Pain in ribs

Hello Fi66, I am sorry you find yourself here.  The good thing is you are now on the other side of treatment.  Personally, think you should give your BCN a call for reassurance.

I will add there is a lot of internal healing going on that you can't see, maybe you could of strained yourself whilst doing the pilates - again asking BCN will help you.

I developed a type of strange pain under my boob, towards the outer side - it didn't hurt 'as such', was very tender to the touch.....
when I spoke to my Consultant they suggested it was most likely my bra being that bit too tight - I had been trying all different types of bras since the operation and was wearing the front zip up type of sports bra (it did seem to pull on my back by my neck, however, I hadn't really noticed or thought it could be tight under my boobs though).  You might even have something like this.  

Oww and one thing that I did get months into my healing that worried me - I would get like 'sharp electric shock feeling' - as quick as it came it went - this was in various parts of my boob.  When I enquired about this, I was told there is a lot of healing still going on inside and there are a lot of 'nerves' healing and coming back..... I believe this is what was causing that type of pain.

Remember our minds play havoc with us, they pick the worst time and then drive us mad with over thinking.  
You have gone through so much and have a lot of healing going on.

I hope you're asleep now and remember.....

Fi66 Hi 

I finished my radiotherapy in June. I too over last couple of weeks have had rib pain and tightness along mastectomy scar and both under and above. On the list of side effects this is listed. I spoke to oncology nurse and she said it's normal for some people and to keep massaging and doing exercises. It is easing but seems to be taking its time and tightness is still there. Just seem we get over one hurdle and face another one. Hope your pain eases soon x

Hi Fi66, sorry you’re having these pains and worry. Lovely replies already from folk here and I’d echo that it seems that there’s lots of internal healing that can cause pain for much longer than expected, certainly in my case. But I’d still recommend getting it checked out. I’ve self referred several times over the nearly 4 years since my op. Thankfully nothing untoward so far but always best to have a professional opinion. 
From my own experience, exercise can definitely cause extra pain on my treated side. I do various classes including Nordic walking (absolutely my favourite) and have recently joined a gym. I’m having guided gym sessions atm with another cancer buddy and I really feel it for a few days afterwards. 
It’s also still not that long since your radiotherapy. That can have long term effects as I discovered myself - I have breast lympheodema as a result. I’m tagging the lovely Exraygirl as she has a much better understanding of the rads effects. 
Sorry for such a ramble! Just wanted to reassure you in that lots of us seem to have pains well beyond surgery and rads , but also to encourage you to get it checked. Sending love and a big but gentle virtual hug, HFxx 

Hi Radiotherapy can cause rib pain…. In fact I had it myself after I finished my radiotherapy.It lasted about 6 months after treatment and then disappeared.Unfortunately in order to treat all the breast tissue or chest wall that the ribs get some radiation dose.

The sharper pains are usually as a result of nerve endings healing but if you are in any way worried you should have a chat to your BCN 

Best wishes

Sorry to hear about the pain.  I would definitely call and let them know as it is pain and not just soreness from exercise.  It will ease your mind too.  
Barbara

I was sent this link by someone else but have found that she's very informative. Australian but still applies. I have watched other videos too.

https://youtu.be/KJnAOzFOlwc

Oh yes she is good and have watched other episodes on YouTube but have not seen this one so thank you.  

Thank you WhatHappened for all your advice I have spoken with my BCN and she has checked me over it looks like I have some cording so back to stretching exercises which I did tail off over the summer as thought arm healing and moving well. She is sending me for an US just to be sure but  isn’t overly worried and said the same as you lots of healing going on inside that we just don’t see when we look to have healed well on the outside and more likely to be scar tissue. I’m trying to keep busy to avoid to much thinking time because as your lovely note says “all it does is still your joy and keeps you busy doing nothing”. Just so very true! Many thanks  again for your advice and kind words I have felt so much comfort from being on here over the past months. It makes such a difference knowing you can reach out to others. Take care x

Thank you Janembfor your advice my BCN said the much the same to massage over area especially if you get the stabbing pain. Your right It does feel like it’s one hurdle after the other at the moment. x

Thank you ExraygirlI think I assumed that I’d have the radiotherapy and after a few months all would be ok I didn’t realise that it would cause pain  for so long afterwards. Now I know I feel a little less anxious that anything is wrong and have chatted it over with BCN which helped too. X