Tenderness on rib

[WorkingThroughIt]

I was diagnosed with Stage 1, ER/PR positive, invasive ductal carcinoma and DCIS of intermediate aggressiveness in November 2006. My tumor was 1.9 cm, and a sentinal lymph node biopsy - 3 lymph nodes were removed - showed that all removed nodes were clear. I chose to have a skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction, followed 6 weeks later by 4 rounds of AC and then Tamoxifen. I've been doing great!!

About 5 months ago, while on a business trip, I noticed that my upper rib near the bottom of my sternum was very tender and painful. It came and went at first, but over the past several weeks it has been constant and is always in the same area. It isn't a pulled muscle, and it isn't in the soft tissue. I also have the sensation that there is pressure there, and sometimes I have a painful stomach (not like an acid-stomach; just tender and kind of a burning sensation in the general area). I had a check-up with my oncology surgeon yesterday and he has ordered a CAT/PET scan, as he said there is a very remote possibility a lymph node between my ribs could be affected.

I have two questions:

1) I've never had a PET or CAT scan; what I can expect from the experience? Any helpful tips for avoiding claustrophobia?
2) If a person's sentinel nodes are clear, can cancer spread in other ways?

I'm feeling a tad bit nervous, but am pretty grounded in my faith that God truly has everything in hand, and that helps tremendously. I also trust my medical team; they've been great.

Thanks so much in advance for any insight and advice.

[Larsunders]

My oncologist said it is similar to scooping a large handful of sand up and the tiniest specks of sand that fall thru on the way up could be a cancer cell, so it isn't ever completely clear if you have gotten all the cells, that is why a person has other treatments along with the initial surgeries.
Keep up the positive work!  You will succeed because of your positive attitude and the wonderful work that is always being done for breast cancer....May you have peace from your relationship with the almighty creator! :)

[ShabbyDiva]

Hi!  i wrote some info concerning my mother as she has had some similar pain that you have had.  Can you tell me what you found?  Thanks!

[WorkingThroughIt]

Hi...

thank you so very much for your thoughtful comments and clearly stated answers to my two questions.  I am very grateful!

May the Lord bless you, too.  :)

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

First of all I'd like to commend you in finishing your prescribed treatment 2 years ago.  I agree with your doctor that any new or unusual symptom since the previous surgery should be dealt with with diligence until it is proven not to be related to your cancer.  The PET CT scan machine is not as claustrophobic compared to the MRI machine, but constant deep breathing, or soothing music can really help calm the patient.  For patients with existing panic attacks, sedation with oral or IV drugs can help.  

The negative sentinel nodes in the past makes it unlikely that the cancer will get out of hand, however, cancer still works in some ways mysterious to the entire medical community that's why tests are needed to rule out if there can be other nodes somewhere.

Be strong and I hope everything will turn out fine.  Regards and God bless.