Rib discomfort almost 2 years after surgery and radiotherapy for breast cancer

Hello ,   

In reply to your question, yes, by coincidence seems like it's a similar time frame as yours, been going on the past few weeks on and off.   I think the radiotherapy is still doing whatever it is it does but not being a medical person just wondering why, what goes on behind the scenes with r/t that 2 years later its side effects still appear though not as bad as it was in the first few months after the zaps finished.    Hope yours eases soon and you get an answer from medical staff quickly.   

I get a mega sharp jab feeling in the ribs especially left hand operated side after wearing a bra (don't go out much but when I do have to wear some good support or wobble lots being XXL and it comes off as soon as I get back indoors!)    Maybe something softer a different design with yoga in mind may help you.  Can I add same thoughts went through my head like yourself about a visit to GP as not sure where else to turn to as BCN is strictly with the surgical side and no idea if the RT team deal with things like this once our treatment is over.     Anyway, sending kind good positive vibes to yourself and to all on this forum at whatever stage in your b.c. journey.        

Hi ,

just as a thought, don’t forget that your surgery, by it’s very nature, cuts nerve endings. Nerves grow at a VERY slow rate, about a millimetre a month at the best. So you could ‘just’ be having nerve regrowth, giving this discomfort as the new endings try to decide where they should be growing? 

Hugs xxx

Thanks shieldscannylass for your reply.

The softer bras, or even better none at all when indoors, definitely help. M&S have some nice ones that are also suitable for those who have inserts to add. The yoga definitely has helped deal with the other aches, etc.

My thoughts are that it might be related to the radiotherapy as I understand that that can have a long lasting effect on the bones and issues can reoccur. Which is partly why I’ve been hesitant to mention to my GP or even the surgery nurse who gives me my regular Zoladex injection. Discerning which aches and pains are age or recovery related and which should be followed up is a bit more tricky now! I used to be of the “it’ll go away if I ignore it long enough” mentality so I’m trying to strike a balance now and not ignore for too long!

Thanks again for your reply. I hope your aches ease soon too and that you get some peace of mind.

Thanks moomy.

That makes sense.

I was thinking it’s some further after effects of the radiotherapy but of course the nerves may still be a bit jangled!

Really appreciate your reply.

Hi Pkc

I'm sure if you rang where you had radiotherapy they might sort something. What's the worst that could happen they refer you back to GP. Who generally although sympathetic don't always seem very knowledgeable.

On a very minor side I have a crop of skin tags. They are ALL on the right side where I had 20 zaps thirteen years ago.

That shoulder aches too when I get cold and tired.

Let us know what you find out.

Hi   I was interested to read your comment that "BCN is strictly with the surgical side". partly because of distances involved my first port of call would be the BCNs.  They could then point you in the direction of the most appropriate person to see I'm sure.  I'm only just finishing treatment but the BC team looking after me said get back to them if any issues with skin care etc as GP and DNs may not know best options and they follow the same protocols as tertiary hospital.  I have 5 years open access to the team now.  I realise this is not the same issue but sure they will have come across similar.  Let us know how it goes

Thanks silverberg.

It does seem that the after effects keep on giving! But, to be honest, that they have worked out so many ways to specifically treat us all is absolutely amazing.

Undecided about making the call as I know these aches and pains are to be expected, but I will let you know if I do.

The good news is that the days will start getting longer soon so hopefully the warmth will be back to ease all those aches soon :)

Thanks Wendy.

Yes, the open access is a great facility. I’m undecided if i’ll make the call yet but I think they’re probably best placed to reassure or explore further.

All the very best with your treatment.

Hi,

I certainly get pain in my mastectomy area and ribs, it feels like bruising, I'm 12 months post RT. Having a horse I do a lot of exercise  and stretching and still do the recommended post mastectomy exercises when its bad.  My Surgeon recommended I use Ibuprofen gel on the area and I do sometimes, it does help to a degree.  By the very nature of RT it's going to have some long term side effects I was told, including making the bones more brittle, also it affects the cartilage. 

If you do decide to seek advice please update us.

Best Wishes.

I just wanted to pop in and say a big thank you to all who have responded to the question by the original poster as I have learned something new from them and got a slightly better understanding of what goes on.   

My warmest wishes.