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Advice about ongoing rib pain.

Former Member
Former Member
  • 1 reply
  • 43 subscribers
  • 594 views

Hi

I am looking for advice regarding rib pain which started in October 2021 and has been getting worse.  I had an appointment with my consultant who simply dismissed it as effects from radiotherapy but he has arranged a bilateral mammogram and ultrasound scan. My cancer was diagnosed back in April 2020 it was metaplastic grade 3 triple negative breast cancer,  I had chemotherapy and radiotherapy and finished all treatment January 2021. I feel like my consultant is very dismissive and refused to give me a bone scan or mri even though my GP thought he needed to order different imaginary.  A ct scan was done in October to rule out a blood clot in my lungs and my consultant is going by this scan .

  • Hi Berryred,
    Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support and welcome to the online community.
    I’m sorry to hear about your ongoing pain management issues and that your rib pain is getting worse.
    It is difficult for us to say exactly what may be causing these unwanted symptoms as we are unable to diagnose on this platform.
    However, we normally recommend that if you have a new symptom, a symptom that persists, gets worse or is changing then you must get this reviewed.
    I’m glad to hear though that you have done just that and reported those symptoms. However, not so good to hear that you feel dismissed by your Consultant.
    It may well turn out to be related to the late effects of radiotherapy but, it’s good to err on the side of caution with further tests/investigations.
    That said, the fact that they have arranged for Mammogram and Ultrasound scan is good in that it hopefully help determine the cause of your symptoms.
    We have further information on the late effects of breast cancer treatment that you may find useful going forward.
    It may be worth letting your Consultant know how you feel or perhaps discussing your concerns with your Clinical Nurse Specialist.
    People sometimes find it helps to talk to people who may be in a similar situation. Our Breast Cancer Forum might be a good place to start.

    I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by email or phone. The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, Monday to Sunday, 8am – 8pm.
    Best wishes,
    Davy
    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
    Ref/ AKR

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