Unexplained rib upper abdomen pain IDC
Hi…My second post in 4 years. I am a “so-far” survivor of IDC left breast, lumpectomy and 2 lymph nodes removed. I have been having some unexplained and undiagnosed pain on my left side near and under my rib cage. Radiates to my back. Painful at times to lay on my side, bend to pick something up, rarely radiates to my chest, but rather radiates to my stomach like an ulcer pain would. Had an endoscope done, which came back “all clear, pain not attributed to any stomach issues”. During the past year, have gone to a walk in clinic whilst in somewhat of an attack mode of bad pain, and was “virtually” diagnosed three times with pancreatitis, yet not backed up with bloodwork. I merely accepted this and carried on and adjusted my lifestyle and diet as if I suffered from pancreatitis. The last 3 months, instead of intermittent pain, it is basically daily. Grasping at straws and looking for answers, I recently booked a private MRI for next week for my thoracic spine thinking this may be due to a hemangeoma in my T5 vertebra or perhaps Slipping rib Syndrome? Spoke to the radiologist who said he will do his best to scan the ribcage along with the T-spine.
Considering my history of left-sided IDC four years ago (which I admittedly try to block out!), a small part of me has started wondering whether there could possibly be a connection to my current symptoms, including something metastatic. I certainly hope not, and I’m not assuming that’s what this is, but after months of unexplained pain I feel it’s something I shouldn’t completely dismiss either. Aarrgh, I feel like I’m losing it with so many “ouchies” going on all at once with virtually no answers, no physician and nowhere to turn to alleviate any of my recent concerns. I turn to you here to see if anyone can make any sense out of this? I though of the costochondritis avenue but I do not fit the typical symptoms per se, as there is no sternum involvement And interesting also is under the left breast radiating to my side and to my back in a band, are many many tiny blood blisters under the skin….
How’s that in a nutshell? Thus, I try to put on the happiest face I can, and go about my day without outwardly showing any discomfort.
Anyone who can shed some light with any similar experience, I would be very grateful. FYI I did not undergo radiation post surgery for various reasons, nor was I a candidate for the hormone therapy due to other medications I was taking. Had a low Onco score thus, this was my justification at the time. Thank you kindly.
Comments
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Hi @kelcynsea, and welcome back to the Breastcancer.org community! We’re glad you reached out and shared what you’ve been going through. We hope you’ll hear from others who may have experienced similar pain.
We hope you’ll keep us posted after your MRI and let us know how you’re doing. Sending you warm thoughts.
The Mods
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could it be shingles? Perhaps a Dermatologist could diagnose?
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@kelcynsea - I'm unclear as to why you aren't seeing a PCP/GP or oncologist about this; not sure I got all you described correctly, but if it were me, and i'd already tried urgent care, I would go to the regular doctor or an oncologist. Your symptoms do sound concerning and I hope you get them properly checked out and that it's not anything serious. Sending good thoughts, and have my fingers crossed for you - best of luck!
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Thanks. Unfortunately, as I mentioned in my post, I don’t currently have a GP, which is part of the difficulty I’ve been having getting this investigated. Incidentally, my breast cancer was diagnosed virtually, from an attentive young doctor through Telus Health. Moreover, after my initial meeting with my oncologist, she went on maternity leave the very next day, without an immediate replacement. Thus, I was without any physician/specialist/oncologist/pcp, etc., and merely dealt with my fabulous surgeon the entire journey.
I was really hoping to hear from anyone who may have experienced a similar pattern of symptoms and what it ultimately turned out to be. I do have a private MRI booked for next week, so hopefully that will provide some answers.
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