rib cage pain

Options
bev49
bev49 Member Posts: 42
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
My breast cancer was caught before it affected any lymph nodes, but they removed a lump the size of a walnut, and 4 nodes.Because I was #7 in the family with cancer, they decided it was best to do the 33 radiation treatments, and 4 doses of chemotherapy. About 18 months after finishing everything, removal of the portacath, and moving ahead with my life, I started having really sharp, stabbing pain in my rib cage. This alerted me to the realization that my cancer may have returned, and thankfully a bone scan showed only damage from the radiation treatments. This pain keeps me from laughing hard, reaching for things, and much more. Have any of you experienced this pain form radiation? Is this a common problem? Going into it, I knew there were risks involved, and that is one reason I began to search for a place to talk to other survivors and find some support. I am so glad to have found this site, and look forward to having great friendships develop.
bev49

Comments

  • Susan956
    Susan956 Member Posts: 510
    #2
    Options
    I had substantial pain in my shoulder area, not my rib cage. I found a wonderful Chiropractor who is also a massage therapist. For awhile I saw him weekly, he did both adjustments. and deep tissue massages.. seems like the radiation caused some muscles to basically get bunched up which cause the spine & neck to get pulled out of shape. (The pain was bad enough to wake me from sleeping and I had lost most of the feeling in my two little fingers) Over the last 6 months, I have gotten all feeling back.. my shoulder and arm are much better and I can sleep again... So if you haven't tried someone like that give them a shot.... (By the way prior to this I thought that Chiropractors were quacks... but boy was I wrong. Mine is a neighbor and I am so glad I opened his door the first time.

    Susan
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #3
    Options
    OK, now don't laugh...well, if you must...

    I had a fair bit of shoulder pain. Started taking 1000 mg calcium in a multi vitamin called 'bone smart'. Pain is almost completely gone. It was for a time so bad that if I rolled onto it at night while sleeping, I would wake up...

    Hugs, Kathi
  • cabbott
    cabbott Member Posts: 1,039 Member
    #4
    Options
    I had a friend whose pain was so severe after radiation she thought she was having a heart problem. Her pain was mostly in the center of her chest. She said the bones themselves were irritated from the radiation and that tests showed that her heart was fine. I believe they put her on anti-inflamatory meds at the time. I'm sure she had a diagnosis of what the pain was called, but that escapes me now. It is rare, but you can also crack a rib. That will heal by itself, but having done that once during pregnancy, I know it hurts. I did not appreciate jokes or backslappers much that month! Good luck!
  • babs49242
    babs49242 Member Posts: 193
    #5
    Options
    My shoulder has pain in it from my rads and that was 3 yrs ago. Like my hubby stated,,,'your inners got fried hon' and probably healing slowly.
    cindie
  • ladybluepgh
    ladybluepgh Member Posts: 76
    #6
    Options
    I had radiation for breast cancer and yes I had rib pain which the doctors told me was just because the radiation had weakened that area also,and to be careful if it got too painful that you could have a broken rib..so be careful
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #7
    Options
    Hi bev, and welcome!
    I am a 21 year breast cancer survivor. I had 2 radical mastectomies with nodes removed, chemo, rads, 7 years of tamoxifen.
    I absolutely understand about the rib pain. I no longer have cronic pain....I really believe that will subside for you over time....but even now I can REALLY hurt myself if I am not careful. Then I go through a few days of soreness. So I would say just be nice to yourself...you deserve it.
  • 3cbrca
    3cbrca Member Posts: 206
    #8
    Options
    I think its pretty common- I was told several times about the possibility of broken ribs - I had a ridiculous number of +nodes and a lot of radiation. They warned me about laughing and sneezing and to check in if there is new pain. I've been finished with RT for 6 weeks and my ribs still ache a little but no pain!
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #9
    Options
    Hi Bev49!

    So many of the replies here put together a snap shot of your not so uncommon issue, post rads. Since your doctor feels confident about what's causing the pain, then maybe you can relax a bit and give time and patience a chance? I'm a strong supporter of 2nd and even 3rd opinions and it couldn't hurt to get one. If nothing else it may bring you greater peace about the pain or perhaps offer you options your current doctor hasn't considered? Nothing to lose really.

    I also experienced a bit or rib pain, post radiation. Lasted about a month and steadily improved over the next month or so and fortunately no further issues with it.

    Also experienced similar symptoms to Cabbotts friend with the middle-of-the-chest pains. That was a bit of a fright until I understood where it was coming from! It lasted several weeks and while it was intermittent, it was quite dreadful when when I tried to lay down. Rads can weaken the bones and I've heard of more than a few women suffering the pain of broken ribs. Those of us who haven't can definitely be grateful.

    I'm happy that you found your way here to CSN. A really good site for caring and sharing. I've met some amazing women here and the seeds of friendship commonly flourish. Keep posting and sharing and I know that you too will be pleased at how much we all benefit from crying, laughing, rejoicing and finding answers to some of our issues, together. Ideas, thoughts, tips and suggestions from those who've been there is a huge asset... during treatment, and beyond. For many of us, the emotional healing really begins after treatment is finished and we're tyring to figure it all out and find our new balance. So very many topics come up. Depression, pain, scars, feeling afraid post treatment, hormonal issues, children/family concerns, friendship concerns, not feeling understood in our day to day living, check-up time concerns, intimacy concerns, dating concerns, workplace concerns. The list is long but there is always someone here who has "been there, experienced that"...either as a caregive or patient. Whatever it may be, someone is always willing to share and that can help tremendously! Everyone is welcomed. Finding so many knowledgeable women with whom to share, in one place, is AMAZING and WONDERFUL! A place where total strangers can become valuable confidantes and trusted friends. Hope you may come to appreciate this site as much as I always have. The many stories here of courage and grace never fail to help me to put things into a clearer perspective.

    In closing, wanted to share a website with you just in case you haven't heard of it or visited it: www.cancercrusade.com If nothing else, when you go there, please take a few minutes to view "The Survivor Movie". Uplifting, inspiring and empowering.

    Take good care of you and here's to your continued good health!

    Love, light & laughter,
    Ink
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #10
    Options
    OOPS and sincere apologies!!! Just checked my post to you and discovered that I left out a very important part of the web address: "THE"
    Here it is again: www.thecancercrusade.com To view the movie, just scroll down the left column of choices, to The Survivor Movie, click and you're there. Enjoy.

    Ink
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    #11
    Options
    inkblot said:

    OOPS and sincere apologies!!! Just checked my post to you and discovered that I left out a very important part of the web address: "THE"
    Here it is again: www.thecancercrusade.com To view the movie, just scroll down the left column of choices, to The Survivor Movie, click and you're there. Enjoy.

    Ink

    Ink~ a short "amen, sister" to your post! Your words mimic my sentiments exactly~which is why I find myself here on the boards AND in chat!

    I laughed about the Survivor Movie; if I had a dime for everytime I have recommended it, I might be able to afford my health insurance premiums a bit easier! :-) And I too, have to remind myself and others to type in the word THE in the title! www.thesurvivormovie.com gets you there as well, but again, don't forget to put the word THE in the address!

    Thanks again for your insightful words. I am sure all of us, old and new to the world of Cancer, and especially CSN, thank you for your eloquence!

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • bev49
    bev49 Member Posts: 42
    #12
    Options
    inkblot said:

    Hi Bev49!

    So many of the replies here put together a snap shot of your not so uncommon issue, post rads. Since your doctor feels confident about what's causing the pain, then maybe you can relax a bit and give time and patience a chance? I'm a strong supporter of 2nd and even 3rd opinions and it couldn't hurt to get one. If nothing else it may bring you greater peace about the pain or perhaps offer you options your current doctor hasn't considered? Nothing to lose really.

    I also experienced a bit or rib pain, post radiation. Lasted about a month and steadily improved over the next month or so and fortunately no further issues with it.

    Also experienced similar symptoms to Cabbotts friend with the middle-of-the-chest pains. That was a bit of a fright until I understood where it was coming from! It lasted several weeks and while it was intermittent, it was quite dreadful when when I tried to lay down. Rads can weaken the bones and I've heard of more than a few women suffering the pain of broken ribs. Those of us who haven't can definitely be grateful.

    I'm happy that you found your way here to CSN. A really good site for caring and sharing. I've met some amazing women here and the seeds of friendship commonly flourish. Keep posting and sharing and I know that you too will be pleased at how much we all benefit from crying, laughing, rejoicing and finding answers to some of our issues, together. Ideas, thoughts, tips and suggestions from those who've been there is a huge asset... during treatment, and beyond. For many of us, the emotional healing really begins after treatment is finished and we're tyring to figure it all out and find our new balance. So very many topics come up. Depression, pain, scars, feeling afraid post treatment, hormonal issues, children/family concerns, friendship concerns, not feeling understood in our day to day living, check-up time concerns, intimacy concerns, dating concerns, workplace concerns. The list is long but there is always someone here who has "been there, experienced that"...either as a caregive or patient. Whatever it may be, someone is always willing to share and that can help tremendously! Everyone is welcomed. Finding so many knowledgeable women with whom to share, in one place, is AMAZING and WONDERFUL! A place where total strangers can become valuable confidantes and trusted friends. Hope you may come to appreciate this site as much as I always have. The many stories here of courage and grace never fail to help me to put things into a clearer perspective.

    In closing, wanted to share a website with you just in case you haven't heard of it or visited it: www.cancercrusade.com If nothing else, when you go there, please take a few minutes to view "The Survivor Movie". Uplifting, inspiring and empowering.

    Take good care of you and here's to your continued good health!

    Love, light & laughter,
    Ink

    Hi ladies,
    It has certainly been uplifting to see so many messages of encouragement to my question. I have been busy scanning all the pages, it takes a little time, and learning so much about what is normal, and when to worry, and when not to. I got pretty discouraged when a few weeks ago, like Cabbotts friend, I reached into my purse at a restaurant, and was hit with what felt like a heart attack that started at the site of my scar tissue,and radiated to my chest. The person with me had no idea what we survivors struggle with, and I did my best to hide the pain, while thinking the entire time that this was something new. It's hard to focus on a light hearted converstaion with someone while experienceing this awful pain. I saw my family Dr. yesterday, and went in with more info about breast cancer survivors than she had ever seen me come in with before. She was thrilled to hear that I have found this site, and told me to stick with it, get that support, and feel better. I can agree with you Ink, the emotional healing does begin after treatment, because so many people just don't understand that 1-2 years later we are still feeling the side affects from these treatments, as well as from taking maintenance drugs. Now I belong to a 'sisterhood of survivors" where I can go and ask questions, and even help someone else with their question. The support is wonderful, the women are awesome, and I know I will get to know more of you as time goes by.
    Thanks for all your help, and have a wonderful day.
    bev49

Discussion Boards