huge difference to feel comfy again.
Also saw a specialist physio who deals with lymphadenopathy who has given me some stretches that I do everyday. I make sure I do them every day at bedtime and they feel so niiiiice to do.
My onco and surgeon both recommended I do this. Can strongly recommend.
I have been easing myself back into swimming which also really helps loosen up the area. It feels so lovely to be back doing it
hope some of this helps
Caz xx
I had to massage it, and at night I wore this bumpy foam strip thing she gave me inside a hospital boob tuby thing for a few weeks. Weird? Yes!
But it solved that problem!
Caz x
Love it @Caz1