Broken ribs or infection in connective tissue?

camul · November 2015

Thursday night getting into bed felt a sharp pain in right rib, chest area, along with like a pop. When my son came home I told him and we decided to go to urgent care. X-Ray showed lung wasn't punctured, so Dr. Said out of danger. The worst area is under implant. They only do x-rays not ct-scan so on Tuesday will have to see my onco If pain is not better. Even with Fentanyl, pain is about a 7, but only if I move or cough. Put on a bra earlier was going to go to Macy's and it felt like a knife was going thru me.

I have never fractured a rib. If anyone has, is it normal for the pain to get worse was the days go on? It could also be tumor activity, or infection. Won't know without scan. I have been having trouble with thyroid, went Tuesday to Endocrinologist, am having more testing there. From initial blood work, looks like my adrenal gland is not functioning, having issues with low blood sugar, scary low blood pressure, low cortisol, and having trouble balancing out my TSH levels. Had another gum infection and lost another molar. Go Tuesday for fasting blood work, then will need to do scans of glands, and onco wants to repeat bone scans.

I sleep more than I am awake, but other than pain and exhaustion, I feel pretty good, by which I mean I do not feel I'll, just sore and tired, so things could be worse.... I kindof sound like the dog Lucky that has only 3 legs, is blind and toothless, but a happy dog!

Am confident after seeing endocrinologist that once my levels are balanced I will not be as tired and managing the pain will be easier. She says body is getting worn trying to fight it all along with the cancer. (Tumor markers keep climbing).

I will be honest, it is a struggle to stay positive, and from the hormone imbalances, I get weepy (so not me), and I have been so sensitive. Praying that I can get balanced out!

Hugs,
Carol

Puffin2014 · November 2015

it only hurts when I breathe

I haven't had a rib fracture but people who did have told me it's VERY painful. It doesn't help that every time you breathe that rib moves. Skip the bra whenever you can (camisole might work better). Hope the pain is better by Tuesday and that you won't need a CT scan. Sending prayers that you get "balanced" soon.

aisling8 · November 2015

Puffin2014 said:
it only hurts when I breathe
I haven't had a rib fracture but people who did have told me it's VERY painful. It doesn't help that every time you breathe that rib moves. Skip the bra whenever you can (camisole might work better). Hope the pain is better by Tuesday and that you won't need a CT scan. Sending prayers that you get "balanced" soon.

Ouch!!

Sending good thoughts your way for some healing. Of everything!!

xoxo

Victoria

button2 · November 2015

Hope you feel better soon

Carol, this new problem sounds so painful. You are going through so much, I'm not surprised you sleep that often. Your body is trying to heal, so be easy on yourself and cry all you want. I think this upcoming week, you are going to get some answers to your current condition. I just wanted you to know that I think you are amazing. You are so positive and always willing to help others with your vast experience and kindness. You are an inspiration for living with cancer and I hope things settle down for you very soon. Let us know as soon as you start getting test results. Hugs, Anna

lintx · November 2015

button2 said:
Hope you feel better soon
Carol, this new problem sounds so painful. You are going through so much, I'm not surprised you sleep that often. Your body is trying to heal, so be easy on yourself and cry all you want. I think this upcoming week, you are going to get some answers to your current condition. I just wanted you to know that I think you are amazing. You are so positive and always willing to help others with your vast experience and kindness. You are an inspiration for living with cancer and I hope things settle down for you very soon. Let us know as soon as you start getting test results. Hugs, Anna

Hi Carol

I'm so sorry to hear all you're going through. You've certainly had your share but keep on going. You are such a strong person, so allow yourself to cry when all else fails. Once you see the Dr and have scans done, please check in with us. I'm praying for the best outcome for you. Big hug, Linda

tufi000 · November 2015

Other than...

PLEEZE Carol. Adding another issue to your already overstuffed plate. I cannot imagine, though only you are someone I always want to emulate when something new comes along.

I sure hope this gets reconciled adequately for you. Pain more than anything. You remain indomitable and I selfishly need that to handle my own ****. See? But this is about you my treasure, and I want the best asap.

Sherry

Double Whammy · November 2015

tufi000 said:
Other than...
PLEEZE Carol. Adding another issue to your already overstuffed plate. I cannot imagine, though only you are someone I always want to emulate when something new comes along.

I sure hope this gets reconciled adequately for you. Pain more than anything. You remain indomitable and I selfishly need that to handle my own ****. See? But this is about you my treasure, and I want the best asap.

Sherry

This is way too much

Carol, I'm so sorry you're having this rib pain, and of course, you know so much about your condition that you worry about more mets that may have broken that rib. And then all the endocrinological things! Really? I just send over some good strong prayers and mojo and hope that you can get some answers next week that will resolve all of this.

Suzanne

camul · November 2015

Thanks everyone.

I don't even know what to expect next. You would think I could of been at least doing something fun! Hoping it is better by Tuesday. So far no change. Haven't pa kink d my portion of the last ft scan!

Kats2 · December 2015

Rib pain....

Hi Carol, By now I hope you have some answers to your rib issue. I went through a similar episode last June, only it ended up being several ribs that showed fractures that were new or healing on both sides of my torso. I was put on heavy-duty pain meds, Fentanyl patch, etc. After CAT scan and MRI and x-rays, then a bone biopsy, it was determined that I had metastisis to ribs and spine. I freaked out as you can imagine. Well, one and one-half years later I'm now on a regemine of Zometa infusions once a month to strengthen my bones and also take Xeloda to keep the cancer in check. Hormone pills didn't help me but right now the Xeloda is, thank God! My tumor markers are going down and I'm being watched carefully by my new Oncologist. He said that there are several other drugs available should the Xeloda stop working down the road. I pray that that will be a long long time from now.

I'm slowly coming to terms with my situation but it isn't easy. I'm now off the strong pain meds and take just Ibuprophen 2-3 times a day as needed. I also take Megace to help with my appetite as the Oxycodone did a number on my stomach and made me nauseous and unable to eat well for a long time.

I too had lots of fatigue and it was found that my thyroid was off. I now take 50 Mgs of Levothyroxin every morning and it's done the trick, though I still have tiredness from fighting the devil of bc!! But there's been a BIG improvement with my health in general! I'm able to do lots of things that I just couldn't do last year at this time. I just have to learn to pace myself because if I do too much, then I pay the price later. I'm learning.

So Carol, there's hope. It gets better. I never thought I'd say that. Stay positive. There are many new treatment options now than there were years ago. I hope I haven't scared you with my experiences but I feel knowledge is power. To know that others have rib or bone issues and are around 15 years or more to tell about it is encouraging. I'll keep you in my prayers that all will go well for you. Keep us posted! Kats2

Broken ribs or infection in connective tissue?

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