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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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16 Replies
- @Caz1 I just had a manual lymph massage. It was magic. I think it depends on who does it but if you are ever going to be in Ballarat then PM me and I will give you the name of this brilliant man. He also worked on my Peripheral Neuropathy which is now non existent. I will see how long it lasts for but for now I feel amazing.
- Thanks @Caz1 love your explanation. I think there is some things I need to be more proactive with. Thanks again,
- @Blossom1961 hahaha BC IS SOOOOOOO GLAMOROUS ;)
- "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".
Love it @Caz1 - @Mags44, come to think of it, my physio said the pain on the rib just under my Mx scar area was due to swelling which was a mild Lymphodenopathy symptom and was caused by the radiation.
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 - Thanks @Caz1, you have had quite the journey and challenges too. Thanks very much for the advice, it does all help.
- Hi @Mags44 I have been poisoned burnt and cut over the last 18 months. Also had a terrible Seroma and a cellulitis caused by rads.
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 - Thanks @kmakm and @Sister for sharing that. I have had bra discomfort for sure too. I am going to discuss it with my physio and oncologist in a couple of weeks.
- I have a very tender spot on my rib where the drain was. I came out of the anaesthetic in agony from it and 3 years on from surgery it is still noticeably tender particularly if something is pressing against it (like a tight bra) for a long time. I'm guessing it is nerve damage.
- I didn't have radiotherapy but I have a permanently tender ribcage, especially on the left (I had a BMX). No one has been able to tell me why...
I think sometimes our bodies are just a mystery! K xox
