Aches in ribs and gastro pains post herceptin

MCS · 01-17-2007, 03:10 PM

Just curious for the ladies off Herceptin.

since I went off Herceptin in december, I've been having these strange gastro pains that almost feel like spasms or contractions. These only occur at night when I sit down after dinner- usually 1 hour after dinner. Once I lie down or sometimes take an ativan, they feel better or go away entirely . They don't occur after breakfast or lunch. they don't feel like gas pain.

I've been also having side rib pains, only on the lowest rib on the left side. the original dx was on the right breast. It feels tender to the touch, like a bruise. It also hurts when I sit for a long time, like right now. I had these even during herceptin (i did read prior threads).

my ct in sept did not show anything.

has anyone experienced this? I'm a little scared as to what could be wrong. is it muscle tissue or bone? distant bc, ovarian cancer? Our minds do wander. I looked at the thread of herceptin side effects but this is happening after herceptin.

any weaning off effects with herceptin?

Thank you

MCS ( maria)

penelope · 01-17-2007, 05:03 PM

definately had the "spasm" thing. Went on 7 months during which time I had a liver ultrasound and CT scan, both turned up nothing. Finally had a HIDA scan for my gall bladder, it came back very abnormal and functions at only 13%, low normal is 35%. I have seen other women who were on herceptin and have had their gall bladder wig out to. I think they are connected.

saleboat · 01-17-2007, 06:24 PM

Hi Maria,

My ribs have consistently been sensitive-- I imagine that some of it is from the radiation treatment, but also they easily feel bruised as I've upped my exercise regimine. It used to kind of freak me out, but it has never lasted longer than a few days.

Jen

Becky · 01-17-2007, 07:34 PM

Dear Maria

As soon as I read your message, I thought the same thing as Penelope - the gallbladder. Especially since you have the most trouble at dinner (the largest meal for most of us and usually the fattest (not that the meal, in itself is fatty but... I think you get my point)). Try to track what you eat versus the pain - is it every dinner? If you track it, you might find you can't eat chicken anymore or maybe wheat. Things change and the treatments (and Herceptin that helps the immune system work better) can change a food allergy you didn't even know you had to a full blown one. Milk -- lactose intolerance?

As an aside - my ribs bother me too. I think it could be plain ole bone pain from the Arimidex (as I got scanned because of it last year). Ribs are bones too and everybody forgets they can ache just like any other bone.

Track your diet though. Write everything down and write down how you feel later. See if there are correlations. You should also make sure its not your gallbladder.

Its unfortunate that we have to go through the aches and pains of "graceful" aging or normal chronic illnesses (I have sinus infections and bladder issues) and then have to worry that a possible gallbladder attack or "wheat" allergy is our cancer. I always have to remember that we get the regular stuff just like everybody else.

Big hug to you Maria.

Yorkiegirl · 01-17-2007, 09:32 PM

I have had pain in my ribs since ending my year of Herceptin at the end of August.

It also seems to run from my ribs towards the back.

sassy · 01-17-2007, 09:33 PM

I've had the rib pain off and on since beginning Herceptin. I had my last treatment Dec 5, and I'm still having rib pain. Like Becky, I think Arimidex may be a big factor.
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MGordon · 01-17-2007, 09:35 PM

Pain in ribs radiating toward the back were the symptoms Lisa was experiencing we she was NED, and a full series of tests found her liver mets! Get tested - have the liver, gall bladder, and abdominal lymphs throuoghly checked! The you can report back that they are ALL CLEAR!

Love and Light
Mel

MCS · 01-17-2007, 10:20 PM

Thank you for the fast responsesI'll do a few of things. I'm going to "google" gall bladder problems and symtoms and see if there's some info there.

I will try to check my diet. I ate Mexican out on Saturday and did not have any problems ( chile relleno).

I do have a relative that had gall bladder out and see what their symptoms were.

Will keep you posted on information for others.

MCS ( maria)

MCS · 01-17-2007, 10:24 PM

I forgot to add. I'm not on tamoxifen or arimidex so that leaves that out. I have tried rubbing flexall ( sore muscle) and does not work.

by the way, I have rubbed flexall for after mastectomy soreness and it has alleviated the pain, especially at night. Skunks smell better than me.

XOXO

MCS ( maria)