Hi I’m new to the forum. I was diagnosed with primary breast cancer in February this year. Grade 2, hormone related. I had an operation and then radiotherapy, i am currently on Tamoxifen. I have been told to be aware of breathing difficulties and bone pain. For the past 6 weeks i have suffered from rib pain and feeling like i have a chest cold starting. How do i differentiate between fibro pain and cancer, i dont want to waste anyone’s time. I am very worried though. Thanks
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Hi @tracy4,
Firstly, welcome to the forum. I hope you find it a welcoming and supportive place. You might find it helpful to post your question in the Ask our Nurses your questions topics as our nurses will be able to offer some advice. Otherwise I’m sure fellow forum members will share their experiences that may be insightful or helpful.
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Thank you.
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Hi @tracy4
Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear of your diagnosis.
I finished radiotherapy in January of this year and continue to have chest and rib pain. I had both boobs zapped as well. I contacted my Breast Care Nurse who referred me to a Physiotherapist and took paracetamol and used ibuprofen gel on the skin, which gives some relief. The local physio is not cancer trained, she advised to keep doing the post surgery exercises but also found an issue with the nerve in my neck ( probably from chemo or radiotherapy). It’s been several months and the oncology team have now referred me to a cancer physio to see I can get more help.
I’m in Wales but found out that the Bristol and Gloucestershire hospitals in England have late effects radiotherapy service which is self referral. Is there something like this in your area. A simple internet search with your hospital name should find it. You could ask the BCN nurses online or by phone * Helpline: 0808 800 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 9am-1pm). Speak to our trained helpline team. No questions are too big or too small. or as I did call your breast team (I have open access for life to mine so don’t need to see GP for any issues I think are related to my treatment or recurrence). I don’t think you will know until you speak to someone.
Let us know how you get on🥰
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It is almost impossible to distinguish between the two. My cancer diagnosis in the left breast and 4 lymph nodes came after I thought I had rib cage inflammation due to my fibromyalgia. I too had a grade2 cancer diagnosed in March, lumpectomy, removal of all the underarm lymph nodes, 20 sessions of radiotherapy and am currently taking the hormone blocker Letrozole. I have been having stinging bone pain near the collarbone and lower down towards the rib cage but I think this may be due to arm exercises and massaging the breast as directed by the lymphoedema nurse. The oncologist warned me about possible breathing difficulty resulting from the radiotherapy but so far I have not experienced anything significant with the exception of a feeling of congestion due to hayfever. However, since you are anxious I would not hesitate to ring up your breast team and ask for a consultation.
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Thanks for everyone’s advice and support x
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