Upper back/shoulder blade pain / Chest CT & CT angiogram
Last year, I went through TC chemo and then 30 doses of full chest, armpit radiation. During radiation, I developed a weird feeling in my back, directly behind my affected breast. It's near the bottom if my scalpula. If I squeeze my shoulder blades, there's discomfort in that area.
During that time, I had a ct angiogram with contrast and 2 chest CT scans. My oncologist feels like that pain is from surgery & radiation. (I had a full pet/ct 3 months prior which was clear.)
The issue is, I still have this feeling, a full year later. Sometimes it goes away but right now, it's pretty flared up. If I sit back against pillows or lay on my back, it gets flared up.
I have to sleep on my side, hugging a pillow in order to not feel the pain.
Had anyone else had this and it not be mets? Can the ct scan see my spine and shoulder blade? I have constant anxiety about this. (I will say, I had a lumpectomy and the area of my back, directly behind my breast had zingers. I mentioned it and they said that's odd. We'll now, that's the area with the pain. I had a massage and she mentioned I have a knot below me scalpula but the massage didn't help. If anything, it made it worse for a week or 2 afterwards. )
If I had to describe the pain, it would be hard to explain. Theres sometimes tenderness when i squeeze my shoulder blades together. Otherwise, it almost feels like a pulled tendon/achy feeling in that spot. Sometimes, even wearing a bra bothers that area. Other times, I have been itchy there.
I will be seeing my oncologist next week and we will be talking about thus as well as PT and lymphatic massage referral.
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Hello
I actually joined the forum to reply to you
I am having exactly the same issue right behind where the tumor was. I have an itch in shoulder blade permanantly. I am also a year out of treatment. I say its pain but really its an intense itch i cant scratch.
I saw an osteopath who said i have some kind of dry scapula or something (sorry wasnt massively listenin) but I fluctuate between freaking out and thinking its sort of side effect from radio.
i know i should report it but a relief to see someone else having the exact same
Thanks
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It's quite possible to have a disc problem in your back that's impinging on a nerve. I have several bad discs and have pains all through my back on both sides. The unnatural position of radiation treatments can cause it, or exacerbate existing disc issues.
And yes, CTs can see your spine and everything else in good detail. Ask your primary doctor to look at your scans and, if necessary, get a referral to an orthopedic or neuro doctor.
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I haven't been on this site much but decided to log in, today. It definitely does help to see that someone else is experiencing the same thing. I posted in October of 2024. It's February 2025 and I STILL have that feeling! I want to see if a chiropractor can help so I am getting a full spine xray tomorrow. I am also starting PT in March.
How are you doing?
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Thank you! I will definitely ask my PCD to look at my scans.
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Hey
Really glad to hear from you and i have some news i hope to make you feel better.
My itch pain whatever you want to call it actually got so bad i was in tears the day i wrote that. Mainly because i just couldnt rest for feeling so irritated.
Basically i went to a different osteopath at the same practice and although he was a bit rough after 1 session i was 70% rid of it. Second session a week later 95% gone only feel the itch very occassionally. Being nore mindful of my posture and a new seat at wotk also helped.
I really hope you get some relief at the physio. I have a feeling you will.
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That is great news!! My full spine xray came back normal. So now I am going to get PT as well as go to a chiropractor. I had an appointment with my radiation oncologist and she said it's possible that the beam hit that area. I had no idea that the beam went all the way to my back!
By osteopath, is that the same as massage therapy? I am not sure where you are but I am in the US.
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Ah thats fantasic news. Im sure it will help a lot.
Wow i had no idea of that either . Thb iwas the kind of person that just wanted to get in and out so didnt ask many questions!
I am in the uk but basically osteopath does corrections and manipulations in posture. I believe its a bit of medical with a bit of well being but in UK you have to be registered etc like medical practice. The guy i saw did a mix of manipulation- sports massage and gave me exercises. I actually had a massive knot in my neck- which i felt him pop which he thought had been pushing on a nerve causing the itch feeling.
To be honest i also have a slight scoliosis and previously diagnosed hernia that was discovered on an pre BC mri which he said was probably contributing but he also said that surgeries radiations etc can cause us to also carry ourselves differently and put pressure on points we didnt before. As the other poster here said too i think hernias etc are actually quite common .
Im not very medical but i think a chiropractor and physio will get you to the same outcome.
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Sorry i should say osteopaths are the people that crack your neck! But as i say he did a mix of things.xx
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