Am I going crazy?

abrown · 06-05-2007, 06:43 AM

Hey everyone! I have a few questions for you ladies. I have been having weird pain off and on for a few weeks now. It goes from my left ribs to my right (mostly my right) and sometimes it doesn't hurt for days. I had to stop Herceptin after 7 months for a month because my Muga was down to 48%.

I feel like these pains are the cancer running wild. I know that some of you have rib pain with Herceptin. Is this what it feels like? Does it not hurt for days and then come back? Does it radiate from side to side?

It worries me that my right side hurts more often.

This sucks. I really hate cancer. I hate being scared all the time.

Amanda
DX at 26 Stage IIA
er/pr-
HER2+++
Negative Nodes
Clear Margins

LAURIE · 06-05-2007, 08:34 AM

have you had radiation?

Jean · 06-05-2007, 08:51 AM

Dear Amanda,

It is normal to think the worst is happening after a bc. dx. I have had many different aches and pains after radiation and having chemo/herceptin.
They come and go and are a mystery at times. My rule of thumb is if
something is painful for at least 2 weeks....I would see my dr.

Could you add to your signature so we would know your treatments
and dx. information?

Wishing you the best,
Jean

Mary Jo · 06-05-2007, 08:55 AM

Hello,

I do not believe it is the "cancer running wild" BUT sure know how you feel as I have felt that way countless times. I think we all have. Any symptom is SURELY cancer we are sure BUT most times that is not the case.

I, too, dealt with rib pain almost continually. It started while on chemo but I think when my herceptin started. I believe it was herceptin related but of course do not know that for sure. I remember always thinking I was happy it was my left side because my cancer was right side and your liver was on your right. HOWEVER, that being said I was SURE I had rib cancer. I do not. The pain that area is gone now BUT it took many months after herceptin was finished. I believe that all the chemo, radiation, drugs and surgeries play a huge part to what we feel going on in our body. Not only that, we are SO MUCH MORE AWARE of our bodies. In a way we never were before.

As my surgeons nurse said to me "Mary Jo, it's time to start learning to live with your new normal." Man, was she right. The old me is long gone - we now have to learn to live with a whole new self. A self so much more aware of what's going on and a self that is always fearful of this disease popping back up.

So, my advice to you would be this...........................if you are concerned and have any doubts you need to go to your doctor and make those fears known. It should be checked out to put your mind at ease. Living with unrest is not a pleasant way to live.

May God's Peace surround you,

Mary Jo

julierene · 06-05-2007, 10:19 AM

I had rib pain (no radiation), and the doc kept saying it was probably from my implants. Since being off Herceptin for about 1 month, I have had no more rib pain. He also suggested it might be from the tumors that were in my spine cutting off circulation and radiating pain through the rib area. I was so tender to touch in the ribs, that I started jumping every time a kid would come to hug me. But the rib pain is gone now, so I think it might have been a combination for me.

Beckie · 06-05-2007, 10:31 AM

I had rib pain on both sides but mostly on the right side. It would come and go but sometimes I would have to stop and hold my breath until it went away. Of course, I was afraid it was the cancer, but nothing showed on the scans. I am pretty sure mine was the Herceptin. Come to think of it , it has been several weeks since I have noticed any rib pain. I agree that if any pain continues, get it checked out. My shoulder pain was mets advancing. I hope yours is side effects. God bless.

Beckie

Believe51 · 06-05-2007, 10:34 AM

Darling, my husband has complained about the same thing. From a caregiver point of view from the research I have done, many of my friends and family have complained of this side effect also. I agree with our friend (Of course I am a caregiver, not a patient), if you experience that for more than 2 weeks, talk to your doctor. Also, are you having hearing problems with your chemo plan? I am wondering because they also mention that. Keep us posted with your progress, I look forward to hearing it. Take care and prayers as always are sent your way..>Waiting For A Miracle>Believe51...(Marie G)

Husband dx 9/06 w/Stage IV, Inflammatory HER2+breast cancer

Linda · 06-05-2007, 11:13 AM

I also had rib pain when I began exercising again after surgery and radiation. Of course, get it checked out. Get anything that troubles you checked out! But the rib muscles seem to be affected by breast surgery. Any cutting and subsequent healing (plus rads) changes the way you use your muscles, how they stretch, etc.
L

MJo · 06-05-2007, 01:50 PM

I had rib pain for months during chemo, radiation and herceptin. Doctor finally gave me a CAT scan. That was scary. It showed healing broken ribs, arthritis, etc. I am sure the radiation weakened my ribs. I know coughing from a respiratory infection I got while on chemo probably cracked a rib. I expect that Herceptin and arimidex contributed to the aches. I bet you are just fine, but it's always good to tell the doctor about your concerns.

abrown · 06-05-2007, 02:28 PM

Thanks everyone. I'm glad that I am not the only one. It's so weird that my cancer was on the left side but it's the right side that aches more.

I have mentioned it to my ONC and she doesn't seem concerned. She said that my blood work is fine and that it's probably left over chemo and rads mixed with the Herceptin.

I think I am just down right now and every little pain is sending me in a "the cancer is back" fit.

I also updates my sig to show my treatments.

Much love,
Amanda

Amanda
DX at 26 on 7/21/06
Stage IIA
ER/PR-
Her2+++
Lumpectomey on left side 7/17/06
4 AC Treatments (finished)
12 Weekly Taxol with Herceptin (Taxol finished
35 Rounds of Rads (finished)
Currently on 7th month of maintance Herceptin