Chest pain

isaiah4031
isaiah4031 Member Posts: 240
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi everyone,
I was wondering if anyone ever has discomfort in the sternum, collarbone area after radiation. I had radiation last August, and just now I am noticing pressure pain in that area...most noticeable when there is a weight on my chest...like my hubby. My doctor said it ought to go away by the end of the summer. He said something about the cartilage being affected by the radiation. Any thoughts on this?
Thank you,
Jayne

Comments

  • kelli63
    kelli63 Member Posts: 84
    #2
    it happened t o me
    DEAR JAYNE:

    ITS THE CARTLIAGE AND MUSCLES SOURROUNDING THE CHEST CAVITY. IT
    WAS ZAPPED BY RADIATION. SO YOUR BODY IS TRYING TO ADJUST. IT WILL EASE WITH TIME. I USE WARM WATER THERAPY ANS MASSAGES. I PROMISE IT WILL EASE WITH TIME. GOOD LUCK

    KELLY
  • isaiah4031
    isaiah4031 Member Posts: 240
    #3
    kelli63 said:

    it happened t o me
    DEAR JAYNE:

    ITS THE CARTLIAGE AND MUSCLES SOURROUNDING THE CHEST CAVITY. IT
    WAS ZAPPED BY RADIATION. SO YOUR BODY IS TRYING TO ADJUST. IT WILL EASE WITH TIME. I USE WARM WATER THERAPY ANS MASSAGES. I PROMISE IT WILL EASE WITH TIME. GOOD LUCK

    KELLY

    Kelli,
    Thank you so much for your encouraging words. It's nice to know that it is a normal thing. I'll try your suggestions!
    Love, Jayne
  • ludasue
    ludasue Member Posts: 98
    #4
    Hi Jayne! I am almost 4 years out from my rads and still have pressure pain in my chest area and right side. The thing is, it drove me crazy at first. Now, I take motrin for the pain, use the heating pad, and enjoy nice warm showers and baths anytime I feel like it. My onc says the radiation damages the 'good stuff' as well as killing the 'bad stuff'. It's a give and take thing I guess. Anyway, hang in there. It sucks to have a constant reminder of what you've been through, but it does get better/easier with time. God bless you, Angie
  • shirlann
    shirlann Member Posts: 229
    #5
    Hi, Jayne, yes I have had a lot of pain in the area of the ribs just below the cancer breast. It is costochondritis, or, inflammation of the tissue between the ribs and the chest wall due to radiation. I also have 2 broken ribs. Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book talks about this. BUT, be sure and tell your onc, cancer is very tricky. Hugs and kisses, Shirlann
  • jmears
    jmears Member Posts: 266
    #6
    I have a pain in the sternum area off and on. It feels like an upper back ache but in the front. Is that what you have? I get it if I've stretched or moved strangley. I had it just last week and I'm almost a year out of radiation. It's interesting to hear others have these strange little things happening. My only advice is "be on top" (hee hee). Good Luck! Jamie
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #7
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • isaiah4031
    isaiah4031 Member Posts: 240
    #8
    jmears said:

    I have a pain in the sternum area off and on. It feels like an upper back ache but in the front. Is that what you have? I get it if I've stretched or moved strangley. I had it just last week and I'm almost a year out of radiation. It's interesting to hear others have these strange little things happening. My only advice is "be on top" (hee hee). Good Luck! Jamie

    Thank you so much for your note. It made me laugh out loud and that always feels so nice! I shared your advice with my hubby! :)
    Love, Jayne
  • nasa2537
    nasa2537 Member Posts: 311
    #9
    Hi Jayne...I haven't been on in awhile again, so I hope you come back to read this. I get this pain all the time...sternum, collar bone, and even ribs. It comes and goes, and has been getting better with time. It seems to happen most to me now if I do a lot of lifting. I finished rad in mid-November, so it does take awhile. Hope all is well with you! Cyndi
  • isaiah4031
    isaiah4031 Member Posts: 240
    #10
    nasa2537 said:

    Hi Jayne...I haven't been on in awhile again, so I hope you come back to read this. I get this pain all the time...sternum, collar bone, and even ribs. It comes and goes, and has been getting better with time. It seems to happen most to me now if I do a lot of lifting. I finished rad in mid-November, so it does take awhile. Hope all is well with you! Cyndi

    Hi Cyndi,
    Thank you so much. It's good to know that some of these aches and pains we suffer are normal abnormalities!
    Love, Jayne

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