EC pain or spread?

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Hi, I was diagnosed with stage 3 grade 2 BC in August. HER2 pos ER neg with four affected lymph nodes identified. Left mastectomy and lymph node clearance. At the time of diagnosis I felt discomfort around right ribs. CT and bone scan were clear in September. I’ve had two cycles of chemo (EC) so far. In last two weeks I’ve noticed the discomfort intensify and nausea has returned. I’m worried incase there has been spread. Wondering if anyone else noticed pain following EC? Xo

2

Hi Sam,

I had rib pain on my affected side during EC. Like you, I was terrified this meant it had spread…spoke to my oncologist and she said it would be very, very rare for there to be any spread during active treatment. As it happens, the rib pain settled down a week or so later.

Could you speak to your breast nurse or oncologist just to put your mind at rest? X

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Hi sam3

Thanks for posting on our forum

We hope to be able to respond to you tomorrow.

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With best wishes.

Lisa

Ask Our Nurses service co-ordinator

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4

Hi, thank you :purple_heart:
The pain I have is actually on the opposite side. I was at pre chemo assessment today. A lead nurse had a feel about and there are some tender areas. They are referring me for a CT scan. I didn’t even get seeing the oncologist though! I’m trying not to worry but I guess it’s part of this journey!
I’m so worried, I’ve sent email to a private clinic to see if they can do it more quickly than NHS. I have no idea how much it would be but I’m driving myself crazy with worry xo

1 Like
5

Oh that’s good news that they’ve referred you! Even though I had tender points they still said they would ‘wait and watch’ before organising a scan…as it happens, that ended up being fine :slight_smile:

Did they give you an idea how long the wait for a scan would be?

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Nurse said probably a couple of weeks- I don’t know if I can wait that long though. The nurse said there is an area of thickening on the breast that wasn’t affected- praying it’s nothing. I’m getting so stressed. I think cause I’ve been aware of something since august and it feels worse now than before, it’s concerning me. Hopefully it turns out to be something silly! Thank you for messaging. How are you now and where are you on your journey? Xo

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Bless you, totally understand you feeling that way. It’s not easy is it! I stress about scans as I haven’t had any type of scan, no MRI or CT scan at all. Stresses me that there’s little spots dotted about somewhere that we don’t know about because I haven’t been scanned! I’ve been told it’s not clinically indicated in my case so just got to keep the faith.

I had WLE and SNLB in June, then a second op to clear margins in July. Had a positive node so just finished 16 weeks of chemo; will start 20 sessions of radiotherapy next week.

Really hope you hear about a scan soon. Our hospital Trust has to prioritise cancer patients and I think that will be the same everywhere, so hopefully it will be sooner than you think xx

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Wow- it’s so different! So you haven’t had a scan even before your op? I had a CT and bone scan before any treatment happened. I’m getting 6 cycles of chemo, three weeks apart then radiotherapy and hormone therapy but I don’t know how long those will be. I had 17 nodes removed and 4 were positive. I was offered the optima trial which gave me a chance of skipping chemo but I turned it down, too afraid of stray cells. There is so much info and so much to think about- breast cancer is not straight forward! :hear_no_evil:x

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Hello sam3

Thanks for posting.

It’s understandable you are feeling stressed and worried about an upcoming CT to establish the cause of your pain and tenderness.

This could have a number of causes but it’s important to be sure. Wating for tests and test results can be very difficult. Dealing with the uncertainty can be very stressful. It looks as if @sharlou has posted some helpful information and hopefully you won’t have a long wait for the CT. You may be seen sooner at a private hospital.

As you continue through chemo, you might be interested in our monthly chemo threads.

While you wait it might be helpful to talk with one of the nurses here. Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).

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Best wishes

Jane

Breast Care Nurse

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