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Painful to touch

Zestforlife
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I was diagnosed with incurable recurrence now mutated to TNBC in Dec 20.  We tried chemo which I found really toxic and was really ill with. Unfortunately the disease continued to spread so I am now treatment free and mostly doing well with palliative care.

I have secondaries in soft tissue, muscles and bone all across my chest shoulder and scapula. Other areas include spine mets, liver and lung lesions . The chest area and shoulder joint have become really painful to the touch in the last few days and I do not know how to relieve it. Is this a common issue? Any suggestions to ease the discomfort?

  • Hi ,

    Thanks for getting in touch with us today.

    It’s encouraging to read that despite your cancer continuing to spread and you’re no longer having treatments that you’re mostly doing well with palliative care. But, it’s not so good that you’re now having a really painful area to touch at your chest and shoulder joint.

    It’s difficult for us to suggest anything to ease the discomfort as we can’t properly assess you.

    Pain can be a common symptom if you have secondary cancer in your bones and soft tissue. The bones can also become weakened and can easily fracture even if there is no trauma. Therefore, it’s important that you let your team know if you have any new, persistent, or worsening symptoms as they should be properly assessed.

    We would advise that you contact your GP/hospital/ palliative care team to let them know today. They should be able to properly assess you, and if necessary organise tests to find the cause. They will also be able to give you advise on managing your pain, as they know your current medicines and full medical history.

    If you are having difficulty contacting anyone, please don’t hesitate to contact NHS111 for advice.

    Best wishes and take care.

    Ellen - Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

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