Sorness in rib cage from spillage of breast ca

[JONES2]

I am a breast ca survivor for 12 years.  Now I am having pain in my rib cage were I had spillage from my breat ca, I had no Node involment. I had radition therapy no chemo.

I am having pain in that area doctors do not see anything.  Is there someone else that still have the sorness after 12 years of being in remission.  

I am concered that something is occuring but the doctors do not feel that way.  Should I be worried, I am suppose to go back to the doctor again in 3 mos for a follow up, should I wait that long because I am really sore in my rib cage rt under my breast.  Please give me some advice.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Jones2,  It is difficult to evaluate this pain without being able to assess through questioning and physical examination.  You should discuss with your doctor this new symptom so they can help to determine what should be done further to evaluate and help manage the pain you are experiencing. While some women do have longstanding pain following surgery and radiation therapy, a new pain or worsening pain should be evaluated.

[Linda J]

You could have costochronditis. I've had this and it is painful. I've found the best thing to relieve it is ice packs for 20 minutes 3-4 times a day and Ibuprofen. If you get no relief in 3-4 weeks, I'd go for another opinion.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/costochondritis/article_em.htm

Linda J

[tomboy]

I just had my five year checkup and all seems to be fine.  I also have pain in my rib cage from time to time.  My doctor always asks this question when I have pain - "Is it progressive and persistant?"  Even though this is one pain that worries me from time to time, it does not keep getting worse and it is not constant from day to day.  I have had 3 bone scans throughout these five years and there is indication that it is probably some arthritis.  Just to relieve your mind you might want to request a scan of some type.  I also have severe pain in my left hip which has been quite pesistant.  Finally an orthopedic doctor ordered an MRI and found I have osteroarthritis in all three hip joints in the left hip. (At least it wasn't cancer, huh)?   Take care and find answers so you can relax and enjoy life.

[brewster7]

I have had a fibroadenoma for 20 years, the surgeon advised me to leave it alone which I did, however, now I am getting anterior and posterior rib pain and numbness in my thoracic back area (same side as lump) also some slight swelling in the skin over the rib.  I am very worried as I keep thinking the fibroadenoma has become malignant and has spread into the surrounding ribs.

[Twocapes]

Fibroadenomas do not turn into cancer.  They are a benign lesion and stay that way.  If it's been there and has been followed for 20 years, it is most likely something not to worry about.  If it overly concerns you, you may want to have it biopsied or removed.

[Patty Cakes]

I'm also a 12 year suvior and I too have a problem with my rib cage.  But I have always had tenderness on this rib cage and arm pit.  No one can tell me why.  What it really does is help me remember to be Thankful daily for my blessing.  Lets talk after 12 more!

[survivor1988]

I had breast cancer 1988 with radical masectomy, recurrence 1989 in chest wall-hysterectomy and radiation to chest wall. Consistent pain in rib cage has been treated with nerve blocks and with zometa to strenghten the bone. The pain is possibly due to radiation damage and scans have shown activity of some kind, possibly metastatic bone disease. I am in less pain but still have discomfort. Keep talking with your physician and be persistent.

[DK404]

A related discussion, BREAST CANCER WORRY was started.