Forum Discussion
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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- Thanks @primek, @CatLady and @arpie for your supportive suggestions. Such a great network! I think partly it may be the discomfort which I will follow up with a specialist physio too (as finished radiation in July) but also the mental game. I have returned back to work full time and I guess I am not quite what I once was and never got quite the closure that they have removed it all and your in remission (which sounds silly I guess because they can’t guarantee that). So with these aches I have a slight lingering fear which surprises me as I thought I was pretty resilient to now.Anyway will follow-up all the advice and really appreciate the support as there are things I admit on this network that I find it difficult to say out loud with family and friends - possibly because I don’t want to worry anyone.Cheers
- Hi @Mags44 - Keep dated notes of any lingering pain/concerns that you have - you may see a pattern emerge?
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 had a similar pain around the lower rib cage and found myself shallow breathing and living on endone for the pain. My GP couldn't figure out what the pain was from. I did some research myself and found out that the muscles between the ribs can contract from the radiotherapy and restrict movement and cause pain. I found a cancer specialized physiotherapist who even after one session helped to teach me specific rib stretching exercises and how to breath again. The pain subsided completely after about 5 sessions and I was able to ditch the pain meds altogether. Google 'PINC and STEEL cancer rehabilitation' for one nearest you.near you. Hope this helps.
- You might find this interesting to read. Of course if things persist or worsen keep telling your Dr. Sometimes a scan can elevate the stress related to pains at least.
https://therapy-a.com/pain-after-breast-cancer-costocondritis/ - Thanks @Dory65, sounds similar. Definitely have that tightness too. Maybe I need to do more stretching too.Cheers for that.
- Hi @Mags44,
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.
