Forum Discussion

beccabecca's avatar
7 years ago

new pain, could the cancer of spread already?!

Hi everyone, am I going crazy? I had a double mastectomy nov 2016 & after chemo, radio, oopherectomy, then implant exchange 2 months ago. 
I've been having a lot of pain in my scapula (shoulder blade) on the side my 140mm tumor was, which was my whole breast. As the pain is so close, I'm worried, heat packs, osteo etc treatment is not helping. Thinking of getting another bone scan, but I had 1 about 9 months ago, so maybe too soon cos those tests have risks. 
Or is this a standard type of pain from last surgery? I had a pain in lower back ribs no one could work out for years, it stopped once tumor was removed, so this is why I'm worried. 
Just getting over a cold as well that lasted prob 5 weeks. My body needs a break! 

27 Replies

  • @primek, thanks, glad yours turned out to be just bursitis, I have that in my left hip 
  • Hi @@beccabecca  - all the best with your scans & visit to GP & Onc.

    Shoulders are the most complex set of bones & muscles/tendons in the whole body!  I've had procedures on both in the last 20 years.  As @Sister says - it could be that you've just been 'holding it' a bit differently with your recent procedures - just 2 months out from the most recent procedure.  

    We all need to make a conscious effort to 'keep your shoulders back' .... lift them 'UP a bit & shove them BACK & DOWN'!  It is sort of like putting your Scapula into an envelope! You'll be amazed at how often we have them facing forward (especially if on the computer a lot!)  When they are facing forward, the arm ball & socket just isn't sitting correctly & cause all sorts of ongoing problems, including rotator cuff/frozen shoulder - both of which I've had - in both!

    Fingers crossed you get a clean slate. xx


  • @beccabecca I would speak to your doctor or oncologist and organise a scan - if it was me I was be stressing and want it checked out. Xoxo
  • It could be nothing more than that you are holding that shoulder badly due to the amount of trauma that side has received but you need to get it checked even if it's for only for peace of mind.
  • I would be getting scans as honestly the worry will just send you nuts if you don't. I recently had ultrasounds on my shoulders as the nagging pain overtook any reasonable reason in my head in the end. It turned out to be bursitis for me. I've still got to figure out treatment for that but pleased it was nothing more.
  • Thanks @Afraser, as it has bothered me a bit over the last few weeks, have appt with GP, and oncologist will call me. I was thinking get more scans for peace of mind. It's just never ending with tests it seems. Thanks
  • For your own peace of mind get it checked. It could be lots of things, including things that may be a nuisance but won't cause you grief. Your GP or oncologist. I got a shoulder pain checked out last year, because it was niggling. Nothing serious, easily fixed. No one thinks it's silly to do this. You have had enough to worry about, you don't need uncertainty. Best wishes