Hi
One year ago I started having pain on my left side, under my left breast, behind the front of my rib cage. Also under my L shoulder blade. As there is nothing of anatomical importance really there, except for maybe the esophagus, my doctor prescribed Protonix for an ulcer and said that the intercostal area (tissue between ribs) was probably inflamed. No results.
It's no better. Lately, I can barely wear a bra. It's at the point where I cannot stand the burning and pinching chest pain at the upper left quadrant of my breast to the nipple and under the left side of my breast. Perhaps it is from the underwire and the bra band. It hurts-almost like some lymph glands are inflamed. No lumps like I was "taught" to look for.
I also have had fibrocystic breasts for ever. I have just turned 50 and everything seems to really be going to pot! Ha. I haven't had my period for 2 1/2 months and I feel like you describe: severe burning, stabbing like pain, I also have more denseness in my left breast-more than my usual fibrotic cycles.
I noted some nipple discharge from both breasts too (like breast milk) when I was poking around and was told it was probably the menopausal hormone changes.
After Mrs. Edwards suffered her broken rib and doctors found mets in her ribs, I have been really freaked that all these symptoms together might be metastatic breast cancer. Today my breast hurt so bad that I was compelled to search the net and found your post.
I also read that bras take quite a toll on the breast by preventing lympatic drainage. In China, women massage their breasts to increase lymphatic flow. Who knew? I found a breast massage technique on this site in another post. Try lymphatic massage? Google: Doctor David Williams breast massage. I did try it and it seriously reduced my pain today, although "pumping" during this strange massage hurt like crazy... Once I got to my armpit on both sides, I nearly hit the roof! Maybe there IS something to this lack of lymphatic drainage???
I still have the rib pain though and despite my fears (my mom died of breast cancer at age 54) I need to get my butt in to the doctor.