Completed first RT today. Staff wonderful, managed to hold my breath except on the first attempt. Think that was down to nerves. Nearly cried as my emotions sprung to life, but it was all over very quick
Now, here’s the query …after leaving the hospital, called in shop and felt my side was a little uncomfortable. Got home and it was more noticeable when moving certain ways, quite a sharp, pulling pain around ribs. This was within a few hours from treatment.
I could have pulled my side while being in position, but as its got more noticeable over the past few hours, and it’s in the treatment area I’m thinking it’s the RT. I wasn’t expecting any immediate side effects and will mention it to the team, after new year bank holiday.
I didn’t have rib pain as you describe, but I did experience burning pains from as quickly as when I’d got dressed after the first time. I was really shocked as I’d be led to believe that I would’t feel anything for a few days. I asked one of the radiographers on my way out if that was unusual, and they just said it can happen. Definitely worth checking it out with them anyway.
Good luck with the rest of your treatment and all the best for 2025. Xx
Hi Sal. I’m 12 /15 sessions in today. My lower thoracic spine and ribs dont like extended arm elevation with breath holds. I suspect its a combo of thoracodorsal fascia restrictions and latissimus dorsi tightness post mastectomty and node clearance. I find i really need to stay calm not to go into spasm so i have been focusing on wiggling my toes and imagining i am on the tube in London on the way to a gig (that sound😂). I have also done a few lat dorsi stretches pre treatment. Hope that helps and best of luck with rest of it. X
Yeah it seems to be the stretching and breath hold. I spoke to radiologist yesterday and they said more or less the same. I’ve been doing my exercises but holding my breathe does feel tight across the chest. The position and breathe hold combined must be pushing my comfort zone.
2 days off now for the weekend, I’ll just pad myself with some pillows for support and hopefully it will ease off ready for Monday.
Hi i just completed 5/5 today. Skin is a little red but nothing else. But since coming home I am having some quite noticeable pain in my ribs/ chest wall. I also wasn’t expecting this so soon. I have also been very fatigued straight away. I have had some rib pain before RT and i am under investigation for this and having a bone scan tomorrow morning but this extra pain is a throbbing gnawing feeling and not shifted by paracetamol. Just thought id share too. Xx
Well done @square-boob. I’ve just got home from my last and going to treat myself to a sickly amount of chocolate by way of celebration!
My ribs settled a bit by Sunday after a couple days rest but Monday flared back up again and still “tight” today. Breast a little pink and tender but my nipple ……ouch.
Good luck going forward, hope any post-treatments are kind to you
